Roanoke, VA Train Conductor

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

Conductors 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.

Qualifications – Required

- 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.

Qualifications – Preferred

- 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.

Physical and Mental Job Requirements

- Ability to lift and carry up to 85 lbs. - Must pass physical standards which may include but are not limited to: - Hang Test - Ability to hang from a rail car ladder with 3 points of contact (2 feet & 1 hand) for 1 minute 15 seconds per side. - Ability to walk up to several miles per shift on uneven terrain. - Ability to meet FRA medical requirements: - Visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together with or without corrective lenses). - Color vision—ability to pass specific FRA color vision tests (lenses used to improve color vision are not permitted). - Hearing—no hearing loss greater than 40B average, at 500, 1000, and 2000 in better ear (can be met with hearing aid).

Work Conditions

- 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 alertness while working around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines.

Compensation and Benefits

- Conductor Trainees earn a minimum of $240 per shift during on-the-job training, with overtime at $30/hour. - First-year conductors average $70,000 annually; experienced conductors average $84,000. - Locomotive engineers earn a guaranteed minimum of $94,000, with potential to exceed $100,000. - Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents begins the second calendar month of employment. - After one year: dental, life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility. - Covered under Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes.

Company Overview

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a Fortune 300 organization and one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern is a major transporter of industrial products, including chemicals, agriculture, and metals and construction materials. In addition, the railroad operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Norfolk Southern Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress.