Conductor Trainee - Vancouver, WA

BNSF Railway; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefit package

Job summary

BNSF Railway in Vancouver, WA is hiring for a safety‑focused rail operations role. The position involves safely switching railcars, observing signals, and ensuring train movements comply with regulations. The role requires readiness for on-call hours and travel within the seniority region.

Compensation includes an entry daily rate of about $259.65 with an average annual salary in the $70,000–$82,000 range. Communication with applicants is handled via email as part of the hiring process.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age or will be by the start date listed above.
• Able to work safely in the stated working conditions.
• Able to read, write and communicate in English.

Responsibilities

• Switch railcars and move trains safely.
• Monitor and report daily work and communications.
• Inspect trains and equipment as required by federal regulations.

Skills

English proficiency

Safety awareness

Job description

Job Location: Vancouver
Other Potential Locations: Vancouver, WA
Anticipated Start Date: 02/15/2027
Number of Positions: 7
Salary Range: Entry rate is approx. $259.65 per day with an average annual salary of $70,000 - $82,000

All communication with applicants will be done via email. Please check your email on a daily basis.

Who we are and what we do

Do you want to be a part of something that really matters? Team BNSF includes professionals focused on safety and service that play a vital role in delivering the nation's freight. Together, we help move goods and materials that sustain life and support local, national and global economies. Our rail network is one of the largest freight railroads, spanning 28 western states and serving three Canadian provinces.

What we believe

At BNSF, our Vision and Values drive who we are, not only in our words, but also our actions. BNSF is committed to our foundational values of equality and inclusion. As members of the BNSF community, our employees are entitled to:

• be treated with dignity and respect.


• have equal access to tools, resources, training and development opportunities.


• have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential.

We model the way through our leadership, our BNSF Diversity Councils, our eclectic Business Resource Groups, our deep involvement and investment in the communities we serve and through training programs. Our actions create an inclusive, open and collaborative workplace that encourages diverse perspectives in all interactions.

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 switching railcars 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

BENEFITS:

BNSF Employees receive a competitive benefit package.

All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION ELEMENTS:

• Criminal history


• Last 7 years of driving history


• Last 5 years of employment history to include military service


• Social Security number


• Education

MEDICAL REVIEW ELEMENTS:

• Medical evaluation


• Drug Screen


• Other elements as needed

DRUG TEST ELEMENTS:

BNSF is committed to a safe and drug free work place and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing. All new hires are required to undergo a hair drug test which detects the presence of illegal drugs for months prior to testing. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping BNSF safe and drug free.

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC): Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a TWIC. A TWIC is a condition of employment for such positions and requires candidates to those positions to submit to a TSA security assessment (to include, but not limited to, providing: biographic information; identity documents; fingerprints; digital photograph). 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.