Freight Conductor - Cincinnati, OH

Job Description

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 make up or break down trains in a rail yard, customer facility or similar locations. Work will be performed in a safety‑sensitive environment, with adherence to Federal Railroad Administration regulations and company policies.

Retention bonuses are available for the first and second year of service after promotion/qualification: $3,000 after year 1 and $2,000 after year 2 (amounts may vary by location).

Pre‑employment requirements include a drug test (hair follicle and urine), a medical exam, and a background check.

Required to reside within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location. Relocation assistance is not provided.

• Ensure compliance with all railroad and safety rules, including FRA regulations, railroad signals, and train orders.
• 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 coupling/uncoupling of cars, operate switches, and perform minor repairs on railcars.
• Work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars, delivering excellent customer service.
• Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety.
• Operate locomotive equipment using a 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.
• Perform miscellaneous activities and responsibilities as assigned by the manager.

• 18 years of age or older.
• One year of related experience.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to read and comprehend all instructions, including operating rules, bulletins, regulatory documents, and written communications.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.

• One or more years of outside work experience (construction, heavy equipment operations, farming, etc.).
• Experience working in a safety‑sensitive environment.
• Valid driver’s licence.

• Work safely to prevent on‑the‑job accidents and injuries.
• Must wear CSX‑approved protective equipment (high‑visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, hearing protection).
• Work hours may include a non‑standard workweek, overtime, and shift work.
• New hires primarily work on‑call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to report to work within two hours of notification.
• Travel and potential relocation for 24 hours or longer may be required.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations.
• Random drug and alcohol testing as required by federal regulations.
• Must pass all required assessments.
• Strict disciplinary policy regarding failure to report within the 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.

• Ability to mount and dismount moving equipment.
• Stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, and climb as required.
• Work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places.
• Ride on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods.
• Walk long distances over uneven terrain for extended periods during shifts.
• Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity, tracking, and inspection.
• Meet color vision and hearing requirements as described in FRA regulations.
• Frequent lifting up to 80 pounds.

• Verbal comprehension (understanding oral and written communications).
• Communication skills (providing clear instructions and directions).
• Reasoning skills (problem solving and troubleshooting).

New hires are expected to attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center (ATC) in Atlanta, GA. Training includes classroom learning, computer-based modules, hands‑on simulations, and physical competencies. New hires must maintain an 85 % passing rate on quizzes and…