Bellevue, OH Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern Corp. • Bellevue, OH

12d

About The Position

Norfolk Southern Train Conductors are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. Their 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 follow safety procedures; prior railroad experience is not required.

This is a seniority-based position. New conductors start on the extra board, filling in where needed, until they have sufficient seniority to bid on a regular assignment. Employees must be available on call 24/7, potentially with 90 minutes’ notice, and should expect to spend 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 take longer depending on 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 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, hazmat, and signal rules—is required for promotion and certification.

The role involves outdoor work in all weather conditions, irregular schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays, and work around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines. It is a safety-sensitive position requiring constant alertness. Conductors must meet physical and FRA medical standards, including lifting and carrying up to 85 pounds, passing a hang test, walking several miles per shift on uneven terrain, and meeting specified vision, color vision, and hearing 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, while experienced conductors average $84,000. The posting also states that locomotive engineers earn a guaranteed minimum of $94,000, with potential to exceed $100,000. 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). The position is covered by Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes. A $10,000 retention bonus is described as effective x/x/2026, paid in installments after training completion and at six, 12, and 18 months afterward. Vacation eligibility increases with years of service.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Hold a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation.
• Be able to report to work within 90 minutes and be available on call 24/7.
• 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.
• Not have been involved in diversion or probation or pleaded guilty to a drug- or alcohol-related driving incident.
• Not have refused a drug or alcohol test related to operating a motor vehicle.
• Pass pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration drug and alcohol screening.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Complete all classroom, field, and on-the-job training requirements, including written exams and field evaluations.
• Meet the physical standards, including lifting and carrying up to 85 pounds, passing the hang test, and walking several miles per shift on uneven terrain.
• Meet FRA medical requirements for visual acuity, color vision, and hearing.
• Join a union within 60 days after completing training.

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 and report incidents.
• 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 coverage.
• $10,000 retention bonus, paid in installments after training completion and at six, 12, and 18 months after training.
• Vacation eligibility that increases with years of 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.

What This Job Offers

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