Rail Train Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Train Conductor Job Description 

Retention Bonus Details:

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://next.frame.io/share/ee753722-c41b-45c7-b14c-8a77fff0cbcc/view/d60b2ce8-7039-4ff7-8015-a6f76356e46c 

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. 

• $5,000.00 Retention Bonus (Effective 7/1/2026) 

• • $1,000 (upon completion of on-the-job training) 

• • $1,500 (6 months after completion of on-the-job training) 

• • $2,500 (12 months after completion of on-the-job training)  

Vacation Eligibility 

Years of Service / Weeks of Vacation *  

• Two (2) or more years - 2 Weeks 

• Six (6) or more years - 3 Weeks 

• Fifteen (15) or more years - 4 Weeks 

• Twenty-three (23) - 5 Weeks