Conductor Trainee, Elwood, IL

About the Role

Conductor trainees are integral to the Transportation department, learning to manage train operations, ensure compliance with safety protocols, and contribute to the overall efficiency and sustainability of the rail network.

This is a full-time (at least 40 hours/week) position, 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.

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.

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 workforce.

Key Responsibilities

• Obtain, receive, and act on information (oral and written) through various devices, and monitor and report daily work.
• Climb on/off equipment, manage hand brakes, connect/disconnect air hoses, replace broken railcar knuckles, interpret signals for train movement, and judge/control speed and clearance distances.
• Operate track switches and derails to change train routing and check switch points for proper alignment.
• Switch and spot cars, determine train make-up, and inspect cars per federal regulations.
• Monitor track conditions and report on passing train conditions.
• Work in a safety-sensitive environment with diverse and extreme weather conditions, on uneven surfaces, around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery.
• Engage in safety conversations, approaching others with a helpful mindset.
• Adhere to safety rules, policies, and federal and state regulations, which may include wearing personal protective equipment, responding to concerns, and taking appropriate action in emergencies.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Work Location: Logistics Park Chicago, IL
• Anticipated Start Date: 10/26/2026
• Number of Positions: 5
• Salary: Entry rate is approx. $259.65 per day with an average annual salary of $70,000 - $82,000.
• Probationary Period: 60 days.
• Union Membership: With SMART-TD or BLET; union dues are required per union agreement.
• TWIC Card: Federal authority requires employees with unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities to obtain a TWIC.

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.
• Ability to report for duty at the designated work location.
• Able to work safely in the described working conditions.
• Able to work the described shift/hours.
• Able to meet the described 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 and visually judge the speed and distance of moving objects.
• Ability to visually distinguish colors (red, blue, green, yellow, lunar) and see at night.
• Ability to visually distinguish and differentiate colors on computer display screens.
• Ability to differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds and comprehend verbal communication in the work environment.
• Ability to use hands and hand tools for activities involving holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
• Ability to climb/descend 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 walk/perform work on uneven surfaces.
• Ability to sit frequently with breaks.
• Ability to follow safety policies and procedures; wear the required personal protective equipment.

Relocation assistance is not available.

Seniority district transfers eligibility varies by location and may require up to 3 years’ employment and Director approval.

All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review, and pre-employment drug screen.