Freight Conductor - Cumberland, MD

CSX; Cumberland (MD); On-site; USD 87,466 - 106,903; Full time

Job summary

CSX in Cumberland, MD, is hiring a Freight Conductor responsible for safely coordinating train crews, placing rail cars for loading, and assembling or breaking down trains in yards or customer facilities. The role emphasizes strict adherence to FRA regulations, signals, and train orders along with customer service to ensure accurate movements.

New hires receive four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center, with meals provided, and may be eligible for retention bonuses after year

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, bulletins, and rules.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate train crews and ensure safe operation.
• Inspect equipment prior to departures.
• Receive and transmit information by radio/telephone.
• Read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists.
• Assist with coupling/uncoupling of cars and operate switches.
• Work with customers to ensure accurate movement of cars and provide excellent service.
• Maintain awareness of surroundings to ensure rail safety.
• Operate locomotive using remote control.
• Comply with FRA regulations and railroad signals and orders.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description

Please read the entire posting before applying to this position.

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 and break down trains in a rail yard, customer facility, or similar locations. To see what a day‑in‑the‑life looks like for a conductor, watch the video linked here.

New hire conductors will be eligible to receive retention bonuses upon completion of their first and second year of service from the date of promotion/qualification. The minimum amounts are $3,000 after year 1 and $2,000 after year 2, but may be higher based on work location and are subject to applicable terms.

Must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the posted location. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.

Depending on business need, you may be placed in a pipeline during the hiring process. If selected, pipeline details will be discussed.

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; 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 the locomotive engineer.
• Perform 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 were $97,185 but could potentially be higher 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 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 the new hire being released from the program, and their offer will be rescinded. CSX will provide a hotel room for the entire four weeks. New hires will receive a $20 per day meal allowance starting the first day of training. A standardized lunch cost of $7 plus tax is provided by the REDI Café operated by Sodexo on class days. Round‑trip 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 successful completion of training at the ATC.

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, etc.)—professional, personal, or volunteer experience.
• Experience working in a safety‑sensitive environment.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Job Requirements

• Work safely to prevent job‑site 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 shift work.
• Work hours are based on seniority; new hires primarily work on‑call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to safely report to work within two hours of being notified to report.
• 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 rule examinations.
• Federal regulations require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol.
• Must pass all required assessments.
• Strict disciplinary policy regarding inability to report to work 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.
• Information about benefits can be found here.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to mount and dismount moving equipment.
• Stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, climb.
• Work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places.
• Ride on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods of time.
• Walk long distances over uneven terrain for extended periods of time during shifts.
• Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity, tracking, and inspection.
• Must 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).

About Us

CSX is passionate about building a workforce that reflects the values and behaviors of ONE CSX. We are nationally recognized for our commitment to diversity and engagement, as well as our support for veterans and reservists. CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. We provide rail, intermodal, and rail‑to‑truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For nearly 200 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Our network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 230 short‑line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike.

Closing Statement

At CSX, two of our six Guiding Principles are Valuing and Developing Employees and Operating Safely. We are committed to offering our team members the most competitive compensation and benefits package available, unlimited opportunities for development and growth throughout an exciting and rewarding career, and the safest work environment possible.

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.

CSX Transportation and its subsidiaries are not seeking outside assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or search firms for employment or contractor opportunities. Any resumes submitted by an outside vendor to any employee at CSX via e-mail, Internet, or directly to hiring managers without a valid written search agreement in place with the Talent Acquisition / HR department will be deemed the sole property of CSX. No placement fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired as a result of the referral or through other means.