Conductor Trainee - Spokane, WA

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: Spokane

Other Potential Locations: Spokane, WA

Anticipated

Start Date:

08/03/2026

Number of Positions: 4

Salary Range: Entry rate approx. $250.26 per day with an average annual salary of $70,000 - $82,000.

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.

At BNSF, Safety is a core value of how we do business. Each and every 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 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.

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 by various communication devices.
• Monitor and report daily work.

Train Operation

• Climb on/off equipment, set/release hand brakes, couple/uncouple air hoses, remove/replace broken railcar knuckle, ride moving cars by holding onto grab 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.

• Extreme all-weather conditions.
• Walk and perform work on uneven surfaces.
• Safety sensitive work environment.
• Loud noise and fumes.
• Work on and around heavy and moving machinery.

Full-time (40 hrs/week). Subject to on-call (24/7), nights, weekends, and holidays. Work in geographic area as posted and report to assigned work location when notified.

• Frequent.
• Travel to and remain on designated seniority region for days at a time.

• 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.
• Ability to read, write and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds.
• Ability to see, learn, and interpret 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.
• Ability to visually distinguish and differentiate colors on computer display screens.
• Ability to use hands and hand tools to perform activities…