Special Agent - Special Response Team (SRT Operator) (San Bernardino, CA)

BNSF Railway; Barstow (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Railroad Retirement program

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Life and disability insurance

Family benefits including parental and

Dependent care spending account (em pl

Annual bonus

Generous leave/time‑off policies

Job summary

BNSF Railway is seeking a Special Agent for the Special Response Team to execute high‑risk rail security and tactical operations. You will support protection of personnel, assets, and infrastructure through rapid deployment and proactive enforcement across the rail network.

Candidates must travel with little notice and meet peace officer standards. This role requires readiness for multi‑state deployments, 24/7 on‑call availability, and strong collaboration with law enforcement partners.

Qualifications

• Must meet peace officer commissioning standards in the posting state and be commissioned as such; maintain valid State Peace Officer License.
• Must be willing to travel frequently, work irregular hours, and have 24/7 on‑call availability.
• Minimum of 3 years sworn law enforcement experience.
• Experience coordinating operations with multiple law enforcement agencies.
• Strong decision‑making and situational awareness in high‑risk environments.
• Knowledge of rail operations, right‑of‑way hazards, and infrastructure protection concepts.
• Effective communication with team members and command staff.
• Ability to follow operational plans and adapt to changing mission requirements.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Firearms qualification per BNSF Police standards.
• Familiarity with federal rail security frameworks (TSA, FRA, DHS).
• Understanding of critical infrastructure protection strategies.
• Ability to operate tactical communications and surveillance systems.
• Must be able to use the company’s computer system for reports and databases.
• Must be physically and psychologically fit; pass company evaluations and background checks.
• Broad knowledge of railroad industry and operations; emergency handling.
• Broad knowledge of criminal law and procedures.
• Live within 50 miles or relocate as needed.
• Ability to perform patrol duties.
• High School diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

• Participate in multi‑state deployments and surge operations.
• Maintain readiness of specialized tactical equipment and vehicles.
• Support 24/7 operational capability and on‑call rotations.
• Execute SRT missions including high‑risk apprehensions, rail corridor interdiction, critical infrastructure protection, and emergency response operations.
• Deploy rapidly to incidents across the BNSF network while maintaining operational discipline and safety.
• Operate specialized tactical equipment (night vision, breaching tools, drones, communications platforms) in rail‑specific conditions.
• Conduct surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeted enforcement in coordination with SRT leadership and partner agencies.
• Maintain continuous operational readiness through training, fitness standards, and tactical certification compliance.
• Support incident command structure during operations; may assume team‑level leadership roles when directed.
• Navigate hazards unique to railroad environments, including moving trains, confined corridors, remote right‑of‑way, and hazardous materials exposure.

Skills

Peace officer commission

Decision‑making

Situational awareness

Communication skills

Travel readiness

On‑call availability

Emergency response experience

Knowledge of rail operations

Education

High School diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree: Criminal Justice / Emergency Management / Organizational Leadership

Tools

Surveillance systems

Tactical communications equipment

Night vision

Drones

Job description

Job Overview

Be part of a team that values safety, inclusion, and excellence. BNSF Railway is 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 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: Barstow; Other Potential Locations: San Bernardino, CA

Anticipated Start Date: 09/01/2026
Number of Positions: 15
Salary Range: $150,000 - $166,000

Our Special Agent positions for the Special Response Team (SRT) execute high-risk rail security and tactical operations. Support the protection of BNSF personnel, assets, and critical infrastructure through rapid deployment, specialized tactical response, and proactive enforcement activities across the rail network. Candidates must be able to travel with little notice to areas needing support.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in multi‑state deployments and surge operations
• Maintain readiness of specialized tactical equipment and vehicles
• Support 24/7 operational capability and on‑call rotations
• Execute SRT missions including high‑risk apprehensions, rail corridor interdiction, critical infrastructure protection, and emergency response operations
• Deploy rapidly to incidents across the BNSF network while maintaining operational discipline and safety in dynamic environments
• Operate specialized tactical equipment (night vision, breaching tools, drones, communications platforms) in rail‑specific conditions
• Conduct surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeted enforcement in coordination with SRT leadership and partner agencies
• Maintain continuous operational readiness through training, fitness standards, and tactical certification compliance
• Support incident command structure during operations; may assume team‑level leadership roles when directed
• Navigate hazards unique to railroad environments, including moving trains, confined corridors, remote right‑of‑way, and hazardous materials exposure

Daily Work Environment

Daily work is conducted in a safety‑sensitive environment where conditions can include diverse and extreme weather, uneven surfaces, loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery.

Basic Qualifications

• Must meet peace officer commissioning standards in the state where this job is posted and be commissioned as such and maintain a valid State Peace Officer License in that state.
• Must be willing and able to travel frequently, work irregular hours, and have 24/7 on‑call availability.
• Minimum of 3 years of sworn law enforcement experience.
• Experience working in coordinated operations with multiple law enforcement agencies.
• Strong decision‑making and situational awareness in high‑risk environments.
• Knowledge of rail operations, right‑of‑way hazards, and infrastructure protection concepts.
• Effective communication skills for coordination with team members and command staff.
• Ability to follow operational plans and adapt to changing mission requirements.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Firearms qualification per BNSF Police standards.
• Familiarity with federal rail security frameworks (TSA, FRA, DHS).
• Understanding of critical infrastructure protection strategies.
• Ability to operate tactical communications and surveillance systems.
• Must be able and willing to use the company’s computer system for creating reports and databases.
• Must be physically and psychologically fit, able to successfully pass any required company evaluations and a comprehensive background investigation.
• Must have broad knowledge of railroad industry and operations; particularly as it relates to handling emergency situations such as derailments, load securement, and similar events.
• Must have a broad knowledge of criminal law and procedures.
• Must live or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of the designated work location.
• Ability to perform patrol duties when needed.
• High School diploma or GED.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of BNSF rail network operations and safety protocols.
• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Organizational Leadership, or related field.
• Completion of basic SWAT/SRT school.

Assessment Requirements

• Physical fitness evaluation, written assessment, and marksmanship qualification.

Benefits

• Industry‑leading 401(k) and renowned Railroad Retirement program.
• Robust health care options for you and your dependents (including domestic partners) – medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, cancer support, and high‑quality care network options.
• Health care spending accounts (HSA) with employer contributions, as well as life and disability insurance, provided at no cost.
• Family benefits including parental, pediatric and family building support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and dependent care spending account (with employer match).
• Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships, counseling services and wellness support.
• Annual bonus (Incentive Compensation Program).
• Generous leave/time‑off policies.

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.