Conductor Trainee-Slaton, TX

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 role plays a crucial part in ensuring the efficient and safe movement of freight.

Responsibilities

• Obtain, receive, and act on information (oral and written) through various devices.
• Maintain and monitor train operations, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
• Manage hand brakes, connect/disconnect air hoses, replace broken railcar knuckles, interpret signals, and judge/control speed and clearance distances.
• Operate track switches and derails to change train routing and check switch points for proper alignment.
• Switch cars, determine train make-up, inspect cars per federal regulations, and monitor track conditions for any issues/problems.
• Report on passing train conditions and conduct daily work in a safety-sensitive environment.

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.
• Able to report for duty at the designated work location.
• Able to work safely in diverse and extreme weather conditions, walking and performing work on uneven surfaces, working around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery.
• Able to meet the shift/hours and 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/descend 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 the required personal protective equipment.

Qualifications

• Union membership with SMART-TD or BLET and union dues are required per union agreement.
• Seniority district transfers eligibility varies by location and may require up to 3 years' employment and Director approval.

Skills

• Communication skills (oral and written).
• Physical abilities to perform tasks such as climbing, lifting, walking, standing, bending, and sitting.
• Visual acuity to interpret hand signals, signals, and alarms.
• Ability to follow safety policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care options 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.
• Family benefits including parental and pediatric support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and spending accounts.
• Discounts on travel, gym memberships, and more!

Pay

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

Schedule

This is a full-time (at least 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.

Location

Job Location: Slaton
Other Potential Locations: Slaton, TX
Anticipated Start Date: 11/02/2026