Conductor Trainee - Missoula, MT

BNSF Railway • Missoula, MT

4d • $70,000 - $82,000

About The Position

Conductor Trainees join BNSF Railway’s Transportation Department to support safe, efficient freight movement. They receive company-paid on-the-job and classroom training for up to 19 weeks, including travel to BNSF’s training center in Overland Park, Kansas. The role involves learning train operations, safety procedures, and coordination practices that contribute to the efficiency and sustainability of the rail network.

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. Employees must be available in the posted geographic area, report promptly to the assigned location, and travel frequently, including staying in the designated seniority region for extended periods. This posting is for a Primary Recall location; employees hired there have a three-year obligation from their hire date to return to that location if recalled to stabilize its workforce.

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, participate in safety practices, and respond appropriately to concerns and emergencies. A 60-day probationary period applies after training is completed and the employee protects their first tour of compensated services. Relocation assistance is not available. Union membership with SMART-TD or BLET is required, with dues under 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 by the listed start date.
• Be able to report for duty at the designated work location.
• Be able to work safely in the described conditions and work the stated hours and shifts.
• Be able to meet the frequent travel requirements, including extended stays in the designated seniority region.
• 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 learn to identify, interpret, and use hand signals at near and far distances, and visually judge the speed and distance of moving objects.
• Be able to distinguish red, blue, green, yellow, and lunar (clear light) colors and see at night.
• Be able to distinguish and differentiate colors on computer display screens.
• Be able to differentiate verbal and non-verbal sounds, including signals and alarms, and comprehend verbal communication in the work environment.
• 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.
• Be able to walk and perform work on uneven surfaces.
• 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 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 in accordance with federal regulations.
• Monitor track conditions and report problems, and observe and report conditions on passing trains.
• Follow safety policies and procedures, wear required personal protective equipment, and take appropriate action in emergencies.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision care options for employees and dependents
• Telemedicine, mental health services, wellness coaching, second-opinion services, and high-quality care network options
• Life insurance provided at no cost
• Railroad Retirement program
• Competitive 401(k) plan
• Parental and pediatric support
• Adoption and surrogacy reimbursement
• Spending accounts
• Discounts on travel, gym memberships, and more

What This Job Offers

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