Conductor Trainee Mandan ND

BNSF; Mandan (ND); On-site; USD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care options

401(k) program

Family benefits including parental and

Travel discounts

Job summary

BNSF Railway is hiring Conductor Trainees in Mandan, ND. This full-time, on-call role involves learning to manage train operations, safety protocols, and real-time data coordination. Training may include 19 weeks of on-the-job and classroom instruction at a training center in Overland Park, KS.

Travel is frequent, and a three-year recall obligation to the hiring location may apply. The position requires physical ability, English proficiency, and readiness for seasonal work in varied weather.

Qualifications

• Must be able to obtain and maintain employment authorization.
• At least 18 years old by the start date.
• Able to lift up to 80 pounds.
• Able to work in safety-sensitive environment and varied weather.
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English.

Responsibilities

• Communicate information clearly via oral and written means and monitor daily work.
• Operate track switches, derails, and ensure proper alignment for routing.
• Inspect and switch cars per federal regulations and report conditions.
• Perform daily work in safety-sensitive environments under challenging conditions.
• Follow safety policies, wear PPE, and respond to emergencies.

Skills

English proficiency

Physical stamina

Safety compliance

Climbing & walking required

Teamwork

Job description

Overview

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 and Details

Job Location: Mandan
Other Potential Locations: Mandan, ND
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.

Role

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.

Responsibilities

• Communication responsibilities: 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 judging/controlling speed and clearance distances.
• Switching functions: operating track switches and derails to change train routing and checking switch points for proper alignment.
• Train and equipment inspections: 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.
• Safety and compliance: 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.

Qualifications

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 night vision.
• Ability to distinguish colors on computer displays.
• Ability to differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms) and understand 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

• A range of health care options for you and your dependents including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, wellness coaching, second 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.

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|TransportationTransitioning Military |Operations - Transportation|Mandan,ND|58554

Nearest Major Market: North Dakota
Nearest Secondary Market: Bismarck

Job Segment: Trainee, Supply, Entry Level, Operations