What are the responsibilities and job description for the SUMMER 2025 position at Norfolk Southern Corp?
Locations: Cincinnati, OH & Roanoke, VA
Job Summary:
Join Norfolk Southern, one of the nation’s premier transportation companies, as a Transportation Operations Intern. This hands-on, immersive program is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of railroad operations, logistics, and the critical role transportation plays in keeping the economy moving.
As an intern, you will work alongside experienced transportation professionals, gaining exposure to terminal operations, yard management, and train movement coordination. You will contribute to projects that drive operational efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction while developing leadership and problem-solving skills essential for a future in transportation management.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with terminal managers and yardmasters to support day-to-day operations and ensure safe, efficient train movements.
- Analyze operational data to identify opportunities for process improvements in yard and crew utilization.
- Assist in developing and implementing strategies to meet customer delivery schedules and optimize service performance.
- Collaborate with other departments such as Mechanical, Engineering, and Marketing to problem solve and ensure we reach our common goal of safe and reliable service to our customers.
- Participate in safety audits, compliance checks, and employee engagement initiatives to support a culture of safety and accountability.
- Shadow transportation supervisors and trainmasters to understand the complexities of rail operations and decision-making processes.
- Contribute to special projects focused on improving transportation logistics, service reliability, and cost efficiency.
Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing a degree in Transportation, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Willingness to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and adapt to changing priorities.
- Interest in railroad operations and a desire to learn about the transportation industry.
- Availability to work full-time for the duration of the internship (typically 10–12 weeks).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior internship or coursework in logistics, transportation, or operations management.
- Familiarity with data analysis tools and basic knowledge of transportation technology.
What We Offer:
- A paid internship with competitive compensation
- Exposure to real-world railroad operations and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to a Fortune 500 company.
- Professional development, networking opportunities, and mentorship from industry leaders.
- Potential consideration for full-time employment in Norfolk Southern’s Transportation Department upon graduation.
Work Environment:
This internship involves both office and fieldwork. Interns should be prepared to work in outdoor environments, including rail yards and terminals, with exposure to varying weather conditions and industrial settings.
Company Overview
Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country’s population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes.
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.
