Conductor Trainee - Dilworth, MN
About The Position
The Conductor Trainee is a full-time role in BNSF’s Transportation department, supporting the safe and efficient movement of freight. Trainees learn to manage train operations, follow safety protocols, and contribute to the efficiency of the rail network through company-paid on-the-job and classroom training for up to 19 weeks. Training includes travel to BNSF’s training center in Overland Park, Kansas. The position is based in Dilworth, Minnesota, and requires frequent travel, including extended stays in the designated seniority region. Employees must be available for on-call duty 24/7, nights, weekends, and holidays, and may need to work seasonally according to weather or business needs. This is a safety-sensitive job performed in varied and sometimes extreme weather, around loud noises, fumes, and heavy or moving machinery, and on uneven surfaces. This posting is for a Primary Recall location. Employees hired at a 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. Relocation assistance is not available, and the position has a 60-day probationary period. Union membership in SMART-TD or BLET is required, with dues payable under the union agreement.
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 meet the stated schedule, working-condition, and travel requirements.
- 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 from near and far, and visually judge the speed and distance of moving objects.
- Visually distinguish red, blue, green, yellow, and lunar (clear light), see at night, and 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 activities involving holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
- Climb and descend ladders, get on and off equipment, and work at various heights on locomotives, railcars, and other equipment.
- Bend, lift, walk, and stand occasionally with breaks; walk or 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.
Responsibilities
- Obtain, receive, and act on oral and written information using 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 in accordance with federal regulations.
- Monitor track conditions and report issues, and observe and report passing train conditions.
- Follow safety rules, policies, and federal and state regulations; wear required personal protective equipment; respond to concerns; and take appropriate action in emergencies.
- Participate in safety conversations and help maintain a safe work environment.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage options for employees and dependents.
- Telemedicine, mental health services, wellness coaching, second-opinion services, and access to high-quality care networks.
- Life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
