Conductor Trainee - Aberdeen, SD

BNSF; Aberdeen (SD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care options

Railroad retirement plan

Family benefits

Travel discounts

Job summary

BNSF Railway is seeking a Conductor Trainee in Aberdeen, SD for a full-time role that trains you to manage train operations and ensure safe freight movement. The position includes travel, on-call shifts, nights, weekends, and seasonal work as needed.

Training is company-paid for up to 19 weeks with travel to Overland Park, KS. Entry rate is about $259.65 per day; annual range is $70,000–$82,000. Nearest markets include Fargo and Aberdeen.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.
• At least 18 years old by the start date.
• Ability to work at designated location and travel as required.
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds.
• Ability to work in a safety-sensitive environment and follow PPE rules.

Responsibilities

• Obtain, receive, and act on information through devices and report daily work.
• Climb on/off equipment, manage hand brakes, connect/disconnect air hoses, inspect railcars per regulations.
• Operate track switches and derails to alter routing and check switch alignment.
• Switch and spot cars, determine train make-up and inspect cars per federal rules.
• Monitor track conditions and report passing train conditions.
• Perform daily safety-sensitive tasks in varied weather and around loud machinery.
• Adhere to safety rules and regulations, including PPE and incident response.

Skills

English proficiency

Safety minded

Physical stamina

Adaptability

Job description

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. Come make a difference with us!

Job Location: Aberdeen
Other Potential Locations: Aberdeen, SD
Anticipated Start Date: 08/03/2026
Number of Positions: 3
Salary Range: Entry rate is approx. $259.65 per day with an average annual salary of $70,000 - $82,000

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.

Embark on a fulfilling career at BNSF Railway where joining the Transportation Department means ensuring efficient and safe freight movement through advanced technology, real-time data coordination, and rigorous safety protocols. Conductor Trainees are integral to this team, 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, 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 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.

Key responsibilities

• Obtain, receive, and act on information (oral and written) through various devices, as well as monitoring and reporting 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.
• Perform daily work in a safety-sensitive environment that may include 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.

Basic Qualifications

• Able to work now and in the future without BNSF’s assistance (whether monetary, through sponsorship, or otherwise) in obtaining, maintaining, or extending employment authorization (including H-1B, STEM OPT/CPT, or TN nonimmigrant status).
• 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 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)—and able to 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 to perform 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 is with the 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.

Benefits

At BNSF, you will have access to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that meets you where you are, some of those benefits include:

• 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.
• A 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.

All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen. More information is available at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic. Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a TWIC.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Fargo
Nearest Secondary Market: Aberdeen
Job Segment: Trainee, Supply, Entry Level, Operations