What Does a BNSF Railway Railroad Conductor Do?

BNSF Railway is a major freight railroad in the United States, operating over 32,500 miles of track in 28 states. It is one of the largest freight railroads in North America, and is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.

A railroad conductor at BNSF Railway is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of trains. They are responsible for ensuring that the train is operated in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, and that the train is operated safely and efficiently. They are also responsible for the loading and unloading of freight, and for the inspection of the train and its equipment. Additionally, they are responsible for the communication between the train and the dispatcher, and for the coordination of the train’s movements with other trains.

BNSF Railway Railroad Conductor Job Duties

A BNSF Railway Railroad Conductor typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Operate locomotives and other railroad equipment in a safe, efficient manner
• Follow all safety rules and regulations while operating trains and performing switching operations
• Monitor train movements to ensure that they are running on time and according to schedule
• Inspect the condition of the track and report any defects or hazards to management
• Ensure that all cargo is loaded and unloaded properly and securely
• Communicate with dispatchers via radio to coordinate train movements
• Prepare reports and paperwork related to train operations
• Perform pre-trip inspections of locomotives and other equipment
• Supervise and direct the activities of other crew members
• Maintain records of train movements and cargo shipments
• Respond to emergency situations quickly and efficiently
• Provide customer service to passengers when necessary

BNSF Railway Railroad Conductor Salary

The salary of a railroad conductor at BNSF Railway is determined by a variety of factors, such as the number of years of experience, the type of work performed, and the geographic region in which the job is located. Additionally, the size of the company and the amount of business it does can also influence the salary of a railroad conductor at BNSF Railway.

• Median Annual Salary: $71,301 ($34.28/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $94,600 ($45.48/hour)

BNSF Railway Railroad Conductor Job Requirements

To be hired as a railroad conductor at BNSF Railway, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Previous experience in the railroad industry is preferred, but not required. Applicants must also be able to pass a background check, drug test, and physical exam. Additionally, applicants must be able to obtain a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel. BNSF Railway also requires applicants to complete a training program, which includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Upon completion of the training program, applicants must pass a certification exam in order to be hired.

BNSF Railway Railroad Conductor Skills

BNSF Railway Railroad Conductor employees need the following skills in order to be successful:

Physical Stamina: BNSF Railway conductors often work long shifts, sometimes for 12 hours or more. Physical stamina is important for maintaining focus and productivity throughout a shift.

Rail Training: Rail training is the process by which a BNSF Railway conductor learns the necessary skills to perform their job duties. This training can include classroom instruction and practical experience. Rail training can vary by employer, but it often includes learning about railroad safety, railroad regulations, railroad equipment and railroad track maintenance.

Hazardous Materials Handling: Railroad conductors work with hazardous materials, including flammable liquids and gases, combustible dust and other dangerous substances. They need to be aware of the risks associated with these materials and how to handle them safely. BNSF Railway and other railroad companies provide training for their conductors on how to handle hazardous materials.

First Aid Certification: First aid certification is a valuable skill for a BNSF Railway railroad conductor to have. It can help them save lives and prevent injuries from getting worse. First aid certification can help them treat minor injuries and illnesses, as well as provide emergency care in the event of an accident.

Safety Procedures: Safety procedures are procedures that ensure the health and safety of employees and the public. BNSF Railway and other railroad companies require their conductors to be knowledgeable about safety procedures. Safety procedures include knowing how to operate the train, how to operate the train safely and how to respond to emergency situations.

BNSF Railway Railroad Conductor Work Environment

Railroad conductors typically work long hours, often in shifts that can last up to 12 hours. They may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays, and may be called in to work on short notice. Railroad conductors must be able to work in all types of weather conditions, and must be able to stand for long periods of time. They must also be able to lift and carry heavy objects, and must be able to climb ladders and stairs. Railroad conductors must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and must be able to make quick decisions in order to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. They must also be able to communicate effectively with passengers and other crew members.

BNSF Railway Railroad Conductor Trends

Here are three trends influencing how BNSF Railway Railroad Conductor employees work.

Expansion of LNG Shipping by Rail

The expansion of LNG shipping by rail is an emerging trend that railroad conductors need to understand. This new form of transportation has the potential to revolutionize the way goods are shipped, as it offers a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.

Railroad conductors must be aware of the safety protocols associated with this type of shipment, as well as the regulations governing its use. They also need to be familiar with the equipment used for loading and unloading these shipments, as well as the procedures for handling them. By understanding the nuances of this new technology, railroad conductors can ensure that their trains run safely and efficiently.

Complexity in the Rail Industry

The rail industry is becoming increasingly complex, with new technologies and regulations emerging every day. As a BNSF Railway Railroad Conductor, it’s important to understand the implications of these changes on your job.

For example, automation has been implemented in many areas of the railway system, from track maintenance to train operations. This means that railroad conductors must be able to quickly adapt to changing conditions and use technology to their advantage. Additionally, safety protocols have become more stringent, requiring conductors to stay up-to-date on all relevant rules and regulations.

By understanding the complexities of the rail industry, BNSF Railway Railroad Conductors can ensure they are prepared for any situation and remain safe while on the job.

Safety Standards Increase

With the rise of technology, safety standards for railroad conductors have increased. BNSF Railway is now using advanced technologies such as Positive Train Control (PTC) to ensure that trains are operated safely and efficiently. PTC systems use GPS, wireless radio, and computers to monitor train speed and location in order to prevent collisions and derailments.

In addition, BNSF Railway has implemented a number of other safety measures, including improved track inspections, enhanced employee training, and better communication between dispatchers and crews. These new safety protocols help protect both passengers and crew members from potential accidents or injuries. As a result, it is important for railroad conductors to understand these emerging trends and be aware of the latest safety regulations.

Advancement Prospects

Railroad conductors may advance to higher-level positions within the company, such as trainmaster, assistant superintendent, or superintendent. These positions involve more responsibility and require more experience and knowledge of the railroad industry. Railroad conductors may also move up to positions such as locomotive engineer, which involves operating the locomotive and managing the train crew. With additional training and experience, railroad conductors may also become dispatchers, who are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of trains.

Interview Questions

Here are five common BNSF Railway Railroad Conductor interview questions and answers.

1. What does safety mean to you?

Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of safety in your role. They want to know that you will take all necessary precautions when working with their company and ensure the safety of yourself, other employees and those around you. In your answer, explain what it means to be safe and how you would implement these practices into your daily work life.

Example: “Safety is my top priority at all times. I believe that if we are not safe, then we cannot do our jobs effectively. When working on a train, I always wear my seatbelt while driving and keep an eye out for any potential hazards along the tracks. If I see something that could cause harm, I report it immediately so we can avoid any accidents.”

2. Are you comfortable working outdoors around heavy machinery?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working in a fast-paced environment and how comfortable you are with loud noises. You can highlight your ability to work under pressure, multitask and communicate effectively while also showing that you’re willing to do so outdoors.

Example: “I’ve worked as an outdoor construction worker for several years now, so I’m quite used to working outside in all kinds of weather conditions. In fact, I enjoy being able to get some fresh air while on the job. Working outdoors is definitely not my only experience, though. I’ve also worked indoors at various construction sites where I was responsible for operating heavy machinery like cranes and forklifts.”

3. Describe a time where you tried something new at work and it didn’t go well.

Employers ask this question to see how you respond when things don’t go as planned. They want to know that you can take responsibility for your actions and learn from them. In your answer, explain what you learned from the experience and how it helped you in future situations.

Example: “When I first started working as a conductor, I was responsible for making sure all of my train’s paperwork was up-to-date. One day, I realized I had forgotten to update one document before leaving work. I immediately called my supervisor and explained the situation. He told me to come back into work after my next shift so I could complete the task. After that incident, I made sure to always double-check my documents before leaving work.”

4. Tell me about a time when you were on a project and someone wasn’t pulling their weight, what did you do?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you’re able to motivate others. Your answer should show that you are willing to hold others accountable for their actions, while also being empathetic to their needs.

Example: “When I was working on a project with a team of five people, one person wasn’t pulling their weight at all. They were consistently late to meetings and didn’t complete assignments in a timely manner. At first, I tried to be understanding and give them time to adjust to the workload. However, after two weeks, they still weren’t performing up to par. I met with them privately and explained that if they couldn’t meet deadlines, it would affect everyone else’s performance. After our meeting, they agreed to work harder.”

5. Can you describe a situation where you had to make a quick decision?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you make decisions and whether your choices have been beneficial to the company. Use examples from previous work experiences that highlight your ability to think critically, analyze information quickly and make a decision in a timely manner.

Example: “When I was working as a conductor for a local train line, we had just left the station when one of our passengers called us on the intercom system. They said they were having trouble with their wheelchair lift and needed assistance getting off the train. We were still about five minutes away from the next stop, so I asked if there was anything else they could do until then. They replied that they would try to wait it out, but if they couldn’t, they would need help immediately after we arrived at the next station.”