Conductor Trainee - Sioux Falls, SD Area Candidates Encouraged

BNSF Railway • Sioux Falls, IA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Conductor trainees join BNSF’s Transportation department and learn to support safe and efficient freight train operations. The role includes 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 full-time position is based at the Sioux City, Iowa location; candidates residing in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area are encouraged to apply, as Sioux City is within a reasonable commuting distance. The position is subject to on-call availability 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and may involve seasonal work depending on weather or business needs. Frequent travel is required, including extended stays in the designated seniority region.

This is a safety-sensitive role conducted in varied and sometimes extreme weather, around loud noises, fumes, and heavy or moving machinery, and on uneven surfaces. Employees must follow safety rules and applicable regulations, use required personal protective equipment, report concerns, and take appropriate action in emergencies. This posting is for 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, and the position has a 60-day probationary period. Union membership with SMART-TD or BLET is required, with dues payable under the union agreement.

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 in the described conditions and schedule.
• Meet the 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 from near and far, 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 understand 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 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.
• Complete required pre-employment background verification, medical review, and drug screening.
• Maintain required union membership with SMART-TD or BLET and pay union dues under the union agreement.

Responsibilities

• Obtain, receive, and act on oral and written information using various devices; 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, identify and report issues, and report conditions observed on passing trains.
• Follow safety policies, procedures, and applicable regulations; wear required personal protective equipment and respond appropriately to safety concerns and emergencies.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options for employees and dependents.
• Telemedicine, mental health services, wellness coaching, second-opinion services, and access to high-quality care networks.
• Life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
• 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 other offerings.
• Company-paid classroom and on-the-job training for up to 19 weeks.

What This Job Offers

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