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Conductor Training Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Watco

Conductor - Toledo, OH

Toledo, OH · On-site

... Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance ... Center • Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University • Career ...

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Conductor Training information

What is conductor training?

Conductor training is a specialized program designed to prepare individuals for the role of a train conductor. It covers essential skills such as safety procedures, train operations, communication protocols, and regulatory compliance. Trainees learn to manage train crews, oversee passenger or freight operations, and respond to emergencies. The training typically includes classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and on-the-job experience to ensure candidates are fully prepared for the responsibilities of a conductor.

What are some common challenges faced during conductor training and how can trainees best prepare for them?

Conductor training often involves mastering complex safety protocols, learning to operate in various weather and schedule conditions, and quickly developing strong communication skills for coordinating with engineers and dispatchers. Trainees may find the volume of regulatory knowledge and hands-on procedures to be initially overwhelming. Preparing by reviewing study materials ahead of time, asking experienced conductors for advice, and practicing situational awareness can help ease the transition and build confidence throughout the training period.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in conductor training, and why are they important?

To thrive in Conductor Training, candidates need a high school diploma (or equivalent), strong understanding of safety protocols, and mechanical aptitude. Familiarity with railroad operating rules, use of radio communication systems, and completion of federally mandated certification programs are typically required. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making skills, and teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These qualifications ensure safe, efficient train operations and foster effective coordination in a high-responsibility environment.

What is the difference between Conductor Training vs Railroad Conductor?

AspectConductor TrainingRailroad Conductor
CredentialsTraining programs, certificationsOn-the-job experience, certifications
Work EnvironmentClassroom, simulation, on-site trainingRail yards, trains, on-site at railroads
Industry UsagePrepares individuals for conductor rolesPerforms conductor duties on trains

Conductor Training provides the education and certifications needed to become a Railroad Conductor. While Conductor Training focuses on preparing candidates through courses and simulations, Railroad Conductors are professionals actively working on trains, managing operations and safety. Both are essential in the rail industry, with training serving as the foundation for the conductor's role.

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Conductor Training jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Conductor Training job openings:

Conductor Training jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conductor Training job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway | Brakemen/Conductors - East & West Ends

Transtar

Plymouth, OH • On-site

$100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Brakeman/Conductor

Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway (W&LE) is one of the largest regional railroads in the United States and the largest in Ohio, operating 840 miles of track across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. W&LE runs 98 locomotives, moves more than 140,000 carloads annually, and supports operations through seven major rail yards and a 120,000 square foot locomotive and car repair facility. The railroad serves over 110 customers through a diverse fleet of 1,400 owned or leased railcars and hauls a wide range of commodities including steel, petroleum products, aggregates, chemicals, coal, lumber, paper, and plastics. With connections to three Class I railroads, Canadian National, CSX, and Norfolk Southern, and fourteen regional and short line partners, W&LE offers flexible routing and competitive service options.

Founded in 1871 and headquartered in Brewster, Ohio since 1913, the company continues its long legacy with seven day a week interchange operations and 24/7 customer support, delivering dependable, efficient service rooted in both regional heritage and modern capability.

We are seeking dedicated individuals to train as Brakemen/Conductors.

Duties/Responsibilities Specific functions of the Brakeman/Conductor include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Obtaining information from the dispatcher, yardmaster, or other personnel in person, in writing, or by communication devices including radio and telephone
  • Observe, interpret, and relay hand and lantern signals, and they use radio communication
  • Operate track switches and derails in order to change the route of trains within yards or on the road
  • Frequently climb ladders on freight cars, operate hand brakes, couple and uncouple air hoses, inspect freight cars, and observe and monitor track conditions
  • Get on and off equipment
  • Ride moving cars by hanging on grab irons or ladders, sometimes for extended periods of time
  • Judge and control the speed and clearance distance of cars
  • Prepare required reports and read and interpret work orders and instructions
  • Employees must be also able to sit for extended periods of time, reach overhead to lift objects, and meet hearing and vision acuity standards

Working Conditions

  • Work safely at all times in compliance with all safety and operating rules
  • Outdoors in all types of weather for many hours at a time
  • Walk on uneven and irregular surfaces for long distances
  • Able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 85 pounds

Compensation

  • Current Contractual Hourly Rates:
    • Brakeman: $24.17/hour
    • Conductor $26.61/hour
    • Engineer: $28.98/hour
  • $100/week supplemental compensation
  • Employee Profit-Sharing Program, eligible after 90-days of employment

Brakeman/Conductor Training

  • Classroom training
  • 240 hrs. of on-the-job training
  • After completion brakeman training, individuals are promoted to conductor
  • Conductors are the primary source from which W&LE selects candidates for future Engineer training

Shift/Hours

  • Full-time (40 hrs/wk)
  • Guaranteed 40 hrs./wk. extra board
  • Variable and irregular work hours with irregularly scheduled days off
  • Employees work weekdays, weekends and holidays on an "on call" basis, 24 hours a day

Travel

  • Travel is required
  • Must be willing and able to work any hours at any location on the railroad in OH and PA.
  • Current on-duty locations include Brewster, OH; Canton, OH; Akron, OH; Jewett, OH; Mingo Jct., OH; Medina, OH; Willard, OH; Spencer, OH; Norwalk, OH; Carey, OH; and Pittsburgh, PA. Employees may be away from home for days at a time
  • Must be able to report to work two hours after notification
  • May have to drive long distances to get to work; this travel is at the employee's own expense. To see a map of our railroad, visit www.wlerwy.com

Probationary Period

  • 120 days

Union

  • Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainman (BLET)
  • Dues required per collective bargaining agreement

Train Engineer Promotion

  • Employees must accept promotion to the position of Locomotive Engineer
  • Overtime work is required

Education

  • A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Benefits

  • Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company provides a comprehensive benefit package including excellent medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, railroad retirement, 401(k) plan, profit sharing, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid personal leave, and college scholarships for dependents

Drug Free Workplace

  • W&LE is a drug-free workplace and maintains a zero tolerance policy
  • Employees are subject to pre-employment and frequent drug and alcohol testing
  • A DUI or OVI conviction within the last three years may disqualify you from consideration for this position
  • All positions require pre-employment background verification, physical, and drug/alcohol screen

Location

  • West End: Plymouth, Greenwich, Spencer, Sycamore, Ashland, and Norwalk, OH
  • East End: Pittsburgh/Carnegie corridor towards Connellsville

Apply