Conductor Trainee-Tulsa, OK

BNSF Railway • Tulsa, OK

5d • $70,000 - $82,000

About The Position

Conductor trainees join BNSF’s Transportation department, which coordinates train operations, scheduling, and dispatching to support 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 classroom and on-the-job training for up to 19 weeks, including travel to BNSF’s training center in Overland Park, Kansas.

This is a full-time position requiring at least 40 hours per week and on-call availability 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Work may be seasonal due to weather or business needs. Employees must be available in the posted geographic area and report promptly to the assigned location. Frequent travel is required, including extended stays in the designated seniority region. This is a Primary Recall location: employees hired here have a three-year obligation from their hire date to return if called back to stabilize the location’s workforce. Relocation assistance is not available, and the role has a 60-day probationary period.

The work is safety-sensitive and may involve extreme weather, uneven surfaces, loud noises, fumes, and heavy or moving machinery. Employees must follow safety rules, policies, and applicable federal and state regulations, wear required personal protective equipment, participate in safety conversations, respond to concerns, and take appropriate action in emergencies. Union membership in SMART-TD or BLET is required, with dues under the applicable union agreement. Seniority district transfer eligibility varies and may require up to three years of employment and Director approval.

Requirements

• Be able to work now and in the future without BNSF assistance in obtaining, maintaining, or extending employment authorization.
• Be at least 18 years old, or turn 18 by the stated start date.
• Be able to report for duty at the designated work location.
• Be able to work safely in the described working conditions and meet the stated shift, hours, 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 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 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 holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
• Climb and descend ladders and get on and off equipment.
• Work at heights above the ground, including on locomotives, railcars, and other equipment.
• Bend, lift, walk, and stand occasionally with breaks; sit frequently with breaks; and walk or 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, report issues, and report conditions observed on passing trains.
• Follow safety policies and procedures, wear required personal protective equipment, respond to safety concerns, and take appropriate action in emergencies.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with telemedicine, mental health, wellness coaching, second-opinion services, and access to high-quality care networks.
• Life insurance provided at no cost.
• 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 more.

What This Job Offers

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