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Fra Railroad Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Must pass pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) drug and alcohol screening. * Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. Qualifications - Preferred * Experience working outdoors in ...

Train Conductor

Decatur, IL · On-site

$84K/yr

Must pass pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) drug and alcohol screening. * Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. Qualifications - Preferred * Experience working outdoors in ...

Must re-rail cars and provide estimate damages at derailment sites, make out billing repair cards in compliance with AAR office manual, and identify AAR/FRA violations when present on railcars.  ...

Must re-rail cars and provide estimate damages at derailment sites, make out billing repair cards in compliance with AAR office manual, and identify AAR/FRA violations when present on railcars. This ...

Fra Railroad information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$12

$23

$31

How much do fra railroad jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for fra railroad in Decatur, IL is $23.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.96 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are FRA Railroad jobs?

FRA Railroad jobs refer to positions within the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), a U.S. government agency responsible for overseeing the nation’s railroad system. These jobs can include roles in safety inspection, engineering, policy development, and regulatory compliance. Employees work to ensure railroad safety, improve infrastructure, and enforce federal regulations. FRA Railroad jobs often require specialized knowledge of rail systems, engineering, or public administration. They play a critical role in maintaining safe and efficient rail transportation across the country.

What is a FRA job?

A FRA job refers to a position regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration, which oversees safety standards and compliance in the railroad industry. These jobs often involve safety inspections, regulatory compliance, and maintenance tasks on railroads and require knowledge of safety protocols and relevant regulations.

What is the difference between Fra Railroad vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectFra RailroadSignal Maintainer
CertificationsRailroad safety and operational certificationsSignal system certifications and electrical training
Work EnvironmentRail yards, tracks, and stationsSignal systems, electrical panels, and trackside equipment
Industry UsageRailroad operations and infrastructureElectrical and signaling systems within railroads

Fra Railroad professionals focus on overall railroad operations, safety, and infrastructure, while Signal Maintainers specialize in maintaining and repairing signaling systems essential for train safety and coordination. Both roles require technical skills and certifications relevant to the railroad industry, but they differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

What are some common challenges faced by FRA Railroad Safety Inspectors in the field?

FRA Railroad Safety Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in diverse weather conditions, navigating remote or active rail sites, and ensuring compliance with complex safety regulations. The role requires attention to detail and strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with railroad employees and management. Additionally, inspectors must stay updated on evolving federal regulations and adapt to new technologies used in rail operations, making ongoing learning and adaptability essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Railroad Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a FRA Railroad Inspector, you need comprehensive knowledge of railroad operations, safety regulations, and a relevant technical or engineering background, often supported by experience in the rail industry. Familiarity with inspection tools, electronic reporting systems, and industry-specific certification or training is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for evaluating compliance and collaborating with rail operators. These competencies ensure the safe and efficient operation of railroads, protecting public safety and maintaining regulatory standards.
What job categories do people searching Fra Railroad jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Fra Railroad jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Fra Railroad jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Fra Railroad job openings:
Decatur, IL Train Conductor

Decatur, IL Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern

Decatur, IL • On-site

$84K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT values-Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork-which guide how we work, lead, and grow together. If you're ready to be part of a dynamic team and contribute to one of the nation's premier transportation companies, we invite you to explore the conductor role. Conductors are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. This includes building trains by coupling railcars, delivering railcars to customers, transporting trains across long distances, and managing electronic documentation and inspections. You'll be trained to troubleshoot train issues, report incidents, and ensure compliance with safety procedures. No prior railroad experience is required-we provide all the training you need to succeed. What You Should Know * This is a seniority-based job. You'll start out on the extra board, filling in where needed, until you build enough seniority to bid on a regular assignment. * You must be available to work on-call, 24/7, with as little as 90 minutes' notice. * Expect to spend 2-3 days away from home weekly. * You will be required to join a union within 60 days after completing training. Training On the job training lasts about 20 weeks, depending on the complexity of your assigned location, this training can go beyond 20 weeks. Training includes classroom instruction, field training, and on-the-job experience. The first 5 weeks take place at the Norfolk Southern Training Center in McDonough, GA. During this time, the company provides hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement from your hire location. The remaining weeks of training will be completed at your assigned location. To successfully complete the program and earn your promotion and certification, you must pass all classroom, field, and on-the-job requirements. This includes written exams and field evaluations covering physical characteristics, operating rules, safety, hazmat, and signal rules. Job Responsibilities * Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment for safe operation. * Operate remote control locomotives and perform tasks such as coupling, aligning drawbars, applying hand brakes, and riding railcars. * Communicate effectively with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers. * Maintain accurate documentation and comply with all FRA and company safety regulations. * Perform additional duties as assigned. * Additional information about roles and responsibilities are detailed in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZdUABU2g_k Qualifications - Required * 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 any suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of your 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 to undergo a drug or alcohol test related to the operation of 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. Qualifications - Preferred * Experience working outdoors in various weather conditions. * Experience with heavy equipment or in physically demanding roles. * Experience working non-traditional shifts, on call, and/or 12+ hour shifts. Physical and Mental Job Requirements * Ability to lift and carry up to 85 lbs. * Must pass physical standards which may include but are not limited to: * Hang Test *
  • Ability to hang from a rail car ladder with 3 points of contact (2 feet & 1 hand) for 1 minute 15 seconds per side. *
  • Ability to walk up to several miles per shift on uneven terrain. * Ability to meet FRA medical requirements: *
  • Visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together with or without corrective lenses). *
  • Color vision-ability to pass specific FRA color vision tests (lenses used to improve color vision are not permitted). *
  • Hearing-no hearing loss greater than 40B average, at 500, 1000, and 2000 in better ear (can be met with hearing aid). Work Conditions * Work outdoors in all weather conditions. * Irregular schedules, including on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays. * Must be available for call 24/7. * This is a safety-sensitive position requiring constant alertness while working around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines. Compensation and Benefits * Conductor Trainees earn a minimum of $200 per shift during on-the-job training, with overtime at $25/hour. * First-year conductors average $70,000 annually; experienced conductors average $84,000. * Locomotive engineers earn a guaranteed minimum of $94,000, with potential to exceed $100,000. * Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents begins the second calendar month of employment. * After one year: dental, life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility. * Covered under Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes. * Vacation Eligibility: Years of Service Vacation* 1 1 2 2 8 3 17 4 25 5 * must meet qualifying days minimum Company Overview Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a Fortune 300 organization and one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern is a major transporter of industrial products, including chemicals, agriculture, and metals and construction materials. In addition, the railroad operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts. At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress. Nearest Major Market: Decatur