Conductor Trainee: Sterling, Colorado (3 year Primary Recall)

Location: Sterling, CO, US

Be part of a team that values safety, diversity, and excellence

We are one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting the nation’s freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. As a member of our team, you will play a role in supporting the movement of essential products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world.

We are committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong, and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. Come make a difference with us!

Learn more about BNSF and our Benefits

Job Location: Sterling

Other Potential Locations: Sterling, CO

Anticipated Start Date: 01/04/2027

Number of Positions: 3

Salary Range: Entry rate is approx. $240.64 per day with an average annual salary of $70,000 - $82,000.

Apply early as this job may be removed or filled prior to the closing date, which is approximately seven (7) days after the posting date.

NOTE: This posting is for a "Primary Recall" location.  Employees hired at a “Primary-Recall” location have a three-year obligation (from date of hire) to return to their hiring location if called back to stabilize the location’s workforce.

SAFETY

At BNSF, Safety is a core value of how we do business. Each and every day, our employees are committed to approach one another about safety, which is key in realizing our vision. Employees are also expected to comply with company and federal safety & health regulations, safety rules & policies, as well as procedures that guide work practices to reduce risk to exposure.  Such work practices include but are not limited to wearing required safety equipment, responding to safety concerns, and taking appropriate actions in the event of an emergency.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is responsible for safely switching railcars and safe train movement. Additional responsibilities include the following:

COMMUNICATION

Obtain and receive information and act on oral or written instructions by various communication devices

Monitor and report daily work

TRAIN OPERATION

Climb on/off equipment, set/release hand brakes, couple/uncouple air hoses, remove/replace broken railcar knuckle, ride moving cars by holding onto grab irons or ladders

Observe, interpret and relay hand, lantern, and other signals for train movement

Judge and control speed and clearance distance of cars

SWITCHING FUNCTIONS

Operate track switches and derails to change train routing within yards or on road

Check switch points for proper alignment

TRAIN AND EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS

Switch, spot cars and determine train make-up

Observe and monitor track conditions (e.g. broken rails, defective switches, weather-related problems)

Inspect cars per federal regulations

Observe and report on passing train conditions

The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position. This is not an exhaustive list of the position’s duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Extreme all-weather conditions

Walk and perform work on uneven surfaces

Safety sensitive work environment

Loud noise and fumes

Work on and around heavy and moving machinery

SHIFTS/HOURS

Full-time (40 hrs/wk)

Subject to on-call (24/7), nights, weekends, and holidays

Work in geographic area as posted and report to assigned work location when notified

TRAVEL

Frequent

Travel to and remain on designated seniority region for days at a time

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

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 the above working conditions

Able to work the above shift/hours

Able to meet the above travel requirements

Ability to read, write and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English

Ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds

Ability to see, learn, and interpret hand signals from near and far; visually distinguish colors - red, blue, green, yellow and lunar (clear light); visually judge speed and distance of moving objects; see at night

Ability to discriminate and differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) in the work environment

Ability to visually distinguish and differentiate colors on computer display screens

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 sit frequently with breaks

Follow safety policies and procedures; wear required personal protective equipment

TRAINING

Company-paid on-the-job and classroom training for up to 19 weeks and may include travel to BNSF's Training Center in Overland Park, KS

RELOCATION

Relocation assistance is not available

UNION

SMART-TD or BLET

Dues required per union agreement

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

60 days

SENIORITY DISTRICT TRANSFERS

Transfer eligibility varies by location

May require up to 3 years of employment and General Manager approval

Here are some of the perks/benefits you can expect as a BNSF employee

At BNSF, you will have access to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that meets you where you are, a few of those benefits include:

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. You will also have life insurance, provided at no cost to you.

A Railroad Retirement program and competitive 401(k) plan to help you meet your retirement goals.

Family benefits including parental and pediatric support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and spending accounts.

Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships and more!

Ben