Conductor Trainee- Galesburg, IL

BNSF Railway • Galesburg, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

BNSF is hiring Conductor Trainees for its Transportation department in Galesburg, Illinois. The department coordinates train operations, scheduling, and dispatching to move freight safely and efficiently. Trainees learn to manage train operations, follow safety protocols, and contribute to the efficiency of the rail network.

This is a full-time position requiring at least 40 hours per week. It is subject to 24/7 on-call availability, nights, weekends, and holidays. Work may be seasonal due to weather or business needs. Frequent travel is required, including extended stays in the designated seniority region. Company-paid classroom and on-the-job training lasts up to 19 weeks and includes travel to BNSF’s training center in Overland Park, Kansas.

This is a Primary Recall location. Employees hired at a Primary Recall location have a three-year obligation from their hire date to return to that location if called back to stabilize its workforce. Relocation assistance is not available, and the position has a 60-day probationary period. The entry rate is approximately $250.26 per day, with an average annual salary of $70,000–$82,000. Ten positions are listed, with an anticipated start date of August 3, 2026.

The work is safety-sensitive and may take place in extreme weather, on uneven surfaces, and around loud noises, fumes, and heavy or moving machinery. Employees must comply with safety policies, federal and state regulations, and personal protective equipment requirements. Union membership in SMART-TD or BLET is required, with dues payable under the union agreement. Seniority district transfer eligibility varies by location and may require up to three years of employment and Director approval.

BNSF offers a benefits package that includes health care options, life insurance, Railroad Retirement, a 401(k) plan, family support benefits, reimbursement for adoption and surrogacy, spending accounts, and discounts. Benefits vary by union collective bargaining agreement. Pre-employment background verification, medical review, and drug screening are required.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old by the listed start date.
• Be able to work in the United States now and in the future without BNSF assistance in obtaining, maintaining, or extending employment authorization.
• Be able to report for duty at the designated work location and work safely under the described conditions and hours.
• Meet the travel requirements, including extended stays in the designated seniority region.
• Read, write, and communicate in English, including speaking, hearing, and understanding.
• Lift and carry up to 80 pounds.
• Learn to identify, interpret, and use hand signals at near and far distances and visually judge the speed and distance of moving objects.
• Visually distinguish red, blue, green, yellow, and lunar (clear) lights; see at night; and distinguish colors on computer display screens.
• Differentiate verbal and non-verbal sounds, including signals and alarms, and comprehend verbal communication in the work environment.
• Use hands and hand tools for holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
• Climb and descend ladders and get on and off equipment; work at various heights on locomotives, railcars, and other equipment.
• Bend, lift, walk, and stand occasionally with breaks; walk and work on uneven surfaces; and sit frequently with breaks.
• Follow safety policies and procedures and wear required personal protective equipment.
• Become a member of SMART-TD or BLET and pay union dues as required by the union agreement.

Responsibilities

• Obtain, receive, and act on oral and written information using various devices, and monitor and report daily work.
• Climb on and off equipment; operate hand brakes; connect and disconnect air hoses; and replace broken railcar knuckles.
• Interpret signals for train movement and judge or control speed and clearance distances.
• Operate track switches and derails to change train routing, and check switch points for proper alignment.
• Switch and spot cars, determine train make-up, and inspect cars in accordance with federal regulations.
• Monitor track conditions, identify issues, and report conditions observed on passing trains.
• Follow safety rules, policies, and applicable federal and state regulations; wear required personal protective equipment and respond appropriately to safety concerns and emergencies.

Benefits

• Health care options, including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, wellness coaching, second-opinion services, and care network options.
• Life insurance provided at no cost.
• Railroad Retirement program and a 401(k) plan.
• Family benefits, including parental and pediatric support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and spending accounts.
• Discounts on travel, gym memberships, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed