Conductor Trainee - Whitefish, MT

BNSF Railway • Whitefish, MT

1d • $70,000 - $82,000 • Onsite

About The Position

BNSF Railway is hiring Conductor Trainees for its Transportation Department in Whitefish, Montana. Trainees learn to manage train operations, follow safety protocols, and support efficient freight movement. The role includes company-paid classroom and on-the-job 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 position of 40 hours per week, subject to 24/7 on-call availability and work on 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. Relocation assistance is not available. A 60-day probationary period applies after training is completed and the employee protects the first tour of compensated services.

The work takes place in a safety-sensitive environment 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, respond to safety concerns, and take appropriate action in emergencies. Union membership in SMART-TD or BLET is required, with dues per the applicable union agreement.

Requirements

• Be able to work now and in the future without BNSF assistance to obtain, maintain, or extend employment authorization.
• Be at least 18 years old, or turn 18 by the listed start date.
• Be able to report for duty at the designated work location and work safely in the described conditions and hours.
• 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) light, see at night, and differentiate 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, 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 and work on uneven surfaces; and sit frequently with breaks.
• Follow safety policies and procedures and wear required personal protective equipment.
• Meet pre-employment background verification, medical review, and drug-screen requirements.

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 train movement signals 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 report conditions observed on passing trains.
• Follow safety policies and procedures, wear required personal protective equipment, and respond appropriately to safety concerns and emergencies.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options for employees and dependents.
• Telemedicine, mental health services, wellness coaching, second-opinion services, and access to care networks.
• Life insurance provided at no cost.
• Railroad Retirement program and a competitive 401(k) plan.
• Parental and pediatric support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and spending accounts.
• Discounts on travel, gym memberships, and other offerings.
• Company-paid classroom and on-the-job training.

What This Job Offers

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