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Progressive Rail Jobs in Rochester, IN (NOW HIRING)

Progressive Rail information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railroad operations professional at Progressive Rail, and why are they important?

To thrive as a railroad operations professional at Progressive Rail, you need a solid understanding of rail transport procedures, safety regulations, and equipment operation, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Familiarity with train control systems, dispatch software, and safety compliance certifications such as FRA regulations is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication are essential soft skills for coordinating schedules and ensuring safe, efficient operations. These competencies are critical to maintaining operational safety, minimizing delays, and ensuring regulatory compliance in a demanding transportation environment.

What is the highest paying railroad job?

The highest paying railroad jobs are typically management positions such as railroad executives, operations managers, or safety directors, which can earn six-figure salaries. Skilled technical roles like locomotive engineers and signal maintainers also earn high wages, especially with experience and certifications. These roles often require specialized training, certifications, and experience in the industry.

How much does Progressive Rail pay?

The pay for positions at Progressive Rail varies depending on the role, experience, and location. Entry-level positions such as track laborers or maintenance workers typically start around minimum wage, while more skilled roles like engineers or conductors can earn higher salaries, often ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Compensation may also include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What is Progressive Rail?

Progressive Rail is a short line railroad company that operates freight rail services in several regions across the United States. They specialize in providing flexible, customer-focused rail transportation solutions, often connecting local industries to the larger national rail network. Progressive Rail is known for its personalized service and ability to tailor logistics solutions for businesses of all sizes, helping to move goods efficiently and cost-effectively. The company also offers warehousing, transloading, and other logistics services to support their customers’ supply chains.

What is the difference between Progressive Rail vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectProgressive RailSignal Maintainer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in signal systems
Work EnvironmentRail yards, tracks, maintenance facilitiesRail yards, trackside, electrical rooms
Employer & Industry UsageRailroad companies, freight and passenger railRailroad companies, transit agencies
Common Search & ComparisonProgressive Rail vs Signal Maintainer

Progressive Rail and Signal Maintainer roles both operate within the railroad industry, often sharing similar credentials and work environments. However, Signal Maintainers specifically focus on installing, maintaining, and repairing signal systems essential for train safety and operations. Progressive Rail roles may encompass broader maintenance tasks, including track and equipment upkeep. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right career path within the rail industry.

Is it hard to get hired on the railroad?

Getting hired as a railroad worker can be competitive and often requires meeting physical requirements, passing background checks, and sometimes obtaining certifications such as safety training or operating licenses. Experience with machinery, good communication skills, and a willingness to work irregular hours can improve chances of employment in the industry.

Is Progress Rail a good company to work for?

Progress Rail is a well-established company in the rail industry, offering roles such as manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering. Employees generally cite competitive pay, benefits, and a focus on safety, though experiences can vary by location and position.

What are some typical challenges faced by employees working at Progressive Rail, and how can they be managed effectively?

Employees at Progressive Rail often encounter challenges such as adapting to variable work schedules, working outdoors in different weather conditions, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Effective communication and teamwork are essential to manage these challenges, as rail operations require close coordination between crew members and other departments. Ongoing training and a strong safety culture help employees stay prepared and confident in handling unexpected situations. Embracing flexibility and maintaining a proactive approach to problem-solving can make day-to-day responsibilities more manageable and rewarding.
What cities near Rochester, IN are hiring for Progressive Rail jobs? Cities near Rochester, IN with the most Progressive Rail job openings:
Infographic showing various Progressive Rail job openings in Rochester, IN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Peru, IN Train Conductor

Peru, IN Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern Corp.

Peru, IN • On-site

$84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


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://vimeo.com/reviews/e66af4a7-0a87-4a01-91d4-55810ce8a147/videos/1199770035

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 $240 per shift during on-the-job training, with overtime at $30/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 / Weeks of Vacation *
  • 1 year - 1 week.
  • 2 years - 2 weeks.
  • 8 years - 3 weeks.
  • 17 years - 4 weeks.
  • 25 years - 5 weeks.

*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.