Job Description
Columbia, SC Train Conductor
Norfolk Southern (NS) invites dedicated individuals to join our team as Train Conductors. As a Train Conductor, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the secure and efficient movement of freight trains. This dynamic position encompasses a range of responsibilities, including coupling railcars to construct trains, delivering railcars to local customers, and transporting trains over extended distances. The conductor position can often mean a significant lifestyle change as the work schedule is often non-traditional and requires many to be available to work on a 90-minute notice.
Responsibilities:
- Prioritize safety to ensure the safe transport of freight.
- Safely connect and disconnect railcars to assemble and disassemble trains as per the designated configuration.
- Deliver railcars to local customers, ensuring safe, timely, and precise service.
- Safely transport trains over long distances.
- Maintain clear communication with other crew members, dispatchers, and relevant personnel to coordinate activities and respond to instructions.
- Adhere to a non-traditional work schedule with availability on short notice.
Compensation:
- Conductor Trainees (CT) during training: $25 per hour with a minimum of $200 per shift.
- After training, Conductors earn an average of $75,000 in the first year.
- Experienced Conductors average $85,000 per year.
- Promotion opportunities to Locomotive Engineer based on location needs and seniority.
- Locomotive Engineers have a minimum guarantee of approximately $94,000, with the potential to earn $100,000+.
Training:
- Comprehensive 47-month training program including Classroom and On-The-Job (OJT) Training.
- CT's are required to successfully complete training and qualify for a Conductors License.
- First 5 weeks of employment at NS Training Center in McDonough, GA.
Individuals are responsible for providing their own transportation to the area. Norfolk Southern will provide the hotel accommodation, a mileage reimbursement, and a meal stipend during the 5-week training period in McDonough, GA. The remaining training will take place at or near the hire location for on-the-job training.
Work Schedule:
- Irregular schedules determined by business needs.
- Many jobs are on-call 24/7 with a 90-minute notice when not on a scheduled off day.
- Minimum two rest days for every six consecutive working days.
- Routine time away from home, 1-2 days at a time.
A CT will expect to work a schedule similar to that of a regular conductor. As a conductor you will most likely be assigned to a conductors' extra board. Conductor extra boards have schedules with a minimum of two rest days for every six consecutive working days. While not on your rest days, you are subject to be called to work 24 hours a day, on an as-needed basis. Extra board work schedules are irregular and are determined by business needs. You will be required to report to your work location within a 90-minute notice, regardless of time of day. Reliable transportation is necessary.
Benefits:
- Medical insurance for you, your spouse, and eligible dependents is provided on the first day of the second calendar month of employment.
- After one year of employment, you are eligible for dental insurance to cover yourself and eligible dependents, a $20,000 life insurance plan for yourself, and participation in the Norfolk Southern 401(K) plan.
- You are subject to Railroad Retirement taxes paid at a rate equivalent to Social Security tax plus an additional 4.9%. You are also covered by Railroad Retirement benefits and, following completion of the service requirement, you will be eligible for Railroad Retirement benefits.
- Conductors can also qualify for up to 5 weeks of paid time off based on their work record and seniority.
Union Membership:
- You will be required to join a union within 60 days of becoming a conductor and establishing a seniority date.
Work Environment:
- A conductor should expect to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions. This may mean working in poor weather conditions day or night.
Alcohol and Drug Policy:
- Conductors are subject to random alcohol and drug testing as per the Federal Railroad Administration Guidelines. The Norfolk Southern Policy is ZERO TOLERANCE. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
NRG Energy
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Traineeship, Local area, Long distance, Shift work, Night shift,