Conductor Trainee - Forsyth, MT

BNSF; Forsyth (MT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care options

Life insurance

Railroad Retirement

401(k) plan

Parental and pediatric support

Spending accounts

Travel discounts

Gym memberships

Job summary

BNSF Railway in Forsyth, MT seeks a Conductor Trainee to learn train operations, safety protocols, and switching tasks in a demanding environment.

The role involves 40 hours per week with on-call duties including nights, weekends, and holidays. Training is company-paid, up to 19 weeks, with travel to Overland Park, KS, and a three-year recall obligation for primary locations.

Candidates must meet basic qualifications and be able to travel within the seniority region as required.

Qualifications

• Must be able to report for duty at the designated work location.
• Able to work safely in the specified conditions.
• Able to work the above shift/hours.
• Able to travel as required.
• Ability to read, write and communicate English.
• Able to lift and carry up to 80 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Communication responsibilities: obtain, receive, and act on information; monitor and report daily work.
• Switching functions: operate track switches and derails; ensure proper alignment.
• Train and equipment inspections: inspect cars and report track conditions per regulations.
• Daily work is conducted in a safety-sensitive environment with varying weather and loud machinery.

Skills

English communication

Safety awareness

On-the-job learning

Teamwork

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:Forsyth
Other Potential Locations:Forsyth, MT
Anticipated Start Date:02/01/2027
Number of Positions:5
Salary Range:Entry rate is approx. $259.65 per day with an average annual salary of $70,000 - $82,000

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 may include:

Communication responsibilities include obtaining, receiving, and acting on information (oral and written) through various devices, as well as monitoring and reporting daily work. This also includes climbing on/off equipment, managing hand brakes, connecting/disconnecting air hoses, replacing broken railcar knuckles, interpreting signals for train movement, and judge/control speed and clearance distances.

Switching functions involve operating track switches and derails to change train routing and checking switch points for proper alignment.

Train and equipment inspections include switching and spotting cars, determining train make-up, and inspecting cars per federal regulations. Monitoring track conditions for any issues/problems and reporting on passing train conditions.

Daily work is conducted in a safety sensitive environment where the working conditions can include diverse and extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet) , walking and performing work on uneven surfaces, working around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery.

At BNSF safety is one of our core values that guides us through everything we do. Our employees engage in safety conversations, through an approaching others mindset to help us achieve our tremendous potential. In addition, our employees must adhere to safety rules, policies, as well as federal and state regulations, which could include wearing personal protective equipment, responding to concerns, and taking appropriate action in emergencies.

Relocation assistance is not available. There is a 60‑day probationary period upon completion of training and protecting the first tour of compensated services.

The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position.This is notan exhaustive list of the position’s duties.

At BNSF Railway, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, showcasing their skills, experiences and development. We provide resources and tools to help you reach your full potential, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

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.
• Abilityto read, write and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English.
• Ability to lift and carry up to80pounds.
• 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) andam able tosee at night.
• Abilityto visually distinguish and differentiate colors on computer display screens.
• Abilityto differentiate between verbal and non‑verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) and discriminate (comprehend) verbal communication in the work environment.
• Abilityto use handsand use hand toolsto perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning and pulling.
• Ability toclimb ladders and get on/off equipment.
• Ability towork at various heights above the ground including onlocomotives, railcars and other equipment.
• Abilitytobend, lift, walkandstandoccasionally with breaks.
• Ability to walk/perform work on uneven surfaces
• Ability tositfrequentlywith breaks.
• Follow safety policies and procedures; wear required personal protective equipment.

Union membershipis 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.

Here are some of the perks/benefits you can expect as a BNSF employee

At BNSF, you will have access to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that meets you where you are, a few 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 opinionservices, 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.

Please be aware of potential fraud that can occur when searching for new career opportunities. Please review our FAQ for more information and awareness.

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

Job Segment: Trainee, Supply, Entry Level, Operations