Freight Conductor - Columbus, OH

Job Description

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 make up/break down trains in a rail yard, customer facility or similar locations.

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 $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.

You must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the 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, additional information about the pipeline possibility will be discussed.

• 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; deliver 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

Four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center (ATC) in Atlanta, GA. Training includes 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 release from the program and rescission of the offer. CSX will provide a hotel room for the entire four weeks, and new hires will receive a $20 per day meal allowance starting the first day of training.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 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. (professional, personal, or volunteer experience)
• Experience working in a safety‑sensitive environment
• Valid Driver's License

• 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…