Freight Conductor - Indianapolis, IN

About the Role

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.

Training

• Attend four 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failure to maintain the 85% average will result in new hires being released from the program and their offer being rescinded
• CSX will provide a hotel room for the entire four weeks
• New hires will receive a $20 per day meal allowance starting the first day of training
• The REDI Cafe operated by Sodexo provides lunch options at a standardized cost of $7 plus tax on class days
• 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

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

Qualifications

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 Licence

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

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)

Pay

• 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
• 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
• Minimum amount: $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

Additional Information

• Must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of posted location; relocation assistance is not offered
• Must pass a drug test (hair follicle and urine), medical exam, and background check
• Depending on business need, you may be placed in a pipeline during the hiring process
• Must be able to travel and be away from home terminal for 24 hours or longer