Conductor Trainee - Helena, MT

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health care options

401(k) plan

Family benefits

Job summary

BNSF Railway in Helena, MT is hiring for a position involving safe switching of railcars and controlling train movement. The role requires vigilance with safety policies, the ability to operate switches, and to monitor signals and train conditions.

The job includes on-call duties, night/weekend work, and travel within the seniority region. Benefits include comprehensive health care options, a 401(k) plan, and family support programs.

Qualifications

• Must be able to report for duty at the designated work location.
• Able to work safely in the stated working conditions and shifts.
• Able to read, write and communicate English.
• Able to lift and carry up to 80 pounds.
• Ability to see, learn and interpret hand signals and colors.
• Able to meet travel requirements.

Responsibilities

• Safely switching railcars and controlling train movement.
• Obtain, receive and act on instructions using various communication devices; monitor daily work.
• Operate track switches and derails to route trains within yards or on road; check switch points for alignment.
• Inspect and spot cars; monitor track conditions and report issues; observe passing trains.

Job description

Be part of a team that values safety, diversity, 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!

Learn More About BNSF And Our Benefits

Job Location: Helena

Other Potential Locations: Helena, MT

Anticipated Start Date: 11/23/2026

Number of Positions: 1

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.

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.

Safety

At BNSF, Safety is a core value of how we do business. Each and every day, our employees are committed to approach one another about safety, which is key in realizing our vision. Employees are also expected to comply with company and federal safety & health regulations, safety rules & policies, as well as procedures that guide work practices to reduce risk to exposure. Such work practices include but are not limited to wearing required safety equipment, responding to safety concerns, and taking appropriate actions in the event of an emergency.

Duties/Responsibilities

This position is responsible for safely switching railcars and safe train movement. Additional responsibilities include the following:

COMMUNICATION

• Obtain and receive information and act on oral or written instructions by various communication devices
• Monitor and report daily work

TRAIN OPERATION

• Climb on/off equipment, set/release hand brakes, couple/uncouple air hoses, remove/replace broken railcar knuckle, ride moving cars by holding onto grab irons or ladders
• Observe, interpret and relay hand, lantern, and other signals for train movement
• Judge and control speed and clearance distance of cars

Switching Functions

• Operate track switches and derails to change train routing within yards or on road
• Check switch points for proper alignment

TRAIN AND EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS

• Switch, spot cars and determine train make-up
• Observe and monitor track conditions (e.g. broken rails, defective switches, weather-related problems)
• Inspect cars per federal regulations
• Observe and report on passing train conditions

The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position. This is not an exhaustive list of the position’s duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Extreme all-weather conditions
• Walk and perform work on uneven surfaces
• Safety sensitive work environment
• Loud noise and fumes
• Work on and around heavy and moving machinery

SHIFTS/HOURS

• Full-time (40 hrs/wk)
• Subject to on-call (24/7), nights, weekends, and holidays
• Work in geographic area as posted and report to assigned work location when notified

TRAVEL

• Frequent
• Travel to and remain on designated seniority region for days at a time

Basic Qualifications

• 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 see, learn, and interpret hand signals from near and far; visually distinguish colors - red, blue, green, yellow and lunar (clear light); visually judge speed and distance of moving objects; see at night
• Ability to discriminate and differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) in the work environment
• Ability to visually distinguish and differentiate colors on computer display screens
• Ability to use hands and use 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 sit frequently with breaks
• Follow safety policies and procedures; wear required personal protective equipment

TRAINING

• Company-paid on-the-job and classroom training for up to 19 weeks and may include travel to BNSF's Training Center in Overland Park, KS

RELOCATION

• Relocation assistance is not available

UNION

• SMART-TD or BLET
• Dues required per union agreement

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

• 60 days

SENIORITY DISTRICT TRANSFERS

• Transfer eligibility varies by location
• May require up to 3 years of employment and General Manager approval

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

Benefits

• 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.
• For more information, visit Benefits.

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.

F: MO | Transportation Transitioning Military | Operations - Transportation | Helena, MT | 59601