Conductor Trainee - Aberdeen, SD

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: Aberdeen

Anticipated Start Date: 08/03/2026

Number of Positions: 3

Salary Range: Entry rate is approx. $259.65 per day with an average annual salary of $70,000 - $82,000.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position, that is subject to on-call (24/7), nights, weekends, and holidays. Work may be seasonal due to weather or business, requiring availability in the posted geographic area and timely reporting to the assigned location. Frequent travel is required, with the ability to travel to and stay in the designated seniority region for extended periods of time. Training for this position is company-paid on-the-job and classroom training for up to 19 weeks and will include travel to BNSF’s training center in Overland Park, KS.

Key responsibilities may include:

• Communication responsibilities include obtaining, receiving, and acting on information (oral and written) through various devices, as well as monitoring and reporting daily work.
• Climbing on/off equipment, managing hand brakes, connecting/disconnecting air hoses, replacing broken railcar knuckles, interpreting signals for train movement, and judging/control speed and clearance distances.
• Operating track switches and derails to change train routing and checking switch points for proper alignment.
• Switching and spotting cars, determining train make-up, and inspecting cars per federal regulations.
• Monitoring track conditions for any issues/problems and reporting on passing train conditions.

Daily work is conducted in a safety sensitive environment where the working conditions can include diverse and extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet), walking and performing work on uneven surfaces, working around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery. At BNSF, safety is one of our core values that guides us through everything we do. Our employees engage in safety conversations, through an approaching others mindset to help us achieve our tremendous potential. In addition, our employees must adhere to safety rules, policies, as well as federal and state regulations, which could include wearing personal protective equipment, responding to concerns, and taking appropriate action in emergencies.

Basic Qualifications:

• Able to work now and in the future without BNSF’s assistance in obtaining, maintaining, or extending employment authorization.
• 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 learn to identify, interpret and use hand signals from near and far and visually judge the speed and distance of moving objects.
• Ability to visually distinguish colors and see at night.
• Ability to differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds and comprehend verbal communication in the work environment.
• Ability to use hands and 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.
• Follow safety policies and procedures; wear required personal protective equipment.

Union membership is with the SMART-TD or BLET and union dues are required per union agreement. Seniority district transfers eligibility varies by location and may require up to 3 years’ employment and Director approval.

Here are some of the perks/benefits you can expect as a BNSF employee:

• A range of health care options for you and your dependents including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, wellness coaching, and high-quality care network options.
• 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!

All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen. Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a 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.