Freight Conductor - Grand Rapids, MI

Freight Conductor

A Freight Conductor's primary responsibility is to safely coordinate train crews on a freight train, place rail cars to facilitate loading and unloading, and makeup/breakdown trains in a rail yard, customer facility or similar locations. New hire conductors will be eligible to receive retention bonuses upon completion of their first and second year of service from date of promotion/qualification. The minimum amount to expect is $3000 after 1 year, and $2000 after year 2, but may be greater based on work location and is subject to the terms of the applicable direct hire agreement.

Note: You must pass a drug test (hair follicle and urine), medical exam, and background check to be hired into this role. Must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of posted location. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position. Depending in the business need, you may be placed in a pipeline during the hiring process. If you are selected for the position, more information about the pipeline possibility will be discussed.

Responsibilities

Primary Activities and Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all railroad and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, railroad signals, and train orders
• Be able to safely perform all job responsibilities
• Inspect all equipment on cars prior to departures
• Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone
• Read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists
• Assist with the coupling and uncoupling of cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses
• Work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars; delivers excellent customer service by identifying customer needs and meeting or exceeding expectations
• Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety
• Operate locomotive equipment using remote control device
• Comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems
• Review instructions from yardmasters, dispatchers, and other transportation employees, and discuss with locomotive engineer
• Miscellaneous activities and responsibilities as assigned by manager

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older
• One year of related experience
• High School Diploma/GED
• Ability to read and comprehend all instructions including operating rules, bulletins, regulatory documents and other written communications
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• One or more years of outside work experience, e.g. construction, heavy equipment operations, farming, etc. (can be professional, personal, or volunteer experience)
• Experience working in a safety sensitive environment
• Valid Driver's Licence

Job Requirements

• Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
• Must wear CSX approved protective equipment such as high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection
• Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work
• Work hours are based on seniority, new hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must be able to safely report to work within two hours of being notified to report
• May be required to travel and be away from home terminal for 24 hours or longer
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations
• Federal regulations require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol
• Must pass all required assessments
• Strict disciplinary policy regarding inability to report to work within proper time limit
• Advance to engineer position when required, based on seniority
• This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement and membership is required
• Cover outlying locations based on seniority
• Information about benefits can be found here

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to mount and dismount moving equipment
• Stoop/bend/kneel/crouch/crawl/balance/climb
• Work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places
• Ride on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods of time
• Walk long distances over uneven terrain for extended periods of time during shifts
• Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection
• Must meet color vision and hearing requirements as described in FRA Regulations
• Frequent lifting up to 80 pounds

Basic Competencies

• Verbal comprehension (Understand oral and written communications)
• Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions)
• Reasoning skills (problem solving and troubleshooting skills)

About Us

CSX is passionate about building a workforce that reflects the values and behaviors of ONE CSX. We are nationally recognized for our commitment to diversity and engagement, as well as our support for veterans and reservists. CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For nearly 200 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 230 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at

Job Info

• Job Identification 54690
• Job Category Union
• Posting Date 07/07/2026, 06:56 PM
• Locations Grand Rapids, MI, United States
• Apply Before 10/05/2026, 06:56 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Domestic Travel Required Yes
• Relocation Assistance Provided No
• Tax Status Railroad Retirement Taxes
• Overtime Status Nonexempt