Conductor Trainee- La Crosse, WI

BNSF Railway; Onalaska (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care options including life insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Family benefits including parental support

Job summary

BNSF Railway is hiring full-time Conductor trainees in La Crosse, WI. The position entails managing train operations, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and conducting inspections in a safety-sensitive environment.

With a salary range of $70,000 - $82,000 annually and company-paid training, BNSF offers a supportive work culture emphasizing safety and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the start date.
• Candidates should be able to work in diverse and extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to learn and interpret hand signals and speak, hear, and understand English is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage train operations and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
• Conduct daily inspections and monitor track conditions.
• Communicate effectively using oral and written methods.

Skills

Ability to work safely

Communication (English)

Ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds

Ability to distinguish colors

Job description

life insurance, 401(k), relocation assistance

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

Job Location: La Crosse

Other Potential Locations: La Crosse, WI

Anticipated Start Date: 05/25/2026

Number of Positions: 3

Salary Range: Entry rate is approx. $250.26 per day with an average annual salary of $70,000 - $82,000.

The Transportation department ensures efficient and safe movement of freight by coordinating train operations, scheduling, and dispatching, utilizing advanced technology and real‑time data. Safety is a vital focal point, with rigorous training programs, state‑of‑the‑art safety systems, and continuous monitoring to protect employees, cargo, and the public. Conductor trainees are integral to this department, 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 (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 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 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.

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.

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 am 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 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 walk/perform work on uneven surfaces.
• Ability to sit frequently with breaks.
• Follow safety policies and procedures; wear the required personal protective equipment.

Perks and Benefits

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 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.

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.