Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern

. Safely and efficiently move freight trains .

Posted 10/20/2026full-timeAllentown • Pennsylvania • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $240 per dayWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in safely operating and managing freight trains, ensuring compliance with FRA regulations, and maintaining accurate electronic documentation. Capable of performing physical tasks related to railcar coupling, inspections, and troubleshooting train issues in various outdoor conditions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

FRA ComplianceTrain OperationRailcar CouplingElectronic Documentation ManagementPhysical Endurance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Train OperationRailcar CouplingTroubleshootingInspectionDocumentation ManagementHeavy Equipment OperationPhysical EnduranceSafety Procedures ComplianceFRA Regulations KnowledgeRemote Control Locomotive Operation

Soft Skills

CommunicationTeam CollaborationProblem-Solving

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid Driver's LicenseFRA Drug and Alcohol Screening

Industry Keywords

Freight TransportationRail IndustryOn-Call WorkUnion MembershipHeavy Equipment Experience

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Safely and efficiently move freight trains
Build trains by coupling railcars
Deliver railcars to customers
Transport trains across long distances
Manage electronic documentation and inspections
Troubleshoot train issues and report incidents
Ensure compliance with safety procedures and FRA regulations
Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment
Operate remote control locomotives
Couple railcars, align drawbars, apply hand brakes, and ride railcars
Communicate with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers
Maintain accurate documentation
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 in 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 FRA drug and alcohol screening
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Must be available to work on-call 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays
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
Ability to lift and carry up to 85 lbs.
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
Must meet FRA medical requirements for visual acuity, color vision, and hearing
Preferred: experience working outdoors in various weather conditions
Preferred: experience with heavy equipment or physically demanding roles
Preferred: experience with non-traditional shifts, on-call work, and/or 12+ hour shifts

Benefits

Comp & perks

$5,000 retention bonus paid in installments
$240 minimum per shift during on-the-job training
Overtime at $30/hour
Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents beginning the second calendar month
Dental insurance eligibility after one year
Life insurance eligibility after one year
401(k) eligibility after one year
Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes
Hotel accommodations during the first five weeks of training
Weekly meal stipends during the first five weeks of training
Travel reimbursement from hire location during the first five weeks of training
Vacation: 2 weeks after 2+ years, 3 weeks after 6+ years, 4 weeks after 15+ years, and 5 weeks after 23 years