Conductor Trainee - Tacoma, WA

BNSF Railway•Tacoma, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Conductor Trainee is responsible for safely switching railcars and ensuring safe train movement. The role involves communicating and following instructions, operating track switches and derails, inspecting trains and equipment, and monitoring track and passing-train conditions. Work takes place in a safety-sensitive railroad environment and includes heavy physical activity, exposure to changing weather, noise, fumes, and moving machinery. Employees must work on call as needed, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and travel frequently within the designated seniority region, sometimes remaining there for days at a time. The position includes up to 19 weeks of company-paid on-the-job and classroom training, which may involve travel to BNSF’s Training Center in Overland Park, Kansas. The role is based in Tacoma, Washington, and is a Primary Recall location with a three-year obligation to return to the hiring location if called back to stabilize its workforce.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old, or turn 18 by the anticipated start date.
Be able to report for duty at the designated work location and work in the stated conditions, shifts, hours, and travel requirements.
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 at near and far distances; distinguish red, blue, green, yellow, and lunar (clear) lights; judge speed and distance of moving objects; and see at night.
Be able to discriminate between verbal and non-verbal sounds, including signals and alarms.
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, get on and off equipment, and work at heights above the ground, including on locomotives, railcars, and other equipment.
Be able to bend, lift, walk, and stand occasionally with breaks, and sit frequently with breaks.
Comply with company and federal safety and health regulations, rules, policies, and procedures, including the use of required safety equipment.
Complete required pre-employment background verification, medical review, and drug screening.
Undergo the required pre-employment hair drug test.
Pay SMART-TD or BLET dues as required by the union agreement.
For a Primary Recall location, have a three-year obligation from hire date to return to the hiring location if called back to stabilize its workforce.

Responsibilities

Obtain and receive information and act on oral or written instructions through various communication devices.
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.
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 according to federal regulations.
Observe and report conditions on passing trains.
Follow safety policies and procedures, wear required personal protective equipment, and take appropriate action in response to safety concerns or emergencies.