Conductor Trainee - Primary Recall - Birmingham, AL

BNSF Railway • Birmingham, AL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

BNSF Railway is hiring Conductor Trainees for its Transportation Department. Trainees learn to manage train operations, follow safety protocols, and support efficient freight movement across the rail network. The role includes company-paid on-the-job and classroom training for up to 19 weeks, including travel to BNSF’s training center in Overland Park, Kansas. Employees hired at this Primary Recall location have a three-year obligation from their hire date to return to the hiring location if called back to stabilize its workforce.

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position subject to 24/7 on-call availability, nights, weekends, and holidays. Work may be seasonal due to weather or business needs. Frequent travel is required, including the ability to travel to and stay in the designated seniority region for extended periods. Employees must report to the assigned location. The role has a 60-day probationary period after training is completed and the first tour of compensated services is protected. Relocation assistance is not available. Union membership with SMART-TD or BLET is required, and union dues apply.

The work is safety-sensitive and may involve extreme weather, uneven surfaces, loud noise, fumes, and heavy or moving machinery. Employees must follow safety rules and applicable regulations, wear required personal protective equipment, raise concerns, and take appropriate action in emergencies. The role requires lifting and carrying up to 80 pounds, climbing ladders and equipment, working at heights, and performing physical tasks such as bending, walking, standing, and using hand tools.

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old by the listed start date.
• Be able to work now and in the future without BNSF assistance in obtaining, maintaining, or extending employment authorization.
• Be able to report for duty at the designated work location and work safely under the described conditions and schedule.
• Meet the stated travel requirements, including extended stays in the designated seniority region.
• Read, write, and communicate in English, including speaking, hearing, and understanding.
• Lift and carry up to 80 pounds.
• Learn to identify, interpret, and use hand signals at near and far distances and visually judge the speed and distance of moving objects.
• Visually distinguish red, blue, green, yellow, and lunar (clear) lights and see at night; distinguish colors on computer display screens.
• Differentiate verbal and non-verbal sounds, including signals and alarms, and comprehend verbal communication in the work environment.
• Use hands and hand tools for holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
• Climb ladders and get on and off equipment; work at various heights on locomotives, railcars, and other equipment.
• 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.
• Join SMART-TD or BLET and pay union dues as required by the union agreement.
• Complete pre-employment background verification, medical review, and drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Obtain, receive, and act on oral and written information through 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 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 according to federal regulations.
• Monitor track conditions and report issues or problems, as well as 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 services, wellness coaching, second-opinion services, and care network options.
• Life insurance provided at no cost.
• 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 for up to 19 weeks.

What This Job Offers

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