Conductor Trainee - Willmar, MN - Furloughed Employees Encouraged to Apply

BNSF; Willmar (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care options

Railroad retirement program

401(k) plan

Travel discounts

Job summary

BNSF Railway in Willmar, MN seeks a Conductor Trainee. You will learn to manage train operations, follow safety protocols, and support freight movements across the network in a hands-on role.

This full-time position requires on-call work, nights, weekends, and travel within the seniority region; company-paid training through 19 weeks at our training center in Overland Park, KS. Relocation is not offered and a three-year recall obligation applies.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and able to work in the U.S.
• Able to report to the designated work location and work nights, weekends, and holidays
• Able to lift up to 80 pounds
• Able to read, write and communicate in English

Responsibilities

• Communicate information via devices, monitor daily work and report findings
• Operate track switches and derails to route trains
• Inspect trains and equipment per federal regulations
• Work in a safety-sensitive environment under extreme weather
• Follow safety policies and wear personal protective equipment

Skills

English proficiency

Physical stamina

Shift flexibility

Safety awareness

Climb/Descend ladders

Teamwork

Reading/Writing

Job description

Conductor Trainee - Willmar, MN - Furloughed Employees Encouraged to Apply

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:Willmar
Other Potential Locations:Willmar, MN
Anticipated Start Date:03/29/2027
Number of Positions:3
Salary Range:Entry rate is approx. $259.65 per day with an average annual salary of $70,000 - $82,000

The Transportation department ensures efficient and safe movement of freight by coordinating train operations, scheduling, and dispatching, utilizing advanced technology and real-time data. Safety is a vital focal point, with rigorous training programs, state-of-the-art safety systems, and continuous monitoring to protect employees, cargo, and the public. Conductor trainees are integral to this department, 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(at least 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 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 and there is a 60-day probationary period.

The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position.This is notan exhaustive list of the position’s duties.

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.
• Abilityto read, write and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English.
• Ability to lift and carry up to80pounds.
• 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) andam able tosee at night.
• Abilityto visually distinguish and differentiate colors on computer display screens.
• Abilityto differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) and discriminate (comprehend) verbal communication in the work environment
• Abilityto use handsand use hand toolsto perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning and pulling.
• Abilitytoclimb/descend ladders and get on/off equipment.
• Ability towork at various heights above the ground including onlocomotives, railcars and other equipment.
• Abilitytobend, lift, walkandstandoccasionally with breaks.
• Ability to walk/perform work on uneven surfaces
• Ability tositfrequentlywith breaks.
• Follow safety policies and procedures; wear the required personal protective equipment.

Union membershipis 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.

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.

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