NORFOLK, Va., May 10, 2012  /PRNewswire/ -- Norfolk Southern has been recognized for its commitment to hiring veterans by CivilianJobs.com, an organization that helps job seekers with military experience identify the top employers for careers in the private sector. CivilianJobs.com recently named NS to its 2012 list of Most Valuable Employers for Military ® .

"Norfolk Southern's commitment to hiring veterans is stronger than ever," said NS Vice President of Human Resources Cindy Earhart, who reports that the company has pledged to hire 300 service men and women this year as part of the White House's Joining Forces initiative to help veterans and their families find employment. Over the past six years, NS has hired more than 1,300 veterans, and today, about 14 percent of the total NS workforce -- nearly 4,260 employees -- are veterans or members of the National Guard or Reserves.

"Norfolk Southern currently is seeking applicants to fill 1,900 positions in railroad operations and management by the end of 2012," Earhart said. "We provide job stability, paid training, excellent pay and benefits, and opportunities for rewarding careers in an exciting industry."

The number of companies recognized as Most Valuable Employers for Military increases each year, said Sandra Morris, CEO, Bradley-Morris Inc., parent company of CivilianJobs.com. "This trend, where more employers are focusing their resources on the hiring and retaining of military, is one to celebrate," she said. "I congratulate each of these companies on their recognition."

As part of Norfolk Southern's recruiting efforts, the company recently launched NorfolkSouthern-veterans.jobs , which allows veterans to search for railroad employment opportunities using their military job titles. NS also attends job fairs on military bases and at the federal government's Transition Assistance Program classes. During job fairs, service members preparing to leave the military can register with NS indicating their separation date and desired work locations, and recruiters will contact them in advance of the date with current job opportunities. NS also provides training and programs to help transition veterans with management experience into supervisory roles.

The Most Valuable Employers for Military recognition is open to all U.S.-based companies. The 45 winners were selected based on surveys in which employers outlined their 2012 recruiting, training, and retention plans that best serve military service members and veterans. Award recipients are recognized on the CivilianJobs.com website as well as in the May issue of Civilian Job News, CivilianJobs.com's worldwide military-base newspaper.

Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 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 operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

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SOURCE Norfolk Southern Corporation