Train Conductor

Jobtailor; Central Bridge (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a dedicated freight train operator to safely move and assemble railcars, deliver shipments, and coordinate with dispatchers. This on-site role emphasizes FRA compliance, proper documentation, and reliable on-call availability.

You will work 2–3 days away from home weekly, spend time outdoors in varying weather, and join a union within 60 days after training, performing rigorous inspection and maintenance tasks as required.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Able to report to work within 90 minutes.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently move freight trains and build trains by coupling railcars.
• Deliver railcars to customers and transport trains across long distances.
• Manage electronic documentation and inspections; troubleshoot train issues.
• Communicate with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers; maintain accurate documentation.

Skills

Freight Train Operation

Team Collaboration

Effective Communication

On-Call Availability

Tools

Railcar Inspection

Remote Control Locomotive Operation

Train Coupling

Lifting 85 lbs

Job description

• Safely and efficiently move freight trains
• Build trains by coupling railcars
• Deliver railcars to customers
• Transport trains across long distances
• Manage electronic documentation and inspections
• Troubleshoot train issues and report incidents
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures, FRA regulations, and company requirements
• Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment for safe operation
• Operate remote control locomotives
• Couple railcars, align drawbars, apply hand brakes, and ride railcars
• Communicate with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers
• Maintain accurate documentation
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation
• Ability to report to work within 90 minutes
• Clean driving record in the past 36 months, without any suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of the driver's license resulting from a drug or alcohol-related incident
• Must not have been involved in diversion or probation or pleaded guilty to a drug or alcohol-related driving incident
• Must not have refused to undergo a drug or alcohol test related to operating a motor vehicle
• Must pass pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) drug and alcohol screening
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must be available to work on-call 24/7, including with as little as 90 minutes’ notice
• Must be willing to spend 2–3 days away from home weekly
• Must join a union within 60 days after completing training
• Must pass all classroom, field, and on-the-job training requirements, including written exams and field evaluations
• Ability to lift and carry up to 85 lbs.
• Ability to hang from a rail car ladder with 3 points of contact for 1 minute 15 seconds per side
• Ability to walk up to several miles per shift on uneven terrain
• Must meet FRA medical requirements for visual acuity, color vision, and hearing
• Preferred: experience working outdoors in various weather conditions
• Preferred: experience with heavy equipment or physically demanding roles
• Preferred: experience working non-traditional shifts, on call, and/or 12+ hour shifts

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in safely operating and managing freight trains, ensuring compliance with FRA regulations and safety procedures. Proficient in electronic documentation, troubleshooting, and effective communication with team members and dispatchers.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• FRA Compliance
• Freight Train Operation
• Electronic Documentation Management
• Heavy Equipment Experience
• On-Call Availability

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Train Coupling
• Railcar Inspection
• Remote Control Locomotive Operation
• Troubleshooting Train Issues
• Lifting and Carrying Up to 85 lbs
• Walking on Uneven Terrain
• FRA Medical Requirements Compliance

Soft Skills

• Effective Communication
• Team Collaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

• Valid Driver's License
• FRA Drug and Alcohol Screening

Industry Keywords

• Freight Transportation
• Safety Procedures
• Railroad Operations
• Union Membership
• Non-Traditional Shifts