Conductor Trainee- Houston, TX
About The Position
The Conductor Trainee is an entry-level position in BNSF’s Transportation department, which coordinates train operations, scheduling, and dispatching to move freight safely and efficiently. Trainees learn to manage train operations, follow safety protocols, and contribute to the efficiency and sustainability of the rail network. The role includes company-paid on-the-job and classroom training for up to 19 weeks, including travel to BNSF’s training center in Overland Park, Kansas. This is a full-time position of at least 40 hours per week. Employees are subject to 24/7 on-call availability and may work nights, weekends, and holidays. Work may be seasonal based on weather or business needs. Frequent travel is required, including extended stays in the designated seniority region. This is a Primary Recall location, with a three-year obligation from the hire date to return to the hiring location if called back to stabilize its workforce. A 60-day probationary period applies; relocation assistance is not available. The work is safety-sensitive and may involve extreme weather, uneven surfaces, loud noises, fumes, and heavy or moving machinery. Employees must follow BNSF safety policies and applicable regulations, wear required personal protective equipment, respond to safety concerns, and take appropriate action in emergencies. The role is represented by SMART-TD or BLET, and union dues are required under the 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 to the designated work location and safely perform work in the described conditions and schedule.
- Meet the position’s travel requirements, including frequent 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, including signals and alarms, and comprehend verbal communication in the work environment.
- Use hands and hand tools for activities involving holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
- Climb and descend ladders and get on and off equipment; work at heights on locomotives, railcars, and other equipment.
- Bend, lift, walk, and stand occasionally with breaks; walk and work on uneven surfaces; and sit frequently with breaks.
- Follow safety policies and procedures and wear required personal protective equipment.
- Pay union dues under the applicable 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 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 issues, and report conditions observed on passing trains.
- Follow safety rules, policies, and applicable federal and state regulations, including wearing required personal protective equipment and responding to safety concerns or emergencies.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 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
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
