Conductor Trainee - Forsyth, MT

BNSF Railway • Forsyth, MT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

BNSF Railway is one of the largest U.S. railroads, transporting freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. The company values safety, inclusion, and excellence, and is committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong, and have equal opportunity. Joining the Transportation Department as a Conductor Trainee means ensuring efficient and safe freight movement through advanced technology, real-time data coordination, and rigorous safety protocols. Conductor Trainees are integral to this team, learning to manage train operations, ensure compliance with safety protocols, and contribute to the overall efficiency and sustainability of the rail network. This is a full-time position (40 hours/week) subject to on-call (24/7), nights, weekends, and holidays. Work may be seasonal due to weather or business, requiring availability in the posted geographic area and timely reporting to the assigned location. Frequent travel is required, with the ability to travel to and stay in the designated seniority region for extended periods. Training is company-paid, on-the-job and classroom, for up to 19 weeks, including travel to BNSF’s training center in Overland Park, KS. Employees hired at a “Primary-Recall” location have a three-year obligation to return to their hiring location if called back to stabilize the workforce. A 60-day probationary period applies upon completion of training and protecting the first tour of compensated services. BNSF encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply and provides resources for development in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Requirements

• Able to work now and in the future without BNSF’s assistance (whether monetary, through sponsorship, or otherwise) in obtaining, maintaining, or extending employment authorization (including H-1B, STEM OPT/CPT, or TN nonimmigrant status)
• At least 18 years of age or will be by the start date listed above
• Ability to report for duty at the designated work location
• Able to work safely in diverse and extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet), walking and performing work on uneven surfaces, working around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery
• Able to work on-call (24/7), nights, weekends, and holidays
• Able to meet frequent travel requirements, with the ability to travel to and stay in the designated seniority region for extended periods of time
• Ability to read, write and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English
• Ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds
• Ability to learn to identify, interpret and use hand signals from near and far and visually judge the speed and distance of moving objects
• Ability to visually distinguish colors - red, blue, green, yellow and lunar (clear light) and am able to see at night
• Ability to visually distinguish and differentiate colors on computer display screens
• Ability to differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) and discriminate (comprehend) verbal communication in the work environment
• Ability to use hands and use hand tools to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning and pulling
• Ability to climb ladders and get on/off equipment
• Ability to work at various heights above the ground including on locomotives, railcars and other equipment
• Ability to bend, lift, walk and stand occasionally with breaks
• Ability to walk/perform work on uneven surfaces
• Ability to sit frequently with breaks
• Follow safety policies and procedures; wear required personal protective equipment
• Union membership with the SMART-TD or BLET and union dues are required per union agreement
• Pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen
• Obtain a TWIC if work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities

Responsibilities

• Obtaining, receiving, and acting on information (oral and written) through various devices
• Monitoring and reporting daily work
• Climbing on/off equipment
• Managing hand brakes
• Connecting/disconnecting air hoses
• Replacing broken railcar knuckles
• Interpreting signals for train movement
• Judging/controlling speed and clearance distances
• Operating track switches and derails to change train routing
• Checking switch points for proper alignment
• Switching and spotting cars
• Determining train make-up
• Inspecting cars per federal regulations
• Monitoring track conditions for any issues/problems
• Reporting on passing train conditions
• Adhering to safety rules, policies, as well as federal and state regulations
• Wearing personal protective equipment
• Responding to concerns and taking appropriate action in emergencies

Benefits

• A range of health care options for you and your dependents including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, wellness coaching, 2nd opinion services, and high-quality care network options
• Life insurance, provided at no cost to you
• A Railroad Retirement program
• Competitive 401(k) plan
• Family benefits including parental and pediatric support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and spending accounts
• Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships and more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees