Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern

. Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment for safe operation .

Posted 10/20/2026full-timeAltoona • Pennsylvania • 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 operate and inspect trains and railcars while adhering to safety regulations and maintaining accurate documentation. Capable of troubleshooting issues and effectively communicating with team members in a dynamic work environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Train InspectionRemote Control Locomotive OperationFRA ComplianceElectronic Documentation ManagementOn-Call Availability

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 OperationRailcar CouplingTroubleshootingDocumentation ManagementWeight Lifting (Up to 85 lbs)Railcar Ladder ClimbingWalking on Uneven TerrainFRA Medical Requirements Compliance

Soft Skills

CommunicationTeam CollaborationAdaptability

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid Driver's License

Industry Keywords

FRA RegulationsRailroad SafetyUnion MembershipDrug and Alcohol Screening

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment for safe operation
Couple railcars, align drawbars, apply hand brakes, and ride railcars
Operate remote control locomotives
Deliver railcars to customers and transport trains across long distances
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 in the past 36 months, without suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of the driver’s license 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 (FRA) drug and alcohol screening
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Ability to work on-call 24/7 with as little as 90 minutes’ notice
Ability 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 3 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, including specified visual acuity, color vision, and hearing standards
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and irregular schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays
No prior railroad experience required

Benefits

Comp & perks

$5,000 retention bonus, paid in installments after training completion and at 6- and 12-month milestones
Hotel accommodations during the first 5 weeks of training
Weekly meal stipends during the first 5 weeks of training
Travel reimbursement from the hire location to the training center
Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents beginning the second calendar month of employment
Dental insurance eligibility after one year
Life insurance eligibility after one year
401(k) eligibility after one year
Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes
Vacation eligibility: 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