Job Description

Description 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. Conductors are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of freight trains, including 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. What You Should Know This is a seniority-based job. You’ll start on the extra board, filling in where needed, until you build enough seniority to bid on a regular assignment. You must be available to work on‑call, 24/7, with as little as 90 minutes’ notice. Expect to spend 2–3 days away from home weekly. You’ll be required to join a union within 60 days after completing training. Training On‑the‑job training lasts about 20 weeks, depending on the complexity of your assigned location; it can go beyond 20 weeks. Training includes classroom instruction, field training, and on‑the‑job experience. The first 5 weeks take place at the Norfolk Southern Training Center in McDonough, GA. During this time, the company provides hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement from your hire location. The remaining weeks are completed at your assigned location. To successfully complete the program and earn your promotion and certification, you must pass all classroom, field, and on‑the‑job requirements, including written exams and field evaluations covering physical characteristics, operating rules, safety, hazmat, and signal rules. Job Responsibilities Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment for safe operation. Operate remote‑control locomotives and perform tasks such as coupling, aligning drawbars, applying hand brakes, and riding railcars. Communicate effectively with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers. Maintain accurate documentation and comply with all FRA and company safety regulations. Perform additional duties as assigned. Additional information about roles and responsibilities is detailed in this video: 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, no suspension or revocation due to a drug or alcohol incident. Must not have been involved in diversion or probation or have 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: 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. Walk up to several miles per shift on uneven terrain. Meet FRA medical requirements: visual acuity 20/40 in each eye, color vision, hearing no loss greater than 40 B, etc. 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 $200 per shift during on‑the‑job training, with overtime at $25/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. Vacation Eligibility: 1 day for 1 year of service, 2 days for 2 years, 3 days for 8 years, 4 days for 17 years, 5 days for 25 years (Meeting qualifying days minimum). Equality and Inclusion Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. #J-18808-Ljbffr Norfolk Southern

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