Freight Conductor - Cincinnati, OH

CSX; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retention bonus

Training hotel accommodation

Meal allowances during training

Job summary

CSX Transportation is hiring for a Freight Conductor in Cincinnati, OH. This role involves safely coordinating train crews, placing rail cars for loading/unloading, and assembling/disassembling trains in yards or facilities.

The position requires adherence to FRA regulations and CSX policies. New hires undergo four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center, with hotel, meals, and per diem arrangements.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read and comprehend operating rules, bulletins, regulatory documents, and written communications.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to understand and follow railroad rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with railroad and safety rules (FRA regulations, signals, train orders).
• Inspect 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/uncoupling and operate switches.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Reading comprehension

Education

High School Diploma/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 make up or break down trains in a rail yard, customer facility or similar locations. Work will be performed in a safety‑sensitive environment, with adherence to Federal Railroad Administration regulations and company policies.

Retention bonuses are available for the first and second year of service after promotion/qualification: $3,000 after year 1 and $2,000 after year 2 (amounts may vary by location).

Pre‑employment requirements include a drug test (hair follicle and urine), a medical exam, and a background check.

Required to reside within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location. Relocation assistance is not provided.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all railroad and safety rules, including FRA regulations, railroad signals, and train orders.
• 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/uncoupling of cars, operate switches, and perform minor repairs on railcars.
• Work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars, delivering excellent customer service.
• 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 the manager.

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 written communications.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• One or more years of outside work experience (construction, heavy equipment operations, farming, etc.).
• 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 (high‑visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, hearing protection).
• Work hours may include a non‑standard workweek, overtime, and shift work.
• New hires primarily work on‑call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to report to work within two hours of notification.
• Travel and potential relocation for 24 hours or longer may be required.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations.
• Random drug and alcohol testing as required by federal regulations.
• Must pass all required assessments.
• Strict disciplinary policy regarding failure to report within the proper time limit.
• Advance to engineer position when required, based on seniority.
• This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement and membership is required.
• Cover outlying locations based on seniority.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to mount and dismount moving equipment.
• Stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, and climb as required.
• Work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places.
• Ride on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods.
• Walk long distances over uneven terrain for extended periods 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 (understanding oral and written communications).
• Communication skills (providing clear instructions and directions).
• Reasoning skills (problem solving and troubleshooting).

Training

New hires are expected to attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center (ATC) in Atlanta, GA. Training includes classroom learning, computer-based modules, 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. The company will provide a hotel room for the entire four weeks and a restaurant allowance of $20 per day. Meals are provided at the REDI Café at a standardized cost of $7 plus tax on class days. Round‑trip mileage between the hiring location and Atlanta, and between the training center and hotel, will be reimbursed at the IRS rate. On‑the‑job training begins immediately after successful completion of training at the ATC.

Earnings & Bonuses

• Projected first‑year earnings: $97,185.
• Retention bonus (Year 1): $5,569.22 cash payment; (Year 2): $3,712.81 cash payment.
• Guaranteed extra‑board pay of $2,430.52 bi‑weekly after completion of on‑the‑job training.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CSX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 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 to view the EEO is Law poster.