Conductor Trainee - Havre, MT

BNSF Railway•Havre, MT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

BNSF Railway is one of the largest U.S. railroads, transporting the nation’s freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. The company is committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong, and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. As a Conductor Trainee in the Transportation Department, you will be integral to ensuring efficient and safe freight movement through advanced technology, real-time data coordination, and rigorous safety protocols. This role involves learning to manage train operations, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and contributing to the overall efficiency and sustainability of the rail network. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position, subject to on-call (24/7), nights, weekends, and holidays. Work may be seasonal due to weather or business, requiring availability in the posted geographic area and timely reporting to the assigned location. Frequent travel is required, with the ability to travel to and stay in the designated seniority region for extended periods of time. Training for this position is company-paid, on-the-job and classroom-based, lasting up to 19 weeks, and will include travel to BNSF’s training center in Overland Park, KS. Employees hired at a “Primary-Recall” location have a three-year obligation to return to their hiring location if called back to stabilize the location’s workforce. Safety is a core value at BNSF, and employees must adhere to safety rules, policies, as well as federal and state regulations, which could include wearing personal protective equipment, responding to concerns, and taking appropriate action in emergencies. There is a 60-day probationary period upon completion of training and protecting the first tour of compensated services. BNSF Railway encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply, providing resources and tools to help them reach their full potential in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Requirements

Able to work now and in the future without BNSF’s assistance (whether monetary, through sponsorship, or otherwise) in obtaining, maintaining, or extending employment authorization (including H-1B, STEM OPT/CPT, or TN nonimmigrant status)
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 diverse and extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet), walking and performing work on uneven surfaces, working around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery
Able to work on-call (24/7), nights, weekends, and holidays
Able to meet frequent travel requirements, with the ability to travel to and stay in the designated seniority region for extended periods of time
Ability to read, write and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English
Ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds
Ability to learn to identify, interpret and use hand signals from near and far and visually judge the speed and distance of moving objects
Ability to visually distinguish colors - red, blue, green, yellow and lunar (clear light) and am able to see at night
Ability to visually distinguish and differentiate colors on computer display screens
Ability to differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) and discriminate (comprehend) verbal communication in the work environment
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 walk/perform work on uneven surfaces
Ability to sit frequently with breaks
Follow safety policies and procedures; wear required personal protective equipment
Union membership is with the SMART-TD or BLET and union dues are required per union agreement
Pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen
Obtain a TWIC if work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities

Responsibilities

Obtaining, receiving, and acting on information (oral and written) through various devices
Monitoring and reporting daily work
Climbing on/off equipment
Managing hand brakes
Connecting/disconnecting air hoses
Replacing broken railcar knuckles
Interpreting signals for train movement
Judging/controlling speed and clearance distances
Operating track switches and derails to change train routing
Checking switch points for proper alignment
Switching and spotting cars
Determining train make-up
Inspecting cars per federal regulations
Monitoring track conditions for any issues/problems
Reporting on passing train conditions
Adhering to safety rules, policies, as well as federal and state regulations
Wearing personal protective equipment
Responding to concerns and taking appropriate action in emergencies

Benefits

A comprehensive and competitive benefits package
A range of health care options for you and your dependents including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, wellness coaching, 2nd opinion services, and high-quality care network options
Life insurance, provided at no cost to you
A Railroad Retirement program
Competitive 401(k) plan to help you meet your retirement goals
Family benefits including parental and pediatric support
Adoption and surrogacy reimbursement
Spending accounts
Access to discounts on travel
Access to discounts on gym memberships