Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern

. Safely and efficiently move freight trains .

Posted 10/19/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $240 per dayWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates the ability to safely operate and manage freight trains while adhering to FRA regulations and maintaining accurate documentation. Capable of performing physical tasks required for train operations and inspections, including troubleshooting and effective communication with team members.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Freight Train OperationRailcar CouplingElectronic Documentation ManagementFRA CompliancePhysical Endurance

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Train InspectionRemote-Control Locomotive OperationTroubleshooting Train IssuesHand Brake ApplicationRailcar Alignment

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationTeam Collaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid Driver’s LicenseFRA Drug and Alcohol Screening

Industry Keywords

Freight TransportationRailroad OperationsSafety RegulationsUnion MembershipPhysical Standards

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Safely and efficiently move freight trains
Build trains by coupling railcars and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment
Deliver railcars to customers and transport trains across long distances
Operate remote-control locomotives
Couple railcars, align drawbars, apply hand brakes, and ride railcars
Manage electronic documentation and inspections
Troubleshoot train issues and report incidents
Communicate with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers
Maintain accurate documentation and comply with FRA and company safety regulations
Perform additional duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must be 18 years or older
Must hold a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation
Ability to report to work within 90 minutes
Clean driving record during the past 36 months, without suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial resulting from a drug- or alcohol-related incident
Must not have been involved in diversion or probation or pleaded guilty to a drug- or alcohol-related driving incident
Must not have refused a drug or alcohol test related to operating a motor vehicle
Must pass pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration drug and alcohol screening
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Must be available to work on-call 24/7 with as little as 90 minutes’ notice
Must expect to spend 2–3 days away from home weekly
Must join a union within 60 days after completing training
Must pass all classroom, field, and on-the-job training requirements, including written exams and field evaluations
Must pass physical standards, including the hang test
Ability to hang from a railcar ladder with three points of contact for 1 minute 15 seconds per side
Ability to walk several miles per shift on uneven terrain
Ability to lift and carry up to 85 lbs.
Must meet FRA medical requirements for visual acuity, color vision, and hearing
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and irregular schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays

Benefits

Comp & perks

$5,000 retention bonus effective 7/1/2026, paid in installments of $1,000 upon completion of on-the-job training, $1,500 six months after training, and $2,500 twelve months after training
Hotel accommodations during the first five weeks of training
Weekly meal stipends during the first five weeks of training
Travel reimbursement from hire location to the training center
Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents beginning the second calendar month of employment
Dental insurance after one year
Life insurance after one year
401(k) eligibility after one year
Railroad Retirement benefits
Vacation: 2 weeks after 2+ years, 3 weeks after 6+ years, 4 weeks after 15+ years, and 5 weeks after 23 years
Overtime at $30/hour during on-the-job training