I applied for and submitted for a job with bnsf. conductor trainee. I have no prior exp. They called me and invited me to take a test and interview. I was just wondering what i am up against, and what does a conductor make for wages. They said if hired you get sent to a conductor school for awhile and then back on ojt. Anyone enlighten me on the life of a conductor,pay and drawbacks also.
Thanks,
look under duties for pay and work hours info.
Hi Deer
My name is Rodney and almost 3 years ago I went through the test. The test consists of (2) math parts no calculator can be used, a reading comprehention and a how well you play with others part. The person giving the test will give you a phone number to call so you can find out if you pass the test, if you pass they will give you an interview time (show up about 15-30 min early and STERSS SAFETY. If you do good at the interview your phone will ring with a prelim offer of employment pending more tests. These tests are a drug & alcohol screen and a strength test do not sluff off on the strength test go all out, also they will send some parer work to your home get it filled out and send it back in. If you get through all of the above your phone will ring again you will be called by (2) people the first call asking if you still watn to work for BNSF if you still do that person will tell you what day training starts, the next call will be from the UTU training cordinator telling you what time to be their. Then after 15 weeks their is a 280 question conductor permotion exam the passing score is 90% (STUDY, STUDY & STUDY some more) we want you to pass. Your rate of pay durring training is 130.00$ per day. Do not hire out unless you are ready for you phone to ring at all hours of the day & night the biggest part of a new hires work is at night working off the extra boards. I hope that I have not discouraged you. Rodney Beck conductor BNSF
Deer,
Like rodney has already said, this change of careers is also a change of your entire lifestyle. You must have an understanding and trustworthy spouse, if you are married, because you will gone much of the time. The railroad is just not a job, it is a way of life. I just hired out earlier this year with CSX, and I have just made it through my training and probationary periods. I love my job for lots of reasons: I make great money, I have awesome benefits, I get paid to sit in a locomotive and do nothing most of the time!! Just remember what Rodney told you, as his post is going to apply to you, he’s already walked down the path you are considering. The most important thing about being new on the RR is to ASK QUESTIONS!!! Stay safe and good luck.
Thanks much to all who posted. I am in the same boat. Just got the invite to test. The information here helps alot.[bow]
I am living near Minneapolis. Any idea what life is like for the BNSF brews in my area?
I know it’s just a typo…But you need to lay off the BREWS…[(-D]
hogger…26 years with BNSF (former ATSF)
hey rodney,
by any chance you related to an old P&LE dispatcher by the name of robbie beck? just wondering
csx engineer
Hogger,
Hukt on fonicks wurkt’d 4 me!!! I r a vicktum of tha Oklahoma publick skool systim. [;)]
Thanks for the post! Stay safe,
Bear
hi csxengineer98
I do not know if I am I do not keep track of that but their is someone in my family that keeps tabs on all realations. Rodney Beck conductor BNSF
Sorry that I am just replying got in from Chicago this morning had to get a nap lol
Thanks for this topic. I go in for testing on Thursday and was curious as to the content of the tests.
In the secondary testing, is the strength testing more endurance or just brute strength?
Proably Brute Strength. When I went in for UP we did a mini physical. 20 sit-ups in 2 mins and a upper body strength test. U just pull up on this bar and it’s hooked up to a laptop that measures your uper body strength. Only people that failed that was the 2 women.
What do sit-ups have to do w/ conducting?
Man I asked myself the same question.
Sounds like something Human Resource came up with my guess is that they want to see a minimum of physical fitness.