Signal Apprentice - Council Bluffs, IA

Signal Apprentice - Council Bluffs, IA

Join BNSF Railway to apply for the Signal Apprentice role at Council Bluffs, IA. BNSF, one of the largest U.S. railroads, transports freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. This apprenticeship supports essential products and aims to maintain safety, inclusion, and excellence.

Job Location:

Council Bluffs, IA (Other potential location: Council Bluffs, IA)

Anticipated

Start Date:

04/06/2026

Number of Positions: 1

Salary Range:
Entry rate approx. $36.44/hr; average annual pay 85K-95K with 3-5 years seniority.

Position Type:
Full‑time (40 hrs/wk) with on‑call, overtime, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, and holidays. Shifts may vary.

Travel is required up to 90% outside of headquarters. Travel costs are covered per the collective bargaining agreement.

Training:
Company‑paid on‑the‑job and classroom training; apprenticeship program with progressive exams and incremental pay.

• Construction, reconditioning, installation, maintenance, repair, inspection, and testing of wayside signal devices.
• Loading and unloading supplies; installing underground and overhead cables, trenching and hand digging; operating heavy machinery.
• Working on or around highway grade crossings, climbing signal masts, bridges, ladders; handling cables and wires for electrical connections.
• Using various power and non‑power tools such as shovels, picks, axes, sledgehammers, micrometers, voltmeters, amp meters, computer‑based systems, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, tape measures, drills, and power saws.
• Operating equipment including backhoes, trenchers, boom trucks, and directional boring machines.
• Working in a safety‑sensitive environment with diverse and extreme weather conditions; walking on uneven surfaces; handling loud noises, fumes, and heavy machinery.

• Ability to work now and in future without BNSF assistance for employment authorization.
• At least 18 years of age or will be by the anticipated start date.
• Possess a valid state‑issued driver’s license.
• Ability to report for duty at the designated work location.
• Ability to travel for extended periods (fly, drive, or ride).
• Ability to work safely in the described working conditions.
• Ability to work the specified shift/hours.
• Ability to meet travel requirements.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 lbs occasionally and 15 to 30 lbs frequently.
• Ability to visually distinguish colors: red, blue, green, yellow, and clear light.
• Ability to discriminate and differentiate between verbal and non‑verbal sounds in the work environment.
• Ability to use hands and hand tools for activities involving holding, grasping, turning, pushing, and pulling.
• Frequently climb ladders; get on/off equipment; climb signal poles/platforms for installations and maintenance.
• Ability to bend, walk, stand, or sit for periods of time.
• Ability to learn, comprehend, and follow safety policies and procedures and wear required personal protective equipment.
• Ability to perform work on various terrain types (uneven, snow, mud, rock, sand, etc.).

• Health care options for you and dependents, including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, wellness coaching, 2nd‑opinion services, and high‑quality care networks; life insurance at no cost.
• Railroad Retirement program and competitive 401(k) plan.
• Family benefits: parental and pediatric support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, spending accounts.
• Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships, and more.
• Benefits vary by union collective bargaining agreement.
• For more information, visit Benefits.

All positions require pre‑employment background verification, medical review, and pre‑employment drug screening. BNSF employees who need unescorted access to secure areas may need a TWIC. More information available at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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.