Northumberland, PA Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern Corp. • Northumberland, PA

81d • Onsite

About The Position

Norfolk Southern is hiring a Train Conductor in Northumberland, Pennsylvania. Conductors are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. Work includes building trains by coupling railcars, delivering railcars to customers, transporting trains over long distances, and managing electronic documentation and inspections. Conductors are trained to troubleshoot train issues, report incidents, and comply 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 role requires availability on call 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 approximately 20 weeks and may take 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 the Norfolk Southern Training Center in McDonough, Georgia; the company provides hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement from the hire location. 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 job is performed outdoors in all weather and on irregular schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays. It is safety-sensitive and requires constant alertness around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines. The position involves physical tasks such as lifting and carrying up to 85 pounds, walking on uneven terrain, and meeting specified railcar-ladder hang-test and FRA medical standards.

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 and experienced conductors average $84,000. The posting also describes locomotive engineer pay, which is not the compensation for this conductor position. Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents begins in the second calendar month of employment. After one year, employees are eligible for dental insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k). Employees are covered by Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes. A $5,000 retention bonus, effective July 1, 2026, is paid in installments after training completion and at six and twelve months after training. Vacation eligibility increases with years of service.

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 Federal Railroad Administration drug and alcohol screening.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• 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 visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together, with or without corrective lenses; required color vision testing; and hearing standards (hearing aids may be used).
• Must successfully pass all classroom, field, and on-the-job training requirements, including written exams and field evaluations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working outdoors in varying 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 and report incidents.
• Deliver railcars to customers and transport trains over long distances.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 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.
• $5,000 retention bonus, effective July 1, 2026, paid in three installments: $1,000 upon completing on-the-job training, $1,500 six months after completing training, and $2,500 twelve months after completing training.
• Vacation eligibility based on years of service: two weeks after two or more years, three weeks after six or more years, four weeks after fifteen or more years, and five weeks after twenty-three years.
• Hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement for the first five weeks of training in McDonough, Georgia.

What This Job Offers

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