Freight Conductor - North Baltimore, OH

CSX; North Baltimore (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

CSX is seeking a Freight Conductor to perform safety‑driven duties across rail operations. You will ensure compliance with FRA regulations, inspect equipment, and coordinate car movements with yardmasters and dispatchers.

The role emphasizes safety, communication, and customer service, with training at a designated center and potential for on‑the‑job progression. A strong safety mindset and ability to work varied shifts are essential.

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.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with FRA regulations and railroad safety rules.
• Safely perform job responsibilities and inspect equipment prior to departures.
• Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone; read bulletins and switch lists.
• Assist with coupling/uncoupling, operate switches, and make minor railcar repairs.
• Work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars and provide excellent customer service.
• Maintain awareness of surroundings to ensure rail safety.
• Operate locomotive equipment using remote control.
• Understand color and/or hand signals and systems.
• Review instructions from yardmasters and dispatchers and discuss with locomotive engineer.
• Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned by manager.

Skills

Read and comprehend instructions

Verbal and written communication

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Freight Conductor – 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 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 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.

Training

A four‑week paid training program is required at the Atlanta Training Center (ATC) in Atlanta, GA. Training includes classroom, 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. Participants receive a hotel room, a $20 per day meal allowance, and mileage reimbursement for travel to and from the training center.

Employment Benefits and Compensation

Projected first‑year earnings: $97,185. Salary structure includes a bi-weekly training rate of $2,457.56, an on‑the‑job (OJT) training rate of $2,949.06, and guaranteed extra‑board pay of $2,430.52 after OJT. New hire conductors may earn additional bonuses: first year $5,569.22 cash payment and second year $3,712.81 cash payment.

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, or similar.
• Experience working in a safety‑sensitive environment.
• Valid driver's license.

Job Requirements

• Work safely to prevent on‑the‑job accidents and injuries.
• Wear CSX‑approved protective equipment such as a 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 rules 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 in the employee benefits package.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to mount and dismount moving equipment.
• Be able to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, and 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 during shifts.
• Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity, tracking, and inspection capabilities.
• 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 abilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.