Conductor

Start date: October 5, 2026. Paid training will be held in New Smyrna Beach, Florida for three weeks, followed by on-the-job training at the Miami terminal in all levels of Conductor service (Yard, Local, Through Freight).

About the role

Supervise train crews on a freight train and coordinate switch engine crews. Place cars to facilitate loading and unloading and the makeup and breakdown of trains in rail yards, industrial plants, or similar locations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
• Review instructions from dispatchers and yardmasters; discuss with locomotive engineer and train crew.
• 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 and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple 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.
• Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety.
• Operate locomotive equipment through the use of a remote control device.
• Comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems.
• Quickly and repeatedly make precise adjustments in moving the controls of a machine or vehicle to exact positions.
• Quickly respond (with hand, finger, or foot) to visual symbols, signals, and displays (sound, light, picture, etc.).
• Assist other employees when and where instructed.
• Advance to engineer position when required, based on seniority.

Requirements

• Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work, including on-call 7 days a week, 24 hours per day, with extended periods of time away from home and short rest between assignments in accordance with hours of service regulation.
• Work hours are based on seniority—new hires will work primarily nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to report to work safely with two-hour notice.
• Strict disciplinary policy regarding inability to report to work within the proper time frame or failure to accept a call for work.
• Lift up to 90 pounds occasionally.
• Stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, balance, and climb on an occasional basis.
• Work outside in all weather conditions and occasionally at elevated heights.
• Work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries.
• Wear protective equipment such as hard hat, hearing protection, safety-toe boots, or safety glasses.
• Walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places.
• Ride on the outside of rail equipment for long periods of time.
• Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations.
• Successfully complete a probationary period.
• May require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol.
• Pass all required assessments, background, and drug screening.
• Undergo a medical examination, including physical capabilities, audio, and vision testing.
• Meet color vision requirements as described in the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Regulations.
• Active employees must complete one year in current position or craft before applying for other positions.
• An active or furloughed employee who changes to a new craft may be required to permanently relinquish seniority in the former craft unless otherwise provided for in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement; membership is required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Valid driver’s license.
• 2 years of verifiable work experience and/or college.
• No driving violations involving alcohol or drugs within the past 3 years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Outside work experience.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Experience working on an on-call basis.
• Experience working varying shift schedules.
• Heavy equipment experience.

Skills

• Verbal comprehension (understand oral and written communications—both general and technical).
• Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions).
• Reasoning skills (problem-solving and troubleshooting).
• Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity.
• Basic math.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Pay

Starting pay is $29.34/hr. Salary will increase to between $39.86 - $44.42/hr once qualified (after the probationary period ends) per collective bargaining agreement.