Conductor Trainee : Sterling, Colorado (3 year Primary Recall)

BNSF Railway; Sterling (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care options

Retirement plan

Family benefits

Discounts

Job summary

BNSF Railway is seeking personnel for a full-time rail switching and train movement role based in Sterling, CO. The position involves working in extreme weather, operating switches, inspecting equipment, and adhering to safety policies.

Expected shifts include nights, weekends, and on-call time with frequent travel within the region. Training is provided, and relocation is not offered. Applicants must meet physical requirements and communicate in English.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age and able to report for duty at the designated work location.
• Ability to read, write and communicate English; able to see, hear and understand signals.
• Ability to lift up to 80 pounds and work in safety-sensitive environments.

Responsibilities

• Safely switching railcars and ensuring safe train movement.
• Operate track switches and derails to route trains within yards or on road.
• Inspect cars and monitor track conditions; observe signals and train make-up.
• Monitor and report daily work; comply with safety policies and PPE requirements.

Skills

English proficiency

Safety awareness

Physical fitness

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:

Sterling

Other Potential Locations: Sterling, CO

Anticipated Start Date: 01/04/2027

Number of Positions: 3

Salary Range: Entry rate is approx. $240.64 per day with an average annual salary of $70,000 - $82,000.

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 everyday, 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 switchingrailcars and safe train movement.Additional responsibilities include the following:

COMMUNICATION

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

TRAIN OPERATION

• Climb on/off equipment, set/release hand brakes, couple/uncouple air hoses, remove/replace brokenrailcarknuckle, ride moving cars byholdingontograb 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

WORKING CONDITIONS

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

SHIFTS/HOURS

• Full-time (40hrs/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

• Transfereligibility varies by location
• May require up to 3 yearsofemployment and General Manager 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.
• For more information, visitBenefits.

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.

Posting Start Date:09/29/2026