Chicago, IL Train Conductor

Overview

At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. 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.

Conductor 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.

• Build and inspect 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.
• Additional information about roles and responsibilities is detailed in this video:

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, 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.
• 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.

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.
• Ability to report to work within 90 minutes.
• Clean driving record in the past 36 months, without any suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of your driver's license resulting from a drug or alcohol-related incident.
• Must not have been involved in diversion or probation or 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.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

• 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.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 85 lbs.
• Meet physical standards which may include tests such as a Hang Test.
• Ability to hang from a rail car ladder with 3 points of contact for 1 minute 15 seconds per side.
• Ability to walk up to several miles per shift on uneven terrain.
• Meet FRA medical requirements including visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye), color vision, and hearing (no more than 40dB average loss in better ear).

• Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Irregular schedules, including on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be available for call 24/7.
• This is a safety-sensitive position requiring constant…