Conductor Trainee - Primary Recall - Richmond, CA

BNSF Railway; Richmond (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care options

Railroad Retirement program

401(k) plan

Family benefits

Travel discounts

Gym discounts

Job summary

BNSF Railway in Richmond, CA is seeking Conductor Trainees to join a team focused on safe, efficient freight movement across a large network. Expect on-the-job training, classroom learning, and potential relocation for training sessions in Overland Park, KS.

You will learn to manage train operations, signals, and safety protocols while contributing to operational reliability. This full-time role requires flexibility for 24/7 shifts, with travel within the designated region and a 60-day

Qualifications

• Must be 18+ years old
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English
• Able to lift and carry up to 80 pounds
• Able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required
• Able to travel as needed

Responsibilities

• Operate track switches and derails to change train routing
• Inspect trains and equipment per federal regulations
• Monitor track conditions and report issues
• Coordinate communication via various devices and signals
• Assist in ensuring safety protocols and compliance

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!

Learn More About BNSF And Our Benefits

Job Location: Richmond

Other Potential Locations: Richmond, CA

Anticipated Start Date: 08/03/2026

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 not an 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.
• 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 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

Union membership is with the SMART-TD or BLET and union dues are required per union agreement.

• Seniority district transferseligibility 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:

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 | Richmond, CA | 94802