Freight Conductor - Buffalo, NY

CSX; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 96,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

CSX invites qualified individuals to join as Freight Conductors, coordinating train crews, placing rail cars for loading/unloading, and making up/breaking down trains in yards or facilities. New hires may receive retention bonuses after year one and year two, with additional bonuses possible by location.

Training is four weeks in Atlanta, with paid sessions and hotel accommodations provided. Candidates must pass drug, medical, and background checks, and be willing to relocate within 50 miles of

Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older
• One year of related experience
• High School Diploma or GED
• Ability to read and comprehend operating rules, bulletins, regulatory documents, and other written communications
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all railroad and safety rules, FRA regulations, railroad signals, and train orders.
• Safely perform all job responsibilities and 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 coupling and uncoupling of cars, operate switches, and perform minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses.
• Work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars; deliver 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 a 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.
• Perform miscellaneous activities and responsibilities as assigned by manager.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Reading comprehension

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description

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. New hire conductors will be eligible to receive retention bonuses upon completion of their first and second year of service, with a minimum bonus of $3,000 after one year and $2,000 after year two, which may increase based on location and other terms.

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 50 miles of the posted location; relocation assistance is not offered.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all railroad and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, railroad signals, and train orders.
• Safely perform all job responsibilities and 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 coupling and uncoupling of cars, operate switches, and perform minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses.
• Work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars; deliver 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 a 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.
• Perform miscellaneous activities and responsibilities as assigned by manager.

NMAD: Weekly Locations

• Projected first year earnings: $97,185
• Training rate while in Atlanta: $1,228.78 weekly
• On-the-job (OJT) training rate: $1,474.53 weekly
• After OJT, guaranteed extra‑board pay of $1,215.26 weekly
• Average earnings for new hire conductors in 2023 was $97,185 and may increase 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 four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center (ATC) in Atlanta, GA. Training includes 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 this average will result in release from the program and rescission of the offer. CSX will provide a hotel room for the entire four weeks, a $20 per day meal allowance, and mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate for travel between the hiring location and ATC as well as the training center and hotel. On‑the‑job training begins immediately after successful completion of the ATC training.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older
• One year of related experience
• High School Diploma or 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) – professional, personal, or volunteer
• Experience working in a safety‑sensitive environment
• Valid driver’s license

Job Requirements

• Work safely to prevent on‑the‑job accidents and injuries
• Must wear CSX approved protective equipment (high‑visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection)
• Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work
• New hires primarily work on‑call, nights, weekends, and holidays based on seniority
• Must be able to safely report to work within two hours of notification
• 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 drug and alcohol testing
• Must pass all required assessments
• Strict disciplinary policy regarding inability to report on time
• Advance to engineer position when required, based on seniority
• This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement and requires membership
• Cover outlying locations based on seniority

Physical Requirements

• Mount and dismount moving equipment
• Stake/bend/kneel/crouch/crawl/balance/climb
• Work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places
• Ride on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods
• Walk long distances over uneven terrain during shifts
• Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity, tracking, and inspection
• 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 and directions)
• Reasoning skills – problem solving and troubleshooting

CSX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Click here to view the EEO is Law poster.