Signal Apprentice - Dodge City, KS

BNSF Railway; Garden City (KS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

BNSF Railway is seeking candidates to install, inspect, test and maintain essential train control systems and grade crossing equipment. The role requires completion of a two-year apprenticeship and readiness to travel to multiple job sites across the seniority region.

Applicants should be able to work in all weather conditions, meet physical requirements, and comply with safety policies. This is a full-time, on-site position with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Must be 18+ and eligible to work in the U.S.
• Ability to obtain a state driver's license within 60 days.
• Must be able to report for duty at the designated work location.
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English.

Responsibilities

• Install, inspect, test, and maintain train control systems and grade crossing warning devices.
• Travel to and work at job sites within designated seniority region.

Skills

English communication

Physical stamina

Safety awareness

Ability to follow instructions

Education

Two-year apprenticeship

Tools

Micrometers

Voltmeters

Ammeters

Recorders

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Job Information

Job Location: Dodge City, KS

Other Potential Locations: Dodge City, KS

Anticipated Start Date: 10/30/2023

Number of Positions: 1

Salary Range: Entry rate approx. $34.34/hr; avg annual pay $85K-95K with 3-5 years seniority.

Communication: All communication with applicants will be done via email. Please check your email daily.

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.

Safety

At BNSF, Safety is a core value of how we do business. Each day, 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 practices include 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 installing, inspecting, testing, and maintaining train control systems and grade crossing warning device equipment.

Maintenance Tasks

• Load and unload supplies
• Dig holes and trenches for cable
• Paint signal equipment
• Climb poles and signal masts
• Handle cable and wire to make electrical connections

Machines and Tools

• Use non‑power tools such as shovels, picks, axes, sledgehammers
• Use high precision measuring tools such as micrometers, voltmeters, ampmeters, recorders
• Use hand tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, tape measures
• Use power tools such as drills and power saws

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 on uneven surfaces
• Safety‑sensitive work environment
• Exposure to loud noise and fumes
• Work on/around heavy/moving machinery

Shifts / Hours

• Full‑time (40 hrs/wk)
• Subject to on‑call (24/7), overtime, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, and holidays

Travel

• Travel to and remain on job sites around designated seniority region, sometimes for extended periods of time

Basic Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age, or will be by the anticipated start date listed above
• Possess a valid state‑issued driver's license or be able to obtain one within 60 days of employment
• 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
• Able to read, write and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English
• Able to lift and carry up to 60 lbs occasionally
• Able to visually distinguish colors – red, blue, green, yellow, and lunar (clear light)
• Ability to discriminate and differentiate between verbal and non‑verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) in the work environment
• Able to use hands and hand tools to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning and pulling
• Occasionally climb ladders; get on/off equipment; climb signal poles to perform installations
• Bend, walk, stand, sit for extended time
• Follow safety policies and procedures; wear required personal protective equipment

Training

• Successful candidate(s) will participate in a two‑year apprenticeship to include on‑the‑job and classroom training

Relocation

• Assistance not available

Union

• Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen
• Dues required per union agreement

Seniority District Transfers

• Per union agreement
• Seniority‑based
• Require Manager approval

Probationary Period

• 90 days

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 workplace 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 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.