Conductor (Cincinnati, OH 2025)-Norfolk Southern

Cincinnati, OH
April 13, 2025
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Average Pay*: $30 to $35
*average hourly rate for this position in your area
Deadline date:
$12 - $12

Job Description

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Job Title: Conductor (Cincinnati, OH 2025)

Company: Norfolk Southern

Location: Cincinnati, OH

Pay: $25 per hour

AI Pay Analysis: As of my last knowledge update in October 2023, an hourly rate of $25 for a Conductor position in Cincinnati, OH, appears to be on the lower end of the spectrum compared to industry standards. Conductors typically earn between $25 and $35 per hour, with variations based on experience, company, and specific job responsibilities. Given Cincinnati’s cost of living and the competitive nature of the rail industry, this rate may not be very enticing, especially for experienced candidates. Therefore, while it does fall within the general range, it might not be sufficiently competitive to attract and retain qualified professionals in that role by 2025.

Job description:

Norfolk Southern (NS) is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Train Conductors. In this critical role, you will ensure the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. Your responsibilities will include coupling railcars to construct and deconstruct trains, delivering railcars to local customers, and transporting trains over significant distances. Please note that the conductor position typically requires a non-traditional work schedule, often necessitating availability on short notice, with calls occurring within 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Prior to submitting your application, we encourage you to view a short video that outlines the roles and responsibilities of a conductor.

Responsibilities:

  • Prioritize safety to ensure the secure transport of freight.
  • Safely connect and disconnect railcars for assembling and disassembling trains according to specified configurations.
  • Deliver railcars to local customers, guaranteeing safe, timely, and precise service.
  • Transport trains over long distances in a safe manner.
  • Maintain clear communication with crew members, dispatchers, and relevant personnel to coordinate activities and adhere to instructions.
  • Commit to a non-traditional work schedule, with flexibility to be available at short notice.

Compensation:

  • Conductor Trainees (CT) receive $25 per hour during the training period, 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 annual salary of $85,000.
  • Promotion opportunities to Locomotive Engineer positions are available based on location needs and seniority.
  • Locomotive Engineers have a guaranteed minimum salary of approximately $94,000, with potential earnings exceeding $100,000.

Training:

  • Successful candidates will undergo a comprehensive 4-7 month training program that includes both classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
  • Conductors Trainees must complete their training and qualify for a Conductor’s License.
  • The initial five weeks of training will take place at our NS Training Center in McDonough, GA. Candidates are responsible for their own transportation to the area; however, Norfolk Southern will provide hotel accommodations, mileage reimbursement, and a meal stipend during this training period. The remaining training will occur at or near the hire location.

Work Schedule:

  • Schedules are irregular and determined by business needs.
  • Many positions require on-call availability 24/7 with 90-minute to 2-hour notice when not on a scheduled day off.
  • Minimum of two rest days for every six consecutive working days is mandated.
  • Expect routine time away from home for 1-2 days at a time.

Conductor Trainees will follow a schedule similar to that of a regular conductor, typically assigned to a conductor’s extra board, which has schedules with rest days incorporated. While on duty, you will be on-call 24 hours a day. Reliable transportation is essential, as reporting to your work location may occur with minimal notice.

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, you will be eligible for dental insurance covering yourself and eligible dependents, a $20,000 life insurance policy for yourself, and participation in the Norfolk Southern 401(K) plan. Please be aware that Railroad Retirement taxes are paid at a rate equivalent to Social Security tax plus an additional 4.9%. You will benefit from Railroad Retirement plans and, upon meeting service requirements, will be eligible for benefits. Conductors may also qualify for up to five weeks of paid time off based on work history and seniority.

Further details on benefits can be found in our resource materials.

Union Membership:
New employees will be required to join a union within 60 days of becoming a conductor and establishing a seniority date.

Work Environment:
Conductors should expect to work outdoors in various weather conditions, which may include poor weather at any time of day.

Alcohol and Drug Policy:
Conductors are subject to random alcohol and drug testing under the Federal Railroad Administration Guidelines, and Norfolk Southern maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy. A drug-free workplace is of utmost importance, and pre-employment substance abuse testing will be conducted.

Company Overview:
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is recognized as a Fortune 300 organization and one of the leading transportation companies in the nation. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles across 22 states and the District of Columbia, providing services to every major container port in the eastern United States and facilitating efficient connections to other rail carriers. A significant transporter of industrial products, including chemicals, agriculture, and construction materials, Norfolk Southern also operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East, while serving as a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts.

At Norfolk Southern, we cultivate a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion by celebrating individual uniqueness and leveraging diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We recognize that a thriving workplace flourishes when varying viewpoints and experiences are welcomed and valued. Therefore, we actively encourage all employees to contribute their distinct skills and capabilities.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities 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 drive progress forward.

Job Posting Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:08:34 GMT

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