Birmingham, AL Train Conductor

Birmingham, AL Train Conductor

Conductors are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. This includes building trains by coupling railcars, delivering railcars to customers, transporting trains across long distances, and managing electronic documentation and inspections. You'll be trained to troubleshoot train issues, report incidents, and ensure compliance with safety procedures. No prior railroad experience is required—we provide all the training you need to succeed.

This is a seniority-based job. You'll start out on the extra board, filling in where needed, until you build enough seniority to bid on a regular assignment. You must be available to work on-call, 24/7, with as little as 90 minutes' notice. Expect to spend 2-3 days away from home weekly. You will be required to join a union within 60 days after completing training.

On the job training lasts about 20 weeks, depending on the complexity of your assigned location, this training can go beyond 20 weeks. Training includes classroom instruction, field training, and on-the-job experience. The first 5 weeks take place at the Norfolk Southern Training Center in McDonough, GA. During this time, the company provides hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement from your hire location. The remaining weeks of training will be completed at your assigned location. To successfully complete the program and earn your promotion and certification, you must pass all classroom, field, and on-the-job requirements. This includes written exams and field evaluations covering physical characteristics, operating rules, safety, hazmat, and signal rules.

Job responsibilities include building and inspecting trains, railcars, and equipment for 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 all FRA and company safety regulations. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications required include being 18 years or older, holding a valid driver's license and having reliable transportation, ability to report to work within 90 minutes, clean driving record in the past 36 months, passing pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) drug and alcohol screening, and being legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred experience includes working outdoors in various weather conditions, experience with heavy equipment or in physically demanding roles, and experience working non-traditional shifts, on call, and/or 12+ hour shifts.

Physical and mental job requirements include the ability to lift and carry up to 85 lbs, passing physical standards which may include but are not limited to: Hang Test, ability to walk up to several miles per shift on uneven terrain, and meeting FRA medical requirements.

Work conditions include working outdoors in all weather conditions, irregular schedules, including on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays, and being available for call 24/7.

Compensation and benefits include conductor trainees earning a minimum of $240 per shift during on-the-job training, with overtime at $30/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. Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents begins the second calendar month of employment. After one year: dental, life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility. Covered under Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes. $5,000.00 Retention Bonus (Effective 7/1/2026) $1,000 (upon completion of on-the-job training) $1,500 (6 months after completion of on-the-job training) $2,500 (12 months after completion of on-the-job training) Vacation Eligibility Years of Service / Weeks of Vacation * Two (2) or more years - 2 Weeks Six (6) or more years - 3 Weeks Fifteen (15) or more years - 4 Weeks Twenty-three (23) - 5 Weeks.

Company overview: Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a Fortune 300 organization and one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern is a major transporter of industrial products, including chemicals, agriculture, and metals and construction materials. In addition, the railroad operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts. At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress.