Conductor Trainee - Tacoma, WA

BNSF Railway • Tacoma, WA

1d • $70,000 - $82,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for safely switching railcars and safe train movement. Team BNSF includes professionals focused on safety and service that play a vital role in delivering the nation's freight. Together, we help move goods and materials that sustain life and support local, national and global economies. Our rail network is one of the largest freight railroads, spanning 28 western states and serving three Canadian provinces. At BNSF, our Vision and Values drive who we are, not only in our words, but also our actions. BNSF is committed to our foundational values of equality and inclusion. As members of the BNSF community, our employees are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect, have equal access to tools, resources, training and development opportunities, and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. We model the way through our leadership, our BNSF Diversity Councils, our eclectic Business Resource Groups, our deep involvement and investment in the communities we serve and through training programs. Our actions create an inclusive, open and collaborative workplace that encourages diverse perspectives in all interactions. NOTE: This posting is for a "Primary Recall" location. Employees hired at a “Primary-Recall” location have a three-year obligation (from date of hire) to return to their hiring location if called back to stabilize the location’s workforce. At BNSF, Safety is a core value of how we do business. Each and every day, our employees are committed to approach one another about safety, which is key in realizing our vision. Employees are also expected to comply with company and federal safety & health regulations, safety rules & policies, as well as procedures that guide work practices to reduce risk to exposure. Such work practices include but are not limited to wearing required safety equipment, responding to safety concerns, and taking appropriate actions in the event of an emergency.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age, or will be by the start date listed above.
• Ability to report for duty at the designated work location.
• Able to work safely in extreme all-weather conditions, walk and perform work on uneven surfaces, in a safety sensitive work environment with loud noise and fumes, and on and around heavy and moving machinery.
• Able to work full-time (40 hrs/wk), be on-call (24/7), and work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Able to travel frequently and to and remain on designated seniority region for days at a time.
• Ability to read, write and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds.
• Ability to see, learn, and interpret hand signals from near and far; visually distinguish colors - red, blue, green, yellow and lunar (clear light); visually judge speed and distance of moving objects; see at night.
• Ability to discriminate and differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) in the work environment.
• Ability to visually distinguish and differentiate colors on computer display screens.
• Ability to use hands and use hand tools to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning and pulling.
• Ability to climb ladders and get on/off equipment.
• Ability to work at various heights above the ground including on locomotives, railcars and other equipment.
• Ability to bend, lift, walk and stand occasionally with breaks.
• Ability to sit frequently with breaks.
• Follow safety policies and procedures; wear required personal protective equipment.
• Pre-employment background verification.
• Medical review.
• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

Nice To Haves

• Employees hired at a “Primary-Recall” location have a three-year obligation (from date of hire) to return to their hiring location if called back to stabilize the location’s workforce.

Responsibilities

• Safely switching railcars and safe train movement.
• Obtain and receive information and act on oral or written instructions by various communication devices.
• Monitor and report daily work.
• Climb on/off equipment, set/release hand brakes, couple/uncouple air hoses, remove/replace broken railcar knuckle, ride moving cars by holding onto grab irons or ladders.
• Observe, interpret and relay hand, lantern, and other signals for train movement.
• Judge and control speed and clearance distance of cars.
• Operate track switches and derails to change train routing within yards or on road.
• Check switch points for proper alignment.
• Switch, spot cars and determine train make-up.
• Observe and monitor track conditions (e.g. broken rails, defective switches, weather-related problems).
• Inspect cars per federal regulations.
• Observe and report on passing train conditions.

Benefits

• Company-paid on-the-job and classroom training for up to 19 weeks and may include travel to BNSF's Training Center in Overland Park, KS.
• Relocation assistance is not available.
• BNSF Employees receive a competitive benefit package.

What This Job Offers

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