Freight Conductor - Detroit, MI

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. To know more of what a day-in-the-life looks like for a conductor, please click to see a video here.

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 $3000 after 1 year, and $2000 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. 

Must live within or be willing to relocate within 75 miles of posted location. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.

Depending in the business need, you may be placed in a pipeline during the hiring process. If you are selected for the position, more information about the pipeline possibility will be discussed. 

Primary Activities and 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

NMAD: (Biweekly Locations) 

• Projected first year earnings: $97,185 

• 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. 

NMAD Bonus: 

• 1st year - $5,569.22 cash payment 

• 2nd year - $3,712.81 cash payment  

Training

You are expected to attend five 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 will be rescinded. CSX will provide a hotel room for the entire five weeks and lunch is provided on class days. New hires will receive $20 per day meal allowance starting day one of training. 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.

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 s