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

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health care options

Railroad Retirement

401(k) plan

Family benefits

Travel discounts

Job summary

BNSF offers a Conductor Trainee role in Sterling, Colorado with a 3-year Primary Recall obligation. The position centers on safely moving trains, switching operations, and maintaining strict safety standards in diverse weather and shift conditions.

Training is company-paid and may include travel to the training center in Overland Park, KS. Starting pay includes an entry rate around $240.64 per day, with annual earnings typically between $70,000 and $82,000.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• Ability to report for duty at the designated work location.
• Able to work safely in the above working conditions.
• 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 and colors.
• Ability to climb ladders and work at heights.
• All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen.

Responsibilities

• Safely switching railcars and safe train movement.
• Obtain and receive information and act on oral or written instructions by various communication devices.
• Monitor and report daily work.
• Observe, interpret and relay hand, lantern, and other signals for train movement.
• Judge and control speed and clearance distance of cars.
• Operate track switches and derails to change train routing within yards or on road.
• Inspect cars per federal regulations.
• Observe and report on passing train conditions.

Skills

English proficiency

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Job description

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

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!

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

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 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 locationwhen 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 toworkthe above shift/hours

Able to meet the above travel requirements

Abilityto read, write and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English

Ability to lift and carry up to80pounds

Ability to see, learn, andinterpret 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

Abilityto visually distinguish and differentiate colors on computer display screens

Abilityto use handsand use hand toolsto perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning and pulling

Abilitytoclimb ladders and get on/off equipment

Abilitytowork at various heights above the ground including on locomotives, railcars and other equipment

Abilitytobend, lift, walkandstandoccasionally with breaks

Ability tositfrequentlywith breaks

Follow safety policies and procedures; wear required personal protective equipment

TRAINING

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

RELOCATION

Relocation assistance isnot 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.

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

F:MO|TransportationTransitioning Military |Operations - Transportation|Sterling,CO|80751

Nearest Major Market: Sterling CO
Job Segment: Trainee, Supply, Entry Level, Operations