Conductor Trainee-Tulsa, OK
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 safety protocols and monitor train movements.
- 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.
- Inspect cars per federal regulations, determine train make-up, and conduct train and equipment inspections.
- Monitor track conditions and report on passing train conditions.
- Work in a safety-sensitive environment with diverse and extreme weather conditions, walking on uneven surfaces, and working around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery.
Requirements
- Able to work now and in the future without BNSF's assistance.
- At least 18 years of age or will be by the start date.
- 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 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).
- Ability to visually distinguish and differentiate colors on computer display screens.
- Ability to differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) and discriminate (comprehend) verbal communication in the work environment.
- Ability to use hands and use hand tools to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
- Ability to climb/descend 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 the required personal protective equipment.
Qualifications
- Able to work in a safety-sensitive environment.
- Union membership with SMART-TD or BLET and union dues 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 (lifting, carrying, climbing, standing, sitting).
- Visual acuity (ability to see colors, read signs, interpret signals).
- Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
- Attention to detail.
- Interpersonal skills (working with others, following instructions).
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, 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: Tulsa
Other Potential Locations: Tulsa, OK
Anticipated Start Date: 11/02/2026
Application
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.