Altoona, PA Train Conductor

Job Description

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.

 
 
Please use the links below to watch a short video detailing the roles and responsibilities of a conductor prior to submitting your application.
  
Conductor Job Overview (YouTube)

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 4–7-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. 

Additional Information

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. 
 

Additional information on benefits can be found at YourTrackToHealth.com
 
 
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.