Conductor Trainee - Missoula, 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. Join our team to support the movement of goods that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities.

Responsibilities

• Obtain, receive, and act on information (oral and written) through various devices.
• Maintain and monitor 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, check switch points for proper alignment, switch and spot cars, determine train make-up, inspect cars per federal regulations, and monitor track conditions for any issues/problems.
• Report on passing train conditions.

Requirements

• Work safely in diverse and extreme weather conditions, walking and performing work on uneven surfaces, working around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery.
• Engage in safety conversations and adhere to safety rules, policies, and federal/state regulations.
• Meet the above shift/hours, travel requirements, and work in a safety-sensitive environment.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Able to work the above shift/hours and 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 learn to identify, interpret, and use hand signals from near and far and visually judge the speed and distance of moving objects.
• Able to visually distinguish colors - red, blue, green, yellow, and lunar (clear light).
• Able to visually distinguish and differentiate colors on computer display screens.
• Able to differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) and discriminate (comprehend) verbal communication in the work environment.
• 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.

Skills

• Communication skills (oral and written).
• Switching functions (operating track switches and derails).
• Train and equipment inspections (switching and spotting cars, determining train make-up, inspecting cars per federal regulations).
• Monitoring track conditions for any issues/problems and reporting on passing train conditions.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package including health care options, life insurance, Railroad Retirement program, 401(k) plan, family benefits, and discounts.

Pay

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

Schedule

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position that is 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 of time.

Training

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.

Pay Rate

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

Location

Job Location: Missoula
Other Potential Locations: Missoula, MT

Start Date

Anticipated Start Date: 07/06/2026

Number of Positions

Number of Positions: 20

Application Instructions

Please 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.