Special Agent (Riverdale, IL)

Job Description

Job Summary
Protects the national strategic rail network vital to national defense and interstate commerce. Provides protection to ensure a safe workplace for CSXT employees, contractors, customers, and the public when on or about CSXT property. Proactively supports the CSX Police Department's mission to protect CSX Transportation (CSXT) and the community by preventing and investigating crimes against persons and/or property on or against the railroad. Utilizes crime prevention and investigative techniques and tools, establishes productive working relationships with other law enforcement agencies, customers, and the community. The CSXT Police Department also engages in suspect apprehension and documents activities that assist with the successful prosecution.

Primary Activities and Responsibilities

• Perform patrol activities including facility checks, rail surveillance, trespasser abatement, inspection of trains and container seals, crime hot spots, and terminal yards. Pursue, apprehend, and transport suspects of criminal activity against persons and or/property as needed and determined by policy and state laws.
• Prevent, detect, and deter terrorist activities in conjunction with other CSXT departments and public agencies to include law enforcement and homeland security entities. Pursue, apprehend, and transport suspects of terrorist activities as needed and determined by policy, state, and federal laws.
• Investigate crimes on or against persons or railroad property that include theft, vandalism, derailment, signal damage, and track obstructions. Escort and protect CSXT trains and the traveling public on Amtrak and commuter rail operations while on CSXT tracks.
• Observe and report safety issues and rail abnormalities including safe passage of trains, track conditions, overhead conditions, and facilitate efficient movement of trains daily.
• Provide expertise to local law enforcement organizations investigating accidents and incidents at crossings and other railroad/public points of contact. Act as a facilitator to ensure the continuation of rail service after accidents, incidents, crimes, or weather-related emergencies.
• Establish collaborative partnerships with state, local, and federal government, and criminal justice agencies as well as internal (CSX) and external customers (e.g., organizations and community) to ensure the apprehension and prosecution of persons who commit crimes on or against the railroad.
• Complete administrative duties such as situation reports, ordering and maintaining equipment, position training, entering information in various police systems and databases and participating in local task forces.
• Miscellaneous tasks assigned by manager.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Certified Law Enforcement Officer
• 3+ years of law enforcement experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field
• 5+ years of law enforcement experience
• Experience partnering with federal agencies (e.g., FBI, ATF, DHS)
• State-certified law enforcement instructor

Equivalent Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 2+ years of law enforcement experience
• Must meet certification requirements listed under Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to physically apprehend, restrain and transport suspects or trespassers (e.g., run, jump, climb, endurance etc.)
• Knowledge of investigative practices and procedures including filing charges through county and state courts.
• Ability to proactively approach, speak, engage, and build relationships with internal and external customers, local community members, and diverse individuals, groups, and organizations.
• Conflict Resolution skills
• Decision making skills utilizing own initiative.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to organize and prioritize goals with limited resources.
• Possess the highest level of professional standards and ethics and ability to act with tact and impartiality.
• Ability to work autonomously and with limited supervision for extended periods of time.
• Ability to identify, analyze and develop solutions.
• Demonstrate Firearm proficiency.
• Microsoft Office Skills
• Ability to retain sensitive information in confidence.
• Commitment to Safety

Job Requirements

• Work, walk and run on uneven surfaces (ballast, rough terrain) for extended periods.
• Possess and maintain a valid State issued Drivers' License.
• Operate a company vehicle safely and efficiently.
• Climb on and off ladders, bridges, rail cars or other equipment routinely.
• Comply with all manufacturer restrictions on ladders or similar equipment.
• Ability to mount and dismount obstacles (walls, rail cars) while engaging in foot pursuits at rapid pace.
• Ability to physically control and/or restrain suspects of criminal activity, and transport suspects to secure detention locations.
• Ability to engage in foot pursuits by running distances of one-half mile or more.
• Ability to conduct in-depth criminal investigations and work along with local law enforcement as needed.
• Ability to engage in moderate lifting (50 pounds or more) on a routine basis.
• Ability to conduct patrol activities both in a vehicle and on foot.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time routinely.
• Work in confined spaces at times
• Participate and complete any State mandated annual Law Enforcement Training
• Participate and complete department annual in-service training
• Work afternoon and night shifts during a 24/7 work week (including weekends and holidays)
• Complete a comprehensive background check.
• Ability to report to work with 30 minutes advance notice.
• Wear protective equipment such as a ballistic vest, hard hat, and hearing protection.
• Work at elevated heights
• Work outside in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work alone.
• Ability to qualify with department issued firearms bi-annually including under low-light conditions.

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 Connect with us on Facebook X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

Closing Statement

At CSX, two of our six Guiding Principles are Valuing and Developing Employees as well as Operating Safely. We are committed to offering our team members the most competitive compensation and benefits package available, unlimited opportunities for development and growth throughout an exciting and rewarding career, and the safest work environment possible.

CSX is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Click here to view the EEO is Law poster.


CSX Transportation and its subsidiaries are not seeking outside assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or search firms for employment or contractor opportunities. Any resumes submitted by an outside vendor to any employee at CSX via e-mail, Internet, or directly to hiring managers without a valid written search agreement in place with the Talent Acquisition / HR department will be deemed the sole property of CSX. No placement fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired as a result of the referral, or through other means.


This role offers an annual salary range based on experience and qualifications. In addition to base salary we provide an annual bonus opportunity.


At CSX, we prioritize valuing and developing employees, as well as operating safely. We are committed to offering our team members competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and unlimited growth opportunities. Our benefits support financial, physical, emotional, and social well-being, with health plans, wellness programs, and customizable coverage options. Learn more about our benefits here.