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Railroad Conductor Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Keolis America

ACE - Assistant Conductor

Manassas, VA

... rail equipment. Assist the Conductor in submission of various reports to record movement delays, unusual occurrences, passenger inconveniences, and mechanical defects. Comply with all operational and ...

All JobsRailroad Conductor JobsRailroad Conductor Jobs in Springfield, VA

Railroad Conductor information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$13

$25

$34

How much do railroad conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad conductor in Springfield, VA is $25.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $29.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to get hired as a railroad conductor?

Getting hired as a railroad conductor can be competitive and typically requires relevant experience, a clean background check, and passing a physical exam. Employers often look for strong communication skills, safety awareness, and the ability to work irregular hours in a team environment.

Is being a railroad conductor worth it?

Railroad conductors play a key role in coordinating train operations, ensuring safety, and managing crew communication. The job often requires working irregular hours, including nights and weekends, and involves safety training and certifications. Compensation varies by experience and location but can offer stable employment with benefits.

What does a railroad conductor do?

As a railroad conductor, your job is to direct train and passenger activities, coordinate vehicle movement, and ensure everything runs on schedule. You may need to lead passengers on and off the train, ensure all freight is attached, oversee the loading and unloading of baggage, and handle any special cargo needs. Railroad conductors often work closely with yardmasters to ensure the entire train network continues to function safely and to oversee the jobs of the rest of the crew. Railroad conductors should not be confused with locomotive engineers, who operate the train under the conductor's guidance. Railroad conductors must be able to work irregular hours as well as on nights, holidays, and weekends.

What qualifications do you need for a railroad conductor?

Railroad conductors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training provided by the employer. They must have good communication skills, the ability to work in a team, and often need to pass background checks and drug tests; some positions may require certification or licensing depending on the region.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railroad conductor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Railroad Conductor, you need knowledge of train operations, safety regulations, and communication protocols, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with handheld communication devices, train control systems, and safety equipment is essential for daily responsibilities. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help conductors manage schedules and respond to emergencies. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and timely train operations.

What is a railroad conductor?

Railroad conductors are responsible for overseeing train operations, managing crew members, and ensuring the safe and timely transport of passengers or freight. They coordinate train movements, communicate with engineers and dispatchers, and check tickets or cargo documentation. Conductors also handle emergencies, enforce safety protocols, and may assist with loading and unloading cargo or passengers. Their role is vital to the smooth and secure operation of trains.

What is the difference between Railroad Conductor vs Train Engineer?

AspectRailroad ConductorTrain Engineer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, certificationsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications
Work EnvironmentOnboard trains, switching yards, stationsLocomotive cab, train yard, tracks
Employer & IndustryRailroads, freight and passenger servicesRailroads, freight and passenger services
Primary ResponsibilitiesManaging train operations, safety, customer serviceOperating the locomotive, controlling speed and movement

While both Railroad Conductors and Train Engineers work in the rail industry, Conductors focus on managing train operations and safety onboard, whereas Train Engineers operate the locomotive itself. Both roles require safety certifications and industry experience, but their daily tasks differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by railroad conductors during their shifts?

Railroad conductors often encounter challenges such as managing tight schedules, coordinating with multiple crew members, and ensuring compliance with strict safety regulations. They must stay alert to changing track conditions, communicate effectively with engineers and dispatchers, and handle unexpected delays or emergencies. Adaptability, strong organizational skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring safe, efficient train operations.
More about Railroad Conductor jobs
What job categories do people searching Railroad Conductor jobs in Springfield, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Railroad Conductor jobs in Springfield, VA are:
What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Railroad Conductor jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Railroad Conductor job openings:
Railroad Conductor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Conductor job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,939 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Freight Conductor - Clifton Forge, VA

CSX Corporation

Clifton, VA • On-site

$2.9K/wk

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

CSX rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

168th of 360 rated logistics

Job description


Please read entire posting before applying to this position.
A Freight Conductor's primary responsibility is to safely coordinate train crews on a freight train, place rail cars to facilitate loading and unloading, and makeup/breakdown trains in a rail yard, customer facility or similar locations. To know more of what a day-in-the-life looks like for a conductor, please click to see a video here.
New hire conductors will be eligible to receive retention bonuses upon completion of their first and second year of service from date of promotion/qualification. The minimum amount to expect is $3000 after 1 year, and $2000 after year 2, but may be greater based on work location and is subject to the terms of the applicable direct hire agreement.
Note: You must pass a drug test (hair follicle and urine), medical exam, and background check to be hired into this role.
Must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of posted location. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.
Depending in the business need, you may be placed in a pipeline during the hiring process. If you are selected for the position, more information about the pipeline possibility will be discussed.
Responsibilities
Primary Activities and Responsibilities
  • Ensure compliance with all railroad and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, railroad signals, and train orders
  • Be able to safely perform all job responsibilities
  • Inspect all equipment on cars prior to departures
  • Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone
  • Read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists
  • Assist with the coupling and uncoupling of cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses
  • Work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars; delivers excellent customer service by identifying customer needs and meeting or exceeding expectations
  • Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety
  • Operate locomotive equipment using remote control device
  • Comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems
  • Review instructions from yardmasters, dispatchers, and other transportation employees, and discuss with locomotive engineer
  • Miscellaneous activities and responsibilities as assigned by manager

CSRA
  • Projected first year earnings: $97,185

  • Training rate while in Atlanta: $2,457.56 bi-weekly

  • On-the-job (OJT) training Rate: $2,949.06 bi-weekly

  • After OJT, guaranteed extra-board pay of $2,430.52 bi-weekly

  • The average earnings for new hire conductors in 2023 was $97,185 but could potentially be more with overtime opportunities.

CSRA Bonus:
  • 1st year - $3,000 deferred to 401K

  • 2nd year - $2,000 deferred to 401K

Training
You are expected to attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center (ATC) in Atlanta, GA. Training includes a combination of classroom and computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies. New hires must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests to remain in training. Failure to maintain the 85% average will result in new hires being released from the program, and their offer will be rescinded. CSX will provide a hotel room for the entire four weeks. New hires will receive a $20 per day meal allowance starting the first day of training. The REDI Cafe operated by Sodexo provides lunch options at a standardized cost of $7 plus tax on class days. Roundtrip mileage will be reimbursed at the IRS rate between the hiring location and Atlanta, as well as mileage between the training center and hotel. On-the-job training begins immediately following the successful completion of training at the ATC.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • 18 years of age or older
  • One year of related experience
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Ability to read and comprehend all instructions including operating rules, bulletins, regulatory documents and other written communications
  • Proficient verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • One or more years of outside work experience, e.g. construction, heavy equipment operations, farming, etc. (can be professional, personal, or volunteer experience)
  • Experience working in a safety sensitive environment
  • Valid Driver's License

Job Requirements
  • Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
  • Must wear CSX approved protective equipment such as high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection
  • Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work
  • Work hours are based on seniority, new hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Must be able to safely report to work within two hours of being notified to report
  • May be required to travel and be away from home terminal for 24 hours or longer
  • Work outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations
  • Federal regulations require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol
  • Must pass all required assessments
  • Strict disciplinary policy regarding inability to report to work within proper time limit
  • Advance to engineer position when required, based on seniority
  • This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement and membership is required
  • Cover outlying locations based on seniority
  • Information about benefits can be found here

Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to mount and dismount moving equipment
  • Stoop/bend/kneel/crouch/crawl/balance/climb
  • Work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places
  • Ride on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods of time
  • Walk long distances over uneven terrain for extended periods of time during shifts
  • Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection
  • Must meet color vision and hearing requirements as described in FRA Regulations
  • Frequent lifting up to 80 pounds

Basic Competencies
  • Verbal comprehension (Understand oral and written communications)
  • Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions)
  • Reasoning skills (problem solving and troubleshooting skills)

About Us
CSX is passionate about building a workforce that reflects the values and behaviors of ONE CSX. We are nationally recognized for our commitment to diversity and engagement, as well as our support for veterans and reservists.
CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For nearly 200 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 230 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Connect with us on Facebook X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube
Closing Statement
At CSX, two of our six Guiding Principles are Valuing and Developing Employees as well as Operating Safely. We are committed to offering our team members the most competitive compensation and benefits package available, unlimited opportunities for development and growth throughout an exciting and rewarding career, and the safest work environment possible.
CSX is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Click here to view the EEO is Law poster.
CSX Transportation and its subsidiaries are not seeking outside assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or search firms for employment or contractor opportunities. Any resumes submitted by an outside vendor to any employee at CSX via e-mail, Internet, or directly to hiring managers without a valid written search agreement in place with the Talent Acquisition / HR department will be deemed the sole property of CSX. No placement fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired as a result of the referral, or through other means.

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