Binghamton, NY Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern Corp. • Town of Binghamton, NY

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Norfolk Southern is hiring a Train Conductor in Binghamton, New York. Conductors are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of freight trains, including building trains by coupling railcars, delivering railcars to customers, transporting trains over long distances, and managing electronic documentation and inspections. Training is provided; prior railroad experience is not required. Conductors are trained to troubleshoot train issues, report incidents, and follow safety procedures.

This is a seniority-based position. New hires begin on the extra board, filling in where needed, until they have enough seniority to bid on a regular assignment. The role requires availability on call 24/7, potentially 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 assigned location. It includes 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 that period. Remaining training takes place at the assigned location. Successful completion of classroom, field, and on-the-job requirements—including written exams and field evaluations covering physical characteristics, operating rules, safety, hazardous materials, and signal rules—is required for promotion and certification.

The job is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and involves irregular schedules, including on-call work, nights, weekends, and holidays. It is safety-sensitive and requires constant alertness around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines. Physical requirements include lifting and carrying up to 85 pounds, walking up to several miles per shift on uneven terrain, and passing physical and FRA medical standards.

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; experienced conductors average $84,000. Locomotive engineers earn a guaranteed minimum of $94,000, with potential to exceed $100,000. A $20,000 retention bonus is listed as effective November 2026, paid in installments after training completion and at 6, 12, and 18 months after training. Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents begins in the second calendar month of employment. After one year, employees become eligible for dental insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k). The position is also covered by Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes. Vacation eligibility increases with service, from two weeks after two or more years to five weeks after 23 years.

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 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 a drug or alcohol test related to operating a motor vehicle.
• Must pass pre-employment FRA drug and alcohol screening.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be available for on-call work 24/7, potentially with as little as 90 minutes’ notice.
• Must join a union within 60 days after completing training.
• Must successfully 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 the hang test: hang 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 visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together, with or without corrective lenses; pass specified FRA color vision tests; and meet hearing requirements (hearing aids may be used).

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 shifts of 12 or more hours.

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 FRA 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 $20,000, listed as effective November 2026, with payments scheduled upon completion of on-the-job training and 6, 12, and 18 months afterward.
• Vacation eligibility increases with service: two weeks after two or more years, three weeks after six or more years, four weeks after 15 or more years, and five weeks after 23 years.
• During the first five weeks of training, hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement from the hire location are provided.

What This Job Offers

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