Mansfield, OH Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern Corp. • Mansfield, OH

20h • Onsite

About The Position

Norfolk Southern is hiring a Train Conductor in Mansfield, 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. They are trained to troubleshoot train issues, report incidents, and follow safety procedures; prior railroad experience is not required.

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 role requires availability for on-call work 24/7, including reporting with as little as 90 minutes’ notice, and typically involves spending 2–3 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 take longer depending on the complexity of the assigned location. Training consists of classroom instruction, field training, and on-the-job experience. The first five weeks are at Norfolk Southern’s Training Center in McDonough, Georgia; the company provides hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement from the hire location during this period. Remaining training takes place at the assigned location. To complete the program and earn promotion and certification, trainees must pass 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 position involves outdoor work in all weather conditions, irregular schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays, and constant alertness around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines. It is a safety-sensitive role.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• 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 for the past 36 months, without a license suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial 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 a drug or alcohol test related to operating a motor vehicle.
• Must pass pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration drug and alcohol screening.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be available for 24/7 on-call work, including irregular schedules, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• 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 pounds.
• Must pass required physical standards, including the hang test: hanging from a railcar ladder with three points of contact for 1 minute and 15 seconds per side.
• Must be able to walk up to several miles per shift on uneven terrain.
• Must meet FRA medical requirements, including specified visual acuity, color vision, and hearing standards. Hearing requirements may be met with a hearing aid; lenses used to improve color vision are not permitted.

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 or longer shifts.

Responsibilities

• Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment to ensure 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 Federal Railroad Administration and company safety regulations.
• Troubleshoot train issues, report incidents, and follow safety procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents beginning in 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.
• Retention bonus of $10,000, effective November 2026, paid in installments upon training completion and at 6, 12, and 18 months after training.
• Vacation eligibility: 2 weeks after 2 or more years of service; 3 weeks after 6 or more years; 4 weeks after 15 or more years; and 5 weeks after 23 years.

What This Job Offers

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