Train Conductor (Columbus, OH 2025)-Norfolk Southern

Job Description

Job Title: Train Conductor (Columbus, OH 2025)

Company: Norfolk Southern

Location: Columbus, OH

Pay: $25 per hour

AI Pay Analysis: An hourly rate of $25 for a “Train Conductor” position in Columbus, OH, aligns with industry standards for entry-level roles in this field. As of October 2024, the average annual salary for a Train Conductor in Columbus was approximately $44,360, equating to about $21 per hour. Similarly, Glassdoor reported an average annual salary of $56,617 for Train Conductors in the area, with a median base pay of $50,000 per year. Notably, Norfolk Southern offers a Conductor Trainee program in Columbus with a starting pay of $25 per hour during training, with the potential to earn up to $70,000 in the first year after promotion to Conductor. Therefore, a $25 per hour rate is competitive for entry-level positions and offers a solid foundation for career advancement in the region.

Job description:

Norfolk Southern (NS) is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Train Conductors. In this vital role, you will ensure the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. Your responsibilities will include coupling railcars to construct trains, delivering railcars to local customers, and transporting trains over long distances. Please be aware that this position often entails a significant lifestyle adjustment, as the work schedule is typically non-traditional, requiring availability on short notice, usually within 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Responsibilities:

• Prioritize safety to guarantee the secure transport of freight.
• Safely connect and disconnect railcars to assemble and disassemble trains according to specified configurations.
• Deliver railcars to local customers while ensuring timely and accurate service.
• Transport trains safely over long distances.
• Maintain effective communication with other crew members, dispatchers, and relevant personnel to coordinate activities and respond to instructions.
• Adapt to a non-traditional work schedule with short-notice availability.

Compensation:

• Conductor Trainees (CT) will receive $25 per hour during training, with a minimum of $200 per shift.
• Following training, Conductors can expect to earn an average of $75,000 in their first year.
• Experienced Conductors earn an average of $85,000 per year.
• Opportunities for promotion to Locomotive Engineer based on location needs and seniority, with a minimum guarantee of approximately $94,000, and potential earnings exceeding $100,000.

Training:

• Participate in a comprehensive 4-7 month training program, which includes both classroom and on-the-job training.
• CTs must successfully complete the program to qualify for a Conductors License.
• The initial five weeks of training will take place at the NS Training Center in McDonough, GA. Individuals are responsible for their own transportation to this location; however, Norfolk Southern will cover hotel accommodations, mileage reimbursement, and a meal stipend during the training period.

Work Schedule:

• Expect an irregular schedule determined by business needs.
• Most positions require being on-call 24/7 with a 90-minute to 2-hour notice when not on a scheduled day off.
• Employees will have a minimum of two rest days for every six consecutive working days, with routine time away from home, typically lasting 1-2 days.

As a CT, you will follow a schedule similar to that of a regular conductor, often being assigned to a conductor extra board. While on the extra board, your work schedule will be irregular and determined by business needs, necessitating reliable transportation to your work location within the specified notice period.

Benefits:

• Medical insurance for you, your spouse, and eligible dependents begins on the first day of the second calendar month of employment.
• After one year, employees can access dental insurance, a $20,000 life insurance plan, and participation in the Norfolk Southern 401(K) plan.
• You will be subject to Railroad Retirement taxes at a rate equivalent to Social Security tax plus an additional 4.9%, and will qualify for Railroad Retirement benefits after completing the service requirement.
• Conductors may also qualify for up to 5 weeks of paid time off based on their work record and seniority.

As part of the role, you will be required to join a union within 60 days of your employment and establishment of a seniority date.

Work Environment:
Conductors should be prepared to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including during inclement weather at any time of day.

Alcohol and Drug Policy:
Conductors are subject to random alcohol and drug testing in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration guidelines. Norfolk Southern maintains a zero-tolerance policy, ensuring a drug-free workplace while performing pre-employment substance abuse testing.

Join us at Norfolk Southern Corporation, a Fortune 300 organization and one of the nation’s leading transportation companies. Our subsidiary, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, operates approximately 19,500 route miles across 22 states and the District of Columbia, providing efficient connections to major ports and other rail carriers. We transport a diverse array of industrial products and operate an extensive intermodal network.

At Norfolk Southern, we celebrate individuality, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives foster innovation, respect, and inclusion. We encourage all employees to share their unique skills and contribute to our collective success. Equal employment opportunities are afforded to all applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Together, we power progress.

Job Posting Date: Tue, 01 Apr 2025 23:00:40 GMT

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