Fort Wayne, IN Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern Corp.; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Norfolk Southern Corp. seeks a Conductor Trainee in Indiana with positions across Fort Wayne and nearby towns. You will learn to build and inspect trains and operate locomotives, ensuring safe, compliant operations.

Expect 12+ hour shifts, travel 2–3 days weekly, and 24/7 on-call duties. Competitive pay during training with strong benefits and FRA compliance expectations.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Clean driving record for the past 36 months without suspensions or drug/alcohol incidents.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Pass pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) drug and alcohol screening.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 85 lbs.
• Meet FRA medical requirements for vision and hearing.

Responsibilities

• Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment for safe operation.
• Operate remote-control locomotives, performing 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.
• Report incidents, troubleshoot train issues, and ensure compliance with safety procedures.
• Respond to work within 90 minutes’ notice, including 24/7 on-call availability.
• Travel 2–3 days away from home weekly and adhere to a 12+ hour shift schedule.

Skills

Driver's license

Clean driving record

Work authorization

FRA drug/alcohol screening

Lift 85 lbs

FRA medical requirements

12+ hour shifts & travel

Job description

Location:

• Fort Wayne, IN 46808
• Andrews, IN 46702
• Bluffton, IN 46714
• Butler, IN 46721
• Claypool, IN 46510
• Eaton, IN 47338
• Hartford City, IN 47348
• Huntington, IN 46750
• Kendallville, IN 46755
• Marion, IN 46952
• Montpelier, IN 47359
• Roanoke, IN 46783
• South Whitley, IN 46787
• Wabash, IN 46992
• Warsaw, IN 46580

Company: Norfolk Southern Corp.

At Norfolk Southern, our culture is built on the SPIRIT values—Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork—which guide how we work, lead, and grow together. We invite you to explore the conductor role and join one of the nation’s premier transportation companies.

Responsibilities

• Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment for safe operation.
• Operate remote‑control locomotives, performing 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.
• Report incidents, troubleshoot train issues, and ensure compliance with safety procedures.
• Respond to work within 90 minutes’ notice, including 24/7 on‑call availability.
• Travel 2–3 days away from home weekly and adhere to a 12+ hour shift schedule.

Qualifications – Required

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Clean driving record for the past 36 months without suspensions or drug/alcohol‑related incidents.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Pass pre‑employment Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) drug and alcohol screening.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 85 lbs.
• Pass physical standards, including hanging from a rail car ladder for 1 minute 15 seconds per side.
• Meet FRA medical requirements for vision and hearing.

Qualifications – Preferred

• Experience working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Experience with heavy equipment or in physically demanding roles.
• Experience with non‑traditional shifts, on‑call duties, and 12+ hour shifts.

Physical and Mental Job Requirements

• Ability to walk several miles per shift on uneven terrain.
• Ability to hold a ladder with three points of contact for 1 minute 15 seconds per side.
• Visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses.
• Color vision meeting FRA standards.
• Hearing with no loss greater than 40 B average at specified frequencies.

Work Conditions

• Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Irregular schedules, including on‑call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be available for call 24/7.
• Position requires constant alertness around heavy, moving locomotives.

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. Medical insurance begins the second calendar month of employment. After one year, dental, life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility are provided. Employees are covered under Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes.

Vacation – Years of Service

• 2–6 years: 2 weeks
• 6–15 years: 3 weeks
• 15–23 years: 4 weeks
• 23+ years: 5 weeks

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.