Conductor Trainee - Wishram, WA

BNSF Railway•Wishram, WA

5d•$70,000 - $82,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Conductor Trainee is responsible for safely switching railcars and ensuring safe train movement. The role includes communicating and acting on oral and written instructions; operating train equipment and track switches; monitoring and inspecting trains, cars, and track conditions; and reporting work and safety concerns. Employees must follow company and federal safety and health regulations, comply with safety procedures, and wear required protective equipment. This is a full-time position based in Wishram, Washington. Work is subject to 24/7 on-call availability, nights, weekends, and holidays, and employees must work in the posted geographic area and report to their assigned location when notified. Travel is frequent and may require remaining on the designated seniority region for days at a time. The position involves working in extreme weather, on uneven surfaces and around loud noise, fumes, heavy machinery, and moving equipment. BNSF provides company-paid on-the-job and classroom training for up to 19 weeks, which may include travel to its Training Center in Overland Park, Kansas. The position has a 60-day probationary period and is represented by SMART-TD or BLET, with dues required under the union agreement. Relocation assistance is not available. A three-year return obligation applies to this Primary Recall location if employees are called back to stabilize the workforce.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old, or turn 18 by the listed start date.
Be able to report for duty at the designated work location and work safely in the stated conditions and hours.
Meet the stated travel requirements, including frequent travel and remaining on the designated seniority region for days at a time.
Be able to read, write, and communicate in English, including speaking, hearing, and understanding.
Be able to lift and carry up to 80 pounds.
Be able to see, learn, and interpret hand signals from near and far; distinguish red, blue, green, yellow, and lunar (clear) lights; judge the speed and distance of moving objects; and see at night.
Be able to distinguish verbal and non-verbal sounds, including signals and alarms, in the work environment.
Be able to distinguish colors on computer display screens.
Be able to use hands and hand tools for holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
Be able to climb ladders and get on and off equipment, and work at heights above the ground on locomotives, railcars, and other equipment.
Be able to bend, lift, walk, and stand occasionally with breaks, and sit frequently with breaks.
Complete required pre-employment background verification, medical review, and drug screening.
For positions requiring unescorted access to secure port facility areas, obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and submit to the required TSA security assessment.

Responsibilities

Safely switch railcars and support safe train movement.
Obtain and receive information, act on oral or written instructions through communication devices, and monitor and report daily work.
Climb on and off equipment; set and release hand brakes; couple and uncouple air hoses; remove and replace broken railcar knuckles; and ride moving cars while holding grab irons or ladders.
Observe, interpret, and relay hand, lantern, and other signals for train movement.
Judge and control the speed and clearance distance of cars.
Operate track switches and derails to change train routing within yards or on the road, and check switch points for proper alignment.
Switch and spot cars and determine train make-up.
Observe and monitor track conditions, including broken rails, defective switches, and weather-related problems.
Inspect cars in accordance with federal regulations.
Observe and report conditions of passing trains.
Follow safety policies and procedures, respond to safety concerns, take appropriate action in emergencies, and wear required personal protective equipment.