Conductor Trainee - Aberdeen, SD

BNSF Railway • Aberdeen, SD

1d • $70,000 - $82,000 • Onsite

About The Position

BNSF’s Transportation department coordinates train operations, scheduling, and dispatching to move freight safely and efficiently. Conductor trainees learn to manage train operations, follow safety protocols, and contribute to the efficiency of the rail network. The role 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 report promptly to the assigned location.

The job requires frequent travel, including travel to and extended stays in the designated seniority region. Company-paid on-the-job and classroom 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 the hiring location if called back to stabilize its workforce. Relocation assistance is not available, and the position has a 60-day probationary period. Union membership in SMART-TD or BLET is required, with dues per the union agreement.

Work takes place in a safety-sensitive environment and may involve extreme weather, uneven surfaces, loud noise, fumes, and heavy or moving machinery. Employees must follow safety policies and federal and state regulations, participate in safety practices, wear required personal protective equipment, respond to concerns, and take appropriate action in emergencies. Applicants must complete pre-employment background verification, medical review, and drug screening.

Requirements

• Able to work now and in the future without BNSF assistance in obtaining, maintaining, or extending employment authorization.
• At least 18 years old, or will be by the listed start date.
• Ability to report for duty at the designated work location and meet the stated work schedule and travel requirements.
• Ability to work safely in the described conditions.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English, including speaking, hearing, and understanding.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds.
• Ability to learn to identify, interpret, and use hand signals at near and far distances, and visually judge the speed and distance of moving objects.
• Ability to distinguish red, blue, green, yellow, and lunar (clear) light, see at night, and distinguish colors on computer display screens.
• Ability to differentiate verbal and non-verbal sounds, such as signals and alarms, and comprehend verbal communication in the work environment.
• Ability to use hands and hand tools for holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
• Ability to climb and descend ladders and get on and off equipment.
• Ability to work at various heights above ground, including on locomotives, railcars, and other equipment.
• Ability to bend, lift, walk, and stand occasionally with breaks, sit frequently with breaks, and walk or work on uneven surfaces.
• Follow safety policies and procedures and wear required personal protective equipment.
• Meet union membership and dues requirements under the applicable 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; manage hand brakes; connect and disconnect air hoses; and replace broken railcar knuckles.
• Interpret signals for train movement and judge and 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 railcars in accordance with federal regulations.
• Monitor track conditions and report issues, problems, and 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

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus telemedicine, mental health support, wellness coaching, second-opinion services, and access to high-quality care networks.
• Life insurance provided at no cost to employees.
• 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 on-the-job and classroom training.

What This Job Offers

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