Job Description

UP TO $50K INCENTIVE FOR CERTIFIED CONDUCTORS

Norfolk Southern is seeking currently certified Train Conductors with prior railroad conductor experience to join our operations team.

An active FRA conductor certification is required for this position.

Why Certified Conductors Choose Norfolk Southern

• Up to $50,000 signing bonus for certified conductors hired into a priority location. See priority locations below.
• A job for life: Norfolk Southern has committed to a job for life for its union employees
• Short familiarization period, so you can get to work faster

What You Should Know

• This is a seniority-based position.
• Conductors may work from an extra board and fill assignments based on operational needs and seniority.
• Work schedules may include nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments.
• The role requires working outdoors in varying weather conditions and around moving trains, railcars, and equipment.
• Assignments may require time away from home.

Training

Because you already hold an active certification, you will complete a short Norfolk Southern familiarization program at our Training Center instead of full conductor training.

Job Responsibilities

• Build, inspect, and prepare trains and railcars for safe movement.
• Perform switching and other conductor duties associated with freight train operations.
• Couple and uncouple railcars, align drawbars, operate switches, apply hand brakes, and ride rail equipment as required.
• Communicate with train crews, dispatchers, yard personnel, and other operating employees.
• Complete required inspections and documentation.
• Follow railroad operating rules, safety procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Identify and report equipment or operating issues.
• Operate remote control locomotives when qualified and required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Current, active conductor certification.
• Previous railroad conductor experience.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to report to work within required call times.
• Ability to meet applicable pre-employment and safety-sensitive position requirements.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to walk several miles during a shift, including over uneven terrain.
• Ability to safely climb, ride, and work on or around rail equipment.
• Ability to meet applicable medical, vision, color vision, and hearing requirements.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of conductor duties.

Work Conditions

• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Work irregular schedules, including on-call assignments, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be available for call based on assignment and operating needs.
• Perform safety-sensitive work requiring constant awareness around moving trains, locomotives, railcars, and equipment.

Compensation

Certified conductors are eligible for a signing bonus, paid in installments. The amount depends on where you are hired.

Priority location: $50,000

• $10,000 after NS familiarization
• $10,000 at 6 months
• $10,000 at 12 months
• $20,000 at 18 months

Traditional location: $30,000

• $5,000 after NS familiarization
• $5,000 at 6 months
• $5,000 at 12 months
• $15,000 at 18 months

Priority vs. Regular Locations

• Priority locations ($50,000 signing bonus): Binghamton, NY, Cincinnati, OH, Decatur, IL, Elkhart, IN, Fort Wayne, IN, Harrisburg, PA, Louisville, KY, Princeton IL , Roanoke, VA, Shire Oaks, PA, and Toledo, OH
• Regular locations ($30,000 signing bonus): All other Norfolk Southern locations

Priority locations are based on current hiring needs and may change. Signing bonus payments follow the terms of a signed incentive agreement.

Benefits

Incentive of up to $50,000 for certified conductor

• Job for life commitment for union employees
• Minimum of $240 per shift during on-the-job training, with overtime at $30/hour
• Medical insurance for you and eligible dependents starts the second calendar month of employment
• After one year: dental, life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility
• Covered under Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes

Vacation (Years of Service / Weeks of Vacation)

• 1 year: 1 week
• 2 years: 2 weeks
• 8 years: 3 weeks
• 17 years: 4 weeks
• 25 years: 5 weeks

Additional Relocation Bonus

If you relocate to accept a position in a priority location, you will receive an additional $25,000 relocation bonus on top of the up to $50,000 signing bonus, for a total of up to $75,000.

This is paid in four equal payments at the timelines below:

• At signing of the incentive agreement
• Upon qualification in your territory
• 12 months after on-the-job training
• 18 months after on-the-job training

Company Overview

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a Fortune 300 organization and one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern is a major transporter of industrial products, including chemicals, agriculture, and metals and construction materials. In addition, the railroad operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts.

At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization.

Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress.