Train Conductor: Start a Rail Career with Training

Norfolk Southern; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and life insurance after 1 year

401(k) eligibility

Railroad Retirement benefits

Retention bonus

Job summary

Norfolk Southern is seeking a Conductor Trainee to join a safety‑driven team in an on‑the‑move transportation role. Training covers locomotives, coupling, documentation, and safety rules, with full company support.

You’ll need to be available on‑call 24/7, start on the extra board, and build seniority for regular assignments. First-year earnings can reach around $70,000 annually, with higher earnings for experienced conductors and a retention bonus of $5,000 after 7/1/2026.

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.
• Clean driving record in past 36 months, without drug/alcohol-related issues.
• Must not have been involved in diversion or probation for drug/alcohol offenses.
• Must not have refused to undergo a drug/alcohol test for motor vehicle operation.
• Must pass pre-employment FRA drug and alcohol screening.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment for safe operation.
• Operate remote control locomotives and perform coupling, drawbar alignment, hand brakes, and railcar riding tasks.
• Communicate effectively with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers.
• Maintain accurate documentation and comply with FRA and company safety regulations.

Skills

18+ years

Valid driver's license

Reliable transportation

On-call 24/7 readiness

FRA drug/alcohol screen

Work authorization in U.S.

Union within 60 days after training

Job description

Norfolk Southern is seeking a Conductor Trainee to join a safety‑driven team in an on‑the‑move transportation role. Training covers locomotives, coupling, documentation, and safety rules, with full company support.

You’ll need to be available on‑call 24/7, start on the extra board, and build seniority for regular assignments. First-year earnings can reach around $70,000 annually, with higher earnings for experienced conductors and a retention bonus of $5,000 after 7/1/2026.