Safety Conductor

Our culture is built on our SPIRIT values—Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork—which guide how we work, lead, and grow together. If you’re ready to be part of a dynamic team and contribute to one of the nation’s premier transportation companies, we invite you to explore the conductor role. Conductors are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of freight trains, including building trains by coupling railcars, delivering railcars to customers, transporting trains across long distances, and managing electronic documentation and inspections. No prior railroad experience is required—we provide all the training you need to succeed.

You’ll be required to join a union within 60 days after completing training.

Training

On‑the‑job training lasts about 20 weeks, depending on the complexity of your assigned location; 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. To successfully complete the program and earn your promotion and certification, you must pass all classroom, field, and on‑the‑job requirements, including written exams and field evaluations covering physical characteristics, operating rules, safety, hazmat, and signal rules.

Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment for safe operation.

Additional information about roles and responsibilities is detailed in this video:

Must be 18 years or older.

Must hold a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.

Clean driving record in the past 36 months, no suspension or revocation due to a drug or alcohol incident.

Must not have been involved in diversion or probation or have pleaded guilty to a drug or alcohol‑related driving incident.

Must not have refused to undergo a drug or alcohol test related to the operation of a motor vehicle.

Must pass pre‑employment Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) drug and alcohol screening.

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 shifts.

Hang Test: Ability to hang from a rail car ladder with 3 points of contact (2 feet & 1 hand) for 1 minute 15 seconds per side.

Walk up to several miles per shift on uneven terrain.

Meet FRA medical requirements: visual acuity 20/40 in each eye, color vision, hearing no loss greater than 40 B, etc.

Work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Irregular schedules, including on‑call, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Conductor trainees earn a minimum of $200 per shift during on‑the‑job training, with overtime at $25/hour.

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.

Equality and Inclusion

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.

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