Conductor Trainee - Tacoma, WA

Location: Tacoma, WA, US

Apply early as this job may be filled at any time.

Job Location: Tacoma

Other Potential Locations: Tacoma, WA

Anticipated Start Date: 01/04/2027

Number of Positions: 15

Salary Range: Entry rate is approx. $259.65 per day with an average annual salary of $70,000 - $82,000

All communication with applicants will be done via email.  Please check your email on a daily basis.

Who we are and what we do

Do you want to be a part of something that really matters? Team BNSF includes professionals focused on safety and service that play a vital role in delivering the nation's freight.  Together, we help move goods and materials that sustain life and support local, national and global economies. Our rail network is one of the largest freight railroads, spanning 28 western states and serving three Canadian provinces.

What we believe

At BNSF, our Vision and Values drive who we are, not only in our words, but also our actions. BNSF is committed to our foundational values of equality and inclusion. As members of the BNSF community, our employees are entitled to:

be treated with dignity and respect.

have equal access to tools, resources, training and development opportunities.

have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential.

We model the way through our leadership, our BNSF Diversity Councils, our eclectic Business Resource Groups, our deep involvement and investment in the communities we serve and through training programs. Our actions create an inclusive, open and collaborative workplace that encourages diverse perspectives in all interactions.

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

BENEFITS

BNSF Employees receive a competitive benefit package.

All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-e