Conductor Trainee - Primary Recall - Springfield, MO

BNSF Railway • Springfield, MO

4d • $70,000 - $82,000 • Onsite

About The Position

BNSF Railway is hiring Conductor Trainees for its Transportation Department in Springfield, Missouri. The role supports the safe and efficient movement of freight. Trainees learn train operations, safety requirements, and procedures that contribute to the operation of the rail network. 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 full-time, 40-hour-per-week position subject to 24/7 on-call availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Work may be seasonal based on weather or business needs. Employees must be available in the posted geographic area, report promptly to the assigned location, and travel frequently, including staying for extended periods in the designated seniority region. This is a Primary Recall location: employees hired here have a three-year obligation from their hire date to return to the hiring location if called back to stabilize its workforce.

The work is safety-sensitive and may take place in extreme weather, on uneven surfaces, and around loud noise, fumes, and heavy or moving machinery. A 60-day probationary period applies after training and protection of the first tour of compensated services. Relocation assistance is not available. The position is represented by SMART-TD or BLET, and union dues are required under the applicable union agreement. The entry rate is approximately $259.65 per day, with an average annual salary of $70,000–$82,000. The anticipated start date is March 1, 2027; eight positions are listed.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age by the listed start date.
• Able to work now and in the future without BNSF assistance to obtain, maintain, or extend employment authorization.
• Ability to report for duty at the designated work location and meet the stated schedule, travel requirements, and working 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) lights and see at night, and to distinguish colors on computer display screens.
• Ability to differentiate between 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 ladders, get on and off equipment, and work at heights on locomotives, railcars, and other equipment.
• Ability to 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.
• Meet pre-employment background verification, medical review, and drug-screen requirements.
• Union membership in SMART-TD or BLET is required, with dues under the applicable union agreement.

Responsibilities

• Obtain, receive, and act on oral and written information through various devices; 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 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 and report issues, and observe and report on passing train conditions.
• Follow safety rules, policies, and federal and state regulations; wear required personal protective equipment, address safety concerns, and take appropriate action in emergencies.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus telemedicine, mental health services, 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.
• 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