Conductor Trainee - Havre, MT

Be part of a team that values safety, inclusion, 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.

About the role

Conductor Trainees are integral to the Transportation Department, 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 (40 hours/week) position, 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 for this position is company-paid on-the-job and classroom training for up to 19 weeks and will include travel to BNSF’s training center in Overland Park, KS. 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.

Responsibilities

• Obtain, receive, and act on information (oral and written) through various devices, as well as monitor and report daily work.
• Climb on/off equipment, manage hand brakes, connect/disconnect air hoses, replace broken railcar knuckles, interpret signals for train movement, and judge/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 per federal regulations.
• Monitor track conditions for any issues/problems and report on passing train conditions.
• Work in a safety-sensitive environment with diverse and extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet), walking and performing work on uneven surfaces, and working around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery.
• Adhere to safety rules, policies, and federal and state regulations, including wearing personal protective equipment, responding to concerns, and taking appropriate action in emergencies.

Requirements

• Able to work now and in the future without BNSF’s assistance in obtaining, maintaining, or extending employment authorization.
• 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 described working conditions.
• Able to work the required shift/hours and meet travel requirements.
• 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 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 comprehend verbal communication in the work environment.
• Ability to use hands and hand tools for 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 SMART-TD or BLET is required, and union dues apply per union agreement.
• Seniority district transfers eligibility varies by location and may require up to 3 years’ employment and Director approval.

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.
• Railroad Retirement program and competitive 401(k) plan to help meet 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.
• Benefits vary by union collective bargaining agreement.

Pay

Entry rate is approximately $259.65 per day with an average annual salary of $70,000 - $82,000.

Schedule

• Full-time (40 hours/week), subject to on-call (24/7), nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Work may be seasonal due to weather or business.
• 60-day probationary period upon completion of training and protecting the first tour of compensated services.

Job Location: Havre, MT. Other potential locations: Havre, MT; Great Falls, MT. Anticipated Start Date: 08/31/2026. Number of Positions: 20.