Design and Construction Trainee - 2023 (Various Locations)

Requisition 33886: Design and Construction Trainee - 2023 (Various Locations) 

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Management Trainee - Design & Construction Department – Construction Group

Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS) is seeking undergraduates and/or graduates to fill Management Trainee positions in the Construction Group of the Design & Construction Department (D&C).

D&C is part of the NS Engineering Department and is based in Atlanta. This group plans, coordinates, permits, and constructs projects involving new tracks, facilities, and buildings. The Construction Department is a D&C sub-group that manages all aspects of the construction process for these projects.  Typical work tasks performed by members of the Construction Group include:

• Overall project management for grading, paving, and track construction
• Contract administration,
• Calculation of pay quantities,
• Budget management and billing
• Contractor scheduling
• Survey coordination,
• Material submittal reviews,
• Quality control inspection
• Work site safety management.
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Although D&C is headquartered in Atlanta, the Construction Group roles require ongoing out-of-town assignments at project locations throughout the eastern United States.  As such, the specific headquarter location of each Trainee will determined in consultation with the successful candidate and the current needs of D&C.  Relocation may be required later in an employee’s career as promotional opportunities present themselves both within and outside Design & Construction.

What We Look for in a Candidate

A Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (or appropriately applicable related field) is required. Basic knowledge of surveying, engineering plan interpretation and take-off, and general construction practices are highly desirable.  Successful candidates must be self-motivated, willing to assume a high degree of responsibility, and be able work under pressure. Strong verbal and written communication skills, and confident leadership and presentation abilities are a must to succeed in Construction Group roles.

Candidates must have the ability to safely perform potentially strenuous outside work, and safely operate motor vehicles.  Occasional extended shift, night, or weekend work may be required. 

The Training Program

The primary goal of the Design & Construction Department (D&C) training program is to prepare individuals to assume positions as either a Design Engineer in the D&C Design Section, or a Construction Project Engineer in the D&C Construction Department.    

Preparation for all careers paths in the D&C begins with a training program that consists of both field and classroom training.  This training program will expose the Trainee to many areas of railroad operations, as well as different aspects of the design and construction of railroad facilities and related track infrastructure.  Trainees will work side by side with seasoned engineering personnel who will provide exposure to the duties and skills associated with various D&C functions.  Railroad engineering is unique, and the Trainee will learn in a mentoring environment how to combine their knowledge of standard engineering practices, with the specialized design and construction methods used by the railroad industry.  Key to the D&C training process is learning to be a customer focused and safety conscience engineer.   NS D&C is strongly focused on progressing projects that are conceived, designed, and produced with a high degree of quality, and that meet all corporate, industry and government safety standards.

Through meaningful work exposures in D&C the Trainee will become familiar with the railroad design and safety standards of Norfolk Southern, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), American Railway Engineering & Maintenance of Way Association (AREMA), and the Association of American Railroads (AAR).

During hands-on training exposures and assignments, the Trainee will gain experience in:

• Safety compliance
• Site surveying and analysis
• Railroad track design
• Freight terminal design
• Track construction and inspection  
• Project management
• Construction process management
• Professional conduct
• Supervisory and leadership skills.

Trainees typically have opportunities to work in areas involving the construction and renovation of:

• Expansions / modifications of track network
• Industrial tracks
• Freight classification yards
• Intermodal facilities
• Automotive facilities
• Bulk Commodity facilities 

Trainees in the D&C Construction Group will spend a majority of their time on project sites learning how complex projects are planned and implemented.   Under the guidance of a Construction Manager, the Trainee will be given responsible charge for inspection of construction, measurement, scheduling, and other projects management tasks.

While most of the day-to-day technical training occurs while at work sites, D&C Trainees will also participate in formal classroom training at various other locations, including NS’s McDonough, GA Training Center and the NS headquarters in Atlanta, GA.  The classroom training will be used to introduce the trainee to basic railroad operations, safety rules and procedures, management skills and NS company principles.  In addition, the classroom training allows trainees to network with their peers from many different departments.

After Training

The duration of the D&C training program is typically 12 months.  This duration may be customized to complement a Trainee’s prior professional and/or educational experience.  Upon successful completion of training, a Trainee is typically first promoted to the position of Engineering Associate, and then placed in a Construction Project Manager position as those positions become available.

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.

We are a team of more than 20,000 employees working together to maintain our reputation as "The Thoroughbred of Transportation." As an industry leader, Norfolk Southern offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

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. More information can be found at NS-EEO

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