Conductor Trainee - Helena, MT

About the role

We are one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting essential products and materials across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. This position plays a crucial role in supporting the movement of these vital goods.

Job Location

Job Location: Helena
Other Potential Locations: Helena, MT

Salary Range

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

Safety

Safety is a core value at BNSF. Employees are committed to approaching one another about safety, complying with company and federal safety & health regulations, and adhering to safety rules & policies. Work practices include wearing required safety equipment, responding to safety concerns, and taking appropriate actions in emergencies.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Communicate and follow instructions by various communication devices.
• Maintain and report daily work.
• Climb on/off equipment, set/release hand brakes, couple/uncouple air hoses, remove/replace broken railcar knuckles, 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, inspect cars per federal regulations, observe and report on passing train conditions.

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

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

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age, or will be by the start date listed above.
• Able 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.
• Able to read, write and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English.
• Able to lift and carry up to 80 pounds.
• Able 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.
• Able to discriminate and differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) in the work environment.
• Able to visually distinguish and differentiate colors on computer display screens.
• Able to use hands and use hand tools to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning and pulling.
• Able to climb ladders and get on/off equipment.
• Able to work at various heights above the ground including on locomotives, railcars and other equipment.
• Able to bend, lift, walk and stand occasionally with breaks.
• Able to sit frequently with breaks.
• Follow safety policies and procedures; wear required personal protective equipment.
• 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.

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

SMA-RD 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.

Perks/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.
• You will also have life insurance, provided at no cost to you.
• 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!
• Benefits vary by union collective bargaining agreement.

Additional Information

• BNSF Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
• Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a TWIC.