Conductor Trainee - Sioux Falls, SD Area Candidates Encouraged

BNSF Railway • Sioux City, IA

3d • $70,000 - $82,000

About The Position

BNSF is hiring Conductor Trainees for its Transportation department, which 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 rail network’s efficiency. The job location is Sioux City, Iowa; candidates residing in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area are encouraged to apply. The position is full-time, at least 40 hours per week, and subject to 24/7 on-call availability, nights, weekends, and holidays. Work may be seasonal due to weather or business needs, and employees must be available in the posted geographic area and able to report promptly to the assigned location. 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 there have a three-year obligation from their hire date to return to that location if recalled to stabilize its workforce. Relocation assistance is not available, and the position has a 60-day probationary period. The role is safety-sensitive and involves working in varied and extreme weather, on uneven surfaces, and around loud noises, fumes, and heavy or moving machinery. Employees must follow applicable safety rules and regulations, use required personal protective equipment, and respond appropriately to safety concerns and emergencies. Union membership in SMART-TD or BLET is required, with dues payable under the union agreement.

Requirements

• Be able to work now and in the future without BNSF assistance to obtain, maintain, or extend employment authorization.
• Be at least 18 years old by the listed start date.
• Be able to report for duty at the designated work location.
• Be able to work safely in the described working conditions and work the required hours and shifts.
• Meet the stated 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 varying heights above ground, including 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.
• Join SMART-TD or BLET and pay union dues as required by the union agreement.

Responsibilities

• Obtain, receive, and act on oral and written information through 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 train movement signals and judge or control speed and clearance distances.
• Operate track switches and derails to change train routing, and check that switch points are properly aligned.
• Switch and spot cars, determine train make-up, and inspect railcars in accordance with federal regulations.
• Monitor track conditions and report issues, problems, and passing-train conditions.
• Follow safety rules, policies, and applicable federal and state regulations; wear required personal protective equipment and take appropriate action in emergencies.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus telemedicine, mental health services, wellness coaching, second-opinion services, and high-quality care network options.
• Life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
• Railroad Retirement program and a competitive 401(k) plan.
• Family benefits, including parental and pediatric support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and spending accounts.
• Discounts on travel, gym memberships, and other offerings.
• Company-paid classroom and on-the-job training for up to 19 weeks.

What This Job Offers

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