Conductor Trainee - Missoula, MT

BNSF Railway • Missoula, MT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

BNSF Railway is hiring Conductor Trainees for its Transportation Department to support the safe and efficient movement of freight. Trainees learn to manage train operations, comply with 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.

This is a full-time position requiring 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 their assigned location. Frequent travel is required, including the ability to travel to and stay in the designated seniority region for extended periods. This is a Primary Recall location; employees hired there 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. A 60-day probationary period applies after training is completed and the first tour of compensated services is protected.

The role is performed in a safety-sensitive environment and may involve extreme weather, uneven surfaces, loud noises, fumes, and heavy or moving machinery. Employees must follow safety rules, company policies, and federal and state 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 payable under the union agreement. Seniority district transfer eligibility varies by location and may require up to three years of employment and Director approval.

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 work safely under the stated conditions and hours.
• Meet the stated travel requirements, including travel and 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) lights, see at night, and distinguish colors on computer display screens.
• Differentiate verbal and non-verbal sounds such as 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 heights on locomotives, railcars, and other equipment.
• Bend, lift, walk, and stand occasionally with breaks; walk and work on uneven surfaces; sit frequently with breaks.
• Follow safety policies and procedures and wear required personal protective equipment.
• Obtain required pre-employment background verification, medical review, and drug screen.
• 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; monitor and report daily work.
• Climb on and off equipment, operate hand brakes, connect and disconnect air hoses, and replace broken railcar knuckles.
• Interpret signals for train movement and judge and 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, identify problems, and report conditions observed on passing trains.
• Follow safety policies and procedures, wear required personal protective equipment, communicate 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.
• 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.
• Company-paid on-the-job and classroom training for up to 19 weeks.

What This Job Offers

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