Freight Conductor - Selkirk, NY

CSX; Selkirk (NY); On-site; USD 97,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training allowance

Performance bonuses

Health benefits

Job summary

CSX in Selkirk, NY, seeks a Freight Conductor responsible for safely coordinating train crews and inspecting railcars. Your role includes operating locomotives and adhering to all safety regulations.

This position requires at least a high school diploma, good communication skills, and one year of related experience. New hires will undergo four weeks of paid training in Atlanta and can expect projected first-year earnings of $97,185, with additional bonuses.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• One year of related experience.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate train crews on a freight train.
• Inspect all equipment on cars prior to departures.
• Operate locomotive equipment using remote control device.

Skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Ability to read instructions

Problem-solving skills

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Job Description: Please read 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/break down trains in a rail yard, customer facility, or similar locations.

To know more of what a day-in-the-life looks like for a conductor, please click to see a video 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 amount to expect is $3,000 after 1 year, and $2,000 after year 2, but may be greater based on work location and is subject to the terms of the applicable direct‑hire agreement.

Note: You 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 for this position.

Depending on business need, you may be placed in a pipeline during the hiring process. If you are selected for the position, more information about the pipeline possibility will be discussed.

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
• The average earnings for new hire conductors in 2023 was $97,185 but could potentially be more 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 new hires 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. The REDI Café operated by Sodexo provides lunch options at a standardized cost of $7 plus tax 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 the successful completion of training at the ATC.

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 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
• Miscellaneous activities and responsibilities as assigned by manager

Minimum Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older
• One year of related experience
• High School Diploma/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. (can be professional, personal, or volunteer experience)
• 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 such as high‑visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection
• Work hours may include a non‑standard 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 here

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to mount and dismount moving equipment
• Stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, or climb
• Work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward placesRide 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/directions)
• Reasoning skills (problem solving and troubleshooting skills)

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.