Railroad Conductor Trainee

Be part of a team that values safety, inclusion, and excellence. S. railroads transporting the nation’s freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. As a member of our team, you will play a role in supporting the movement of essential products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world.

Embark on a fulfilling career at BNSF Railway where joining the Transportation Department means ensuring efficient and safe freight movement through advanced technology, real‑time data coordination, and rigorous safety protocols. Conductor Trainees are integral to this team, learning to manage train operations, ensure compliance with safety protocols, and contribute to the overall efficiency and sustainability of the rail network.

This is a full‑time (40 hours/week) position, subject to on‑call (24/7), nights, weekends, and holidays. Work may be seasonal due to weather or business, requiring availability in the posted geographic area and timely reporting to the assigned location.

Frequent travel is required, with the ability to travel to and stay in the designated seniority region for extended periods of time.

Training for this position is company‑paid on‑the‑job and classroom training for up to 19 weeks and will include travel to BNSF’s training center in Overland Park, KS.

Communication responsibilities include obtaining, receiving, and acting on information (oral and written) through various devices, monitoring and reporting daily work, climbing on/off equipment, managing hand brakes, connecting/disconnecting air hoses, replacing broken railcar knuckles, interpreting signals for train movement, and judging/control speed and clearance distances.

Train and equipment inspections including switching and spotting cars, determining train make‑up, and inspecting cars per federal regulations. Monitoring track conditions for any issues/problems and reporting on passing train conditions.

Daily work is conducted in a safety‑sensitive environment where working conditions can include diverse and extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet), walking and performing work on uneven surfaces, working around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery.

Our employees engage in safety conversations, through an approaching others mindset to help us achieve our tremendous potential. Employees must adhere to safety rules, policies, as well as federal and state regulations, including wearing personal protective equipment, responding to concerns, and taking appropriate action in emergencies.

Relocation assistance is not available. There is a 60‑day probationary period upon completion of training and protecting the first tour of compensated services.

Able to work now and in the future without BNSF’s assistance (whether monetary, through sponsorship, or otherwise) in obtaining, maintaining, or extending employment authorization (including H-1B, STEM OPT/CPT, or TN nonimmigrant status).

Able to work the above shift/hours.

Able to meet the above travel requirements.

Ability to read, write and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English.

Ability to visually distinguish colors - red, blue, green, yellow and lunar (clear light) and am able to see at night.

Ability to visually distinguish and differentiate colors on computer display screens.

Ability to climb ladders and get on/off equipment.

Ability to work at various heights above the ground including on locomotives, railcars and other equipment.

Follow safety policies and procedures; wear required personal protective equipment.

Union

Membership is with the SMART‑TD or BLET and union dues are required per union agreement.

A range of health care options for you and your dependents including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, wellness coaching, 2nd opinion services, and high‑quality care network options. You will also have life insurance, provided at no cost to you.

A Railroad Retirement program and competitive 401(k) plan to help you meet your retirement goals.

Family benefits including parental and pediatric support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and spending accounts.

Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships and more!

Benefits vary by union collective bargaining agreement.

Please be aware of potential fraud that can occur when searching for new career opportunities. All positions require pre‑employment background verification, medical review, and pre‑employment drug screen. BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, must obtain a TWIC. BNSF Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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