Conneaut, OH Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern Corp. • Conneaut, OH

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Norfolk Southern is hiring a Train Conductor in Conneaut, Ohio, to support the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. Conductors build trains by coupling railcars, deliver railcars to customers, transport trains over long distances, and manage electronic documentation and inspections. The role also involves troubleshooting train issues, reporting incidents, and complying with safety procedures. No prior railroad experience is required; training is provided.

This is a seniority-based position. New conductors begin on the extra board, filling in where needed, until they have enough seniority to bid on a regular assignment. The job requires availability for on-call work 24/7, sometimes with as little as 90 minutes' notice, and typically involves spending two to three days away from home each week. Employees must join a union within 60 days after completing training.

On-the-job training lasts about 20 weeks and may run longer depending on the complexity of the assigned location. Training includes classroom instruction, field training, and on-the-job experience. The first five weeks are at Norfolk Southern's Training Center in McDonough, Georgia, with hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement from the hire location provided. Remaining training takes place at the assigned location. Successful completion requires passing classroom, field, and on-the-job requirements, including written exams and field evaluations covering physical characteristics, operating rules, safety, hazardous materials, and signal rules.

The work takes place outdoors in all weather conditions and involves irregular schedules, including on-call work, nights, weekends, and holidays. It is a safety-sensitive position requiring constant alertness around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines.

Conductor trainees earn a minimum of $240 per shift during on-the-job training, with overtime at $30 per hour. First-year conductors average $70,000 annually, while experienced conductors average $84,000. A $10,000 retention bonus is described as effective on an unspecified date in 2026 and is paid in installments tied to training completion and subsequent service milestones. Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents begins in the second calendar month of employment. Dental insurance, life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility begin after one year. The position is covered by Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes. Vacation eligibility increases with service: two weeks after two years, three weeks after six years, four weeks after fifteen years, and five weeks after twenty-three years.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must hold a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation.
• Must be able to report to work within 90 minutes.
• Must have a clean driving record in the past 36 months, without any suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of a driver's license resulting from a drug- or alcohol-related incident.
• Must not have been involved in diversion or probation or pleaded guilty to a drug- or alcohol-related driving incident.
• Must not have refused to undergo a drug or alcohol test related to operating a motor vehicle.
• Must pass pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) drug and alcohol screening.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must be available for on-call work 24/7, including with as little as 90 minutes' notice.
• Must join a union within 60 days after completing training.
• Must pass classroom, field, and on-the-job training requirements, including written exams and field evaluations.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 85 lbs.
• Must pass physical standards, including the hang test: hang from a railcar ladder with three points of contact for 1 minute 15 seconds per side.
• Must be able to walk up to several miles per shift on uneven terrain.
• Must meet FRA medical requirements, including visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together, with or without corrective lenses.
• Must pass specific FRA color vision tests; lenses used to improve color vision are not permitted.
• Must meet the FRA hearing requirement: no hearing loss greater than a 40 dB average at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz in the better ear; this may be met with a hearing aid.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Experience with heavy equipment or in physically demanding roles.
• Experience working non-traditional shifts, on call, and/or 12+ hour shifts.

Responsibilities

• Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment for safe operation.
• Operate remote control locomotives and perform tasks such as coupling, aligning drawbars, applying hand brakes, and riding railcars.
• Communicate effectively with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers.
• Maintain accurate documentation and comply with FRA and company safety regulations.
• Troubleshoot train issues and report incidents.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• $10,000 retention bonus paid in installments tied to training completion and subsequent service milestones; described as effective on an unspecified date in 2026.
• Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents beginning the second calendar month of employment.
• Dental insurance eligibility after one year.
• Life insurance eligibility after one year.
• 401(k) eligibility after one year.
• Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes.
• Vacation eligibility based on years of service: two weeks after two years, three weeks after six years, four weeks after fifteen years, and five weeks after twenty-three years.
• Hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement from the hire location during the first five weeks of training.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed