Train Conductor

Jobtailor; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a dedicated railroad operator in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The role includes inspecting trains and equipment, operating remote-control locomotives, and performing coupling and braking tasks while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The position requires 18+, a valid license, ability to work 90 minutes notice, and willingness to irregular shifts including nights and weekends. Union membership is expected within 60 days post-training.

Qualifications

• Must be 18+ years old.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Willing to report to work within 90 minutes.
• Clean driving record in the past 36 months.
• Must not have drug- or alcohol-related incidents.
• Must pass FRA drug and alcohol screening.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Available on-call 24/7 with 90 minutes' notice.
• Willing to irregular schedules (nights, weekends, holidays).
• Must join a union within 60 days after training.
• Ability to lift up to 85 lbs.
• Meet FRA medical, vision, and hearing standards.
• Pass all training, exams, and evaluations.

Responsibilities

• Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment for safe operation.
• Operate remote-control locomotives.
• Couple railcars, align drawbars, apply hand brakes, and ride railcars.
• Deliver railcars to customers and transport freight trains over long distances.
• Manage electronic documentation and inspections.
• Communicate with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers.
• Troubleshoot train issues and report incidents.
• Maintain documentation and comply with FRA and company safety regulations.
• Fill in on the extra board until seniority allows bid on regular assignment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Railroad operations

RC locomotives

Safety compliance

Team communication

Physical fitness

Job description

• Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment for safe operation


• Operate remote-control locomotives


• Couple railcars, align drawbars, apply hand brakes, and ride railcars


• Deliver railcars to customers and transport freight trains across long distances


• Manage electronic documentation and inspections


• Communicate with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers


• Troubleshoot train issues and report incidents


• Maintain accurate documentation and comply with FRA and company safety regulations


• Fill in where needed on the extra board until sufficient seniority is earned to bid on a regular assignment


• 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 specified drug- or alcohol-related license violations


• Must not have been involved in diversion or probation or pleaded guilty to a drug- or alcohol-related driving incident


• Must not have refused a drug or alcohol test related to operating a motor vehicle


• Must pass pre-employment FRA drug and alcohol screening


• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.


• Must be available on-call 24/7 with as little as 90 minutes' notice


• Must be available for irregular schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and 12+ hour shifts


• Must join a union within 60 days after completing training


• Ability to lift and carry up to 85 lbs.


• Ability to hang from a railcar ladder with three points of contact for 1 minute 15 seconds per side


• Ability to walk several miles per shift on uneven terrain


• Must meet FRA medical requirements, including visual acuity, color vision, and hearing standards


• Must pass all classroom, field, and on-the-job training requirements, including written exams and field evaluations