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Job Description
Conductor Trainee - Spokane, WA BNSF Railway 70,000 - 82,000 life insurance, 401(k), relocation assistance United States, Washington, Spokane Jun 11, 2026 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! Learn more about BNSF and our
Benefits Job Location:
Spokane
Other Potential Locations:
Spokane, WA
Anticipated Start Date:
08/03/2026
Number of Positions:
4
Salary Range:
Entry rate is approx. $250.26 per day with an average annual salary of $70,000 - $82,000. Apply early as this job may be removed or filled prior to the closing date, which is approximately seven (7) days after the posting date.
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.
SAFETY:
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.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
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.
WORKING CONDITIONS
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
SHIFTS/HOURS
Full-time (40 hrs/wk) Subject to on-call (24/7), nights, weekends, and holidays Work in geographic area as posted and report to assigned work location when notified TRAVEL Frequent Travel to and remain on designated seniority region for days at a time
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
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 use hand tools to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning and pulling Ability to climb ladders and get on/off equipment Ability to work at various heights above the ground including on locomotives, railcars and other equipment Ability to bend, lift, walk and stand occasionally with breaks Ability to sit frequently with breaks Follow safety policies and procedures; wear required personal protective equipment
TRAINING
Company-paid on-the-job and classroom training for up to 19 weeks and may include travel to BNSF's Training Center in Overland Park, KS
RELOCATION
Relocation assistance is not available UNION SMART-TD or BLET Dues required per union agreement
PROBATIONARY PERIOD 60
days
SENIORITY DISTRICT TRANSFERS
Transfer eligibility varies by location May require up to 3 years of employment and General Manager 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 opinion services, 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.
For more information, visit Benefits. Please be aware of potential fraud that can occur when searching for new career opportunities. Please review our FAQ for more information and awareness. 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.
