Overview

As a transportation trainee, you will learn railroad operations in preparation to supervise conductors and locomotive engineers at a rail terminal or a road territory.  You will also spend time in rail towers, dispatch centers and riding trains.  You will learn how we move our customers’ freight and ultimately become responsible for the safe and efficient operations of freight trains through the system.  Interested candidates must be willing to relocate across our 22 state operating territory, work on call, and travel.

What We Look For in a Candidate

An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university is required.  While we will consider any undergraduate degree holders, candidates with degrees such as transportation, logistics, supply chain management, business administration, operations management and industrial engineering are especially suited as transportation managers with Norfolk Southern. 

The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, quick-paced environment and should have skills in problem solving, communication and leadership.  The ability to work under pressure, stress, time and safety constraints is a key characteristic of our best employees

Trainees will be assigned to one of 11 field division headquarters locations for their initial assignment in the management trainee program.  After completion of the program, trainees are generally relocated for their first supervisory position.  Candidates must be willing to relocate several times throughout their career to be successful in this type of work

After Training

Your first supervisory assignment after training will be as supervisor in a terminal or on a road territory.  You will learn the responsibility of these programs during the training program.  Individuals interested in this type of challenging and demanding work environment must also be willing to relocate anywhere on the Norfolk Southern system as the need arises.  Promotions usually entail a move to a new territory with more responsibility – more trains, more customers, and more supervisory responsibilities.