Train Conductor

Jobtailor; City of Binghamton (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a Freight Train Operator to safely move freight trains, couple railcars, and perform inspections to ensure safe operation. You will maintain electronic documentation, report incidents, and communicate with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers.

The role requires adherence to FRA regulations, physical endurance, and willingness to work outdoors and on-call shifts. Prior heavy equipment experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Must pass pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration drug and alcohol screening.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently move freight trains.
• Build trains by coupling railcars.
• Deliver railcars to customers.
• Transport trains across long distances.
• Inspect and maintain train equipment for safe operation.
• Communicate with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers.
• Operate remote-control locomotives.
• Report incidents and ensure compliance with safety procedures.

Skills

Freight Train Operation

Railcar Coupling

FRA Compliance

Remote-Control Locomotive Operation

Heavy Equipment Experience

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
• Report incidents and ensure compliance with safety procedures
• 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 and comply with FRA and company safety regulations
• 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 suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of a 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 a drug or alcohol test related to operating a motor vehicle
• Must pass pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration drug and alcohol screening
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must pass all classroom, field, and on-the-job training requirements, including written exams and field evaluations
• Must join a union within 60 days after completing training
• Must be available to work on-call 24/7 with as little as 90 minutes' notice
• Must expect to spend 2-3 days away from home weekly
• 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
• Preferred: experience working outdoors in various weather conditions
• Preferred: experience with heavy equipment or physically demanding roles
• Preferred: experience with non-traditional shifts, on-call work, and/or 12+ hour shifts

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in safely operating and managing freight trains, including coupling railcars and performing inspections. Complies with FRA regulations and maintains accurate documentation while effectively communicating with team members.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Freight Train Operation
• Railcar Coupling
• FRA Compliance
• Remote-Control Locomotive Operation
• Heavy Equipment Experience

Hard Skills

• Train Inspection
• Electronic Documentation Management
• Troubleshooting Train Issues
• Safety Procedure Compliance
• Physical Endurance

Soft Skills

• Effective Communication
• Team Collaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

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

Industry Keywords

• Railroad Operations
• Freight Transportation
• On-Call Work
• Union Membership
• Outdoor Work Experience