Job Summary 
Please read entire posting before applying to this position. 

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, please click to see a video here. 

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 75 miles of posted location. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position. 

Depending on 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.  

 
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 

  

CSRA 

Projected first year earnings: $97,185  Training rate while in Atlanta: $2,457.56 bi-weekly  On-the-job (OJT) training Rate: $2,949.06 bi-weekly  After OJT, guaranteed extra-board pay of $2,430.52 bi-weekly  The average earnings for new hire conductors in 2023 was $97,185 but could potentially be more with overtime opportunities. 

  

CSRA Bonus: 

1st year - $3,000 deferred to 401K  2nd year - $2,000 deferred to 401K 

Training 

You are expected to attend five 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 five weeks and lunch is provided on class days. New hires will receive $20 per day meal allowance starting day one of training. Roundtrip 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 - External 

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   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)