Freight Conductor - Lafayette, IN

CSX; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hotel provided during training

Meal allowance during training

Mileage reimbursement

Retention bonuses after year 1 and 2

Job summary

CSX is seeking a Freight Conductor in Lafayette, IN to safely coordinate train crews and manage car placement to facilitate loading and unloading. Responsibilities include complying with FRA rules, inspecting equipment, communicating by radio, and supporting customer service.

New hires are eligible for retention bonuses after year one and year two. The four‑week paid training at the Atlanta Training Center includes classroom and simulations, with hotel, meal allowance, and mileage reimbursement

Qualifications

• Minimum age 18 and one year related experience.
• Able to read and understand operating rules and bulletins.
• Proficient verbal and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate train crews and ensure safety compliance with FRA regulations.
• Inspect equipment and read/interpret switch lists and bulletins.
• Receive/transmit information by radio/phone and relay to locomotive engineer.
• Assist with coupling/uncoupling, switch operation, and minor repairs.
• Maintain customer service focus and communicate with customers for car placement.
• Work nonstandard hours, overtime, and travel as needed; comply with safety rules.

Skills

Verbal comprehension

Communication skills

Reasoning skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Freight Conductor

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 are eligible for retention bonuses upon completion of their first and second year of service. The minimum amounts are $3,000 after year one and $2,000 after year two, subject to location and terms of the agreement.

Candidate must pass a drug test (hair follicle and urine), a medical exam, and a background check to be hired.

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

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all railroad and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, railroad signals, and train orders.
• Safely perform all job responsibilities.
• Inspect all equipment on cars prior to departure.
• 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 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.
• Complete miscellaneous activities and responsibilities as assigned by manager.
• Work safely to prevent on‑job accidents and injuries.
• 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.
• Travel and be away from home terminal for 24 hours or longer as required.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Complete annual training and pass safety rule examinations.
• Obey random drug and/or alcohol testing required by federal regulations.
• Pass all required assessments.
• Shut down when unable to report to work within proper time limits.
• Advance to engineer position based on seniority when required.
• This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement and membership is required.
• Cover outlying locations based on seniority.

Training

New hires will attend a four‑week paid training program 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 the 85% 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 starting the first day of training, and mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate between the hiring location and Atlanta, as well as between the training center and the hotel. On‑the‑job training begins immediately following successful completion of training at the ATC.

• 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.
• Bonuses: 1st year – $5,569.22 cash; 2nd year – $3,712.81 cash.

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 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).
• Experience working in a safety‑sensitive environment.
• Valid driver’s license.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to mount and dismount moving equipment.
• Stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, or climb as needed.
• 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/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/directions).
• Reasoning skills (problem solving and troubleshooting).

EEO Statement

CSX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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.