Freight Railroad 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. To know more of what a day-in-the-life looks like for a conductor, you can view a video here.

New hire conductors will be eligible to receive retention bonuses upon completion of their first and second year of service from the date of promotion/qualification. The minimum amount to expect is $3,000 after 1 year, and $2,000 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.

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

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

NMAD: (Weekly Locations)

Projected first year earnings: $97,185

Training rate while in Atlanta: $1,228.78 weekly

After OJT, guaranteed extra-board pay of $1,215.26 weekly

The average earnings for new hire conductors in 2023 was $97,185 but could potentially be more with overtime opportunities.

NMAD Bonus

1. st year - $5,569.22 cash payment
2. nd year - $3,712.81 cash payment

Training

You are expected to attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center (ATC) in Atlanta, GA. Training includes a combination of classroom and computer-based learning, hands‑on simulations, and physical competencies. New hires must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests to remain in training. Failure to maintain the 85% average will result in new hires being released from the program, and their offer will be rescinded. CSX will provide a hotel room for the entire four weeks. New hires will receive a $20 per day meal allowance starting the first day of training. The REDI Cafe operated by Sodexo provides lunch options at a standardized cost of $7 plus tax on class days. Round‑trip mileage will be reimbursed at the IRS rate between the hiring location and Atlanta, as well as mileage between the training center and hotel. On‑the‑job training begins immediately following the successful completion of training at the ATC.

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 License

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

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

Verbal comprehension (understand oral and written communications)

Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions)

Reasoning skills (problem solving and troubleshooting skills)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

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