Conductor Trainee - Spokane, WA - Furloughed Employees Encouraged to Apply
About The Position
The Conductor Trainee is responsible for safely switching railcars and ensuring safe train movement. The position involves communicating and acting on oral and written instructions, monitoring and reporting daily work, operating and inspecting trains and equipment, and performing switching functions. Work takes place in extreme all-weather conditions, on uneven surfaces, around loud noise, fumes, and heavy or moving machinery, in a safety-sensitive environment. The role requires frequent travel and may require remaining on the designated seniority region for days at a time. Employees must report to the assigned work location when notified and are subject to on-call duty 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The company provides paid on-the-job and classroom training for up to 19 weeks, which may include travel to BNSF’s Training Center in Overland Park, Kansas. This is a primary-recall location, with a three-year obligation from the date of hire to return to the hiring location if called back to stabilize its workforce. Relocation assistance is not available. The position is represented by SMART-TD or BLET, with dues required under the union agreement, and has a 60-day probationary period.
Requirements
- 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 when required.
- Be able to work safely in the listed working conditions and work the listed shifts and hours.
- Be able to meet the stated travel requirements, including frequent travel and remaining on the designated seniority region for days at a time.
- Be able to read, write, and communicate in English, including speaking, hearing, and understanding.
- Be able to lift and carry up to 80 pounds.
- Be able to see, learn, and interpret hand signals at near and far distances; distinguish red, blue, green, yellow, and lunar (clear) lights; judge speed and distance of moving objects; and see at night.
- Be able to distinguish verbal and non-verbal sounds, including signals and alarms, in the work environment.
- Be able to distinguish colors on computer display screens.
- Be able to use hands and hand tools for holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
- Be able to climb ladders and get on and off equipment.
- Be able to work at various heights above the ground, including on locomotives, railcars, and other equipment.
- Be able to bend, lift, walk, and stand occasionally with breaks, and sit frequently with breaks.
- Comply with safety policies and procedures and wear required personal protective equipment.
- Complete required pre-employment background verification, medical review, and drug screen.
Responsibilities
- Safely switch railcars and ensure safe train movement.
- Obtain and receive information and act on oral or written instructions received through various communication devices.
- Monitor and report daily work.
- Climb on and off equipment; set and release hand brakes; couple and uncouple air hoses; replace broken railcar knuckles; and ride moving cars while holding grab irons or ladders.
- Observe, interpret, and relay hand, lantern, and other train-movement signals.
- Judge and control the speed and clearance distance of cars.
- Operate track switches and derails to change train routing within yards or on the road, and check switch points for proper alignment.
- Switch and spot cars and determine train make-up.
- Observe and monitor track conditions, including broken rails, defective switches, and weather-related problems.
- Inspect cars in accordance with federal regulations.
- Observe and report on passing train conditions.
- Follow safety policies and procedures, wear required personal protective equipment, respond to safety concerns, and take appropriate action in emergencies.
Benefits
- Health care options for employees and dependents, including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, wellness coaching, second-opinion services, and high-quality care network options.
- Life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
- Railroad Retirement program.
- Competitive 401(k) plan.
- Family benefits, including parental and pediatric support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and spending accounts.
- Discounts on travel, gym memberships, and more.
- Company-paid on-the-job and classroom training for up to 19 weeks.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
