Augusta, GA Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern Corp. • Augusta, GA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Norfolk Southern Train Conductors are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. Duties include building trains by coupling railcars, delivering railcars to customers, transporting trains over long distances, and managing electronic documentation and inspections. Conductors receive training to troubleshoot train issues, report incidents, and comply with safety procedures. No prior railroad experience is required.

This is a seniority-based position. New conductors start on the extra board, filling in where needed, until they have enough seniority to bid on a regular assignment. Employees must be available on call 24/7 and able to report with as little as 90 minutes' notice. The role 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 approximately 20 weeks and may take longer depending on the assigned location. Training consists of classroom instruction, field training, and on-the-job experience. The first five weeks are at the Norfolk Southern 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. 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 on an irregular schedule that can include 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 several miles per shift on uneven terrain, and passing physical and FRA medical standards, including vision, color vision, and hearing requirements.

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. The posting also lists a $5,000 retention bonus effective July 1, 2026, paid in installments upon completion of training, six months after training, and 12 months after training. 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. Employees are covered by Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes. Vacation eligibility increases with years of service, from two weeks after two 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 and be available on call 24/7.
• 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 successfully complete classroom, field, and on-the-job training requirements, including written exams and field evaluations.
• Must join a union within 60 days after completing training.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 85 pounds, walk several miles per shift on uneven terrain, and meet the stated physical and FRA medical requirements.
• Must meet visual acuity standards of at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both eyes together, with or without corrective lenses.
• Must pass FRA color vision tests; lenses used to improve color vision are not permitted.
• Must meet the stated hearing standard: no hearing loss greater than 40 dB average at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz in the better ear; a hearing aid 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 Federal Railroad Administration and company safety regulations.
• Troubleshoot train issues and report incidents.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• $5,000 retention bonus, effective July 1, 2026, paid in installments: $1,000 upon completion of on-the-job training, $1,500 six months after completion, and $2,500 12 months after completion.
• 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.
• Vacation eligibility that increases with years of service: two weeks after two years, three weeks after six years, four weeks after 15 years, and five weeks after 23 years.
• Weekly meal stipends, hotel accommodations, and travel reimbursement during the first five weeks of training.

What This Job Offers

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