Terminal Operator Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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: Barstow, CA; Amarillo, TX; Belen, NM; Corwith, IL; Haslet, TX; Kansas City, KS; Logistics Park Chicago IL; Los Angeles, CA; Oklahoma City, OK; Phoenix, AZ; San Bernardino, CA

Please note: Applying to this posting places you in consideration for positions at any of the locations listed above. One application covers all listed locations, and additional applications are not required. Candidates may be selected for any of these locations based on business needs and staffing requirements.

Anticipated Start Date: 2/1/2027, 6/14/2027, or 9/20/2027

Number of Positions: 21 
Salary Range: 84,000

Transportation Management Trainee hiring rate of $80,000. Within approximately 6 months, opportunity to promote to Supervisor of Terminal Operations at rate of $113,000.

A Transportation Management Trainee position at BNSF Railway offers recent graduates a comprehensive introduction to the rail transportation industry, focusing on operations, logistics, safety, and customer service. This role focuses on managing daily operations, enforcing safety standards, and guiding a team toward operational excellence. Candidates must demonstrate robust decision-making, advanced problem-solving abilities, and a dedication to fostering a safety-first work environment. This opportunity significantly impacts the efficiency and success of BNSF's operations, positioning it as a key role within one of North America's premier railroad companies.

Learn more about our Management Trainee Program

This is a full-time (minimum 40hrs/wk) position in a 24x7 operations environment, subject to on-call, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, and holidays. 

Accelerate your career with our 6-month training program that begins with a one-week orientation at our Fort Worth headquarters, where you'll immerse yourself in BNSF culture and connect with industry leaders.

Next, spend two non-consecutive months at our Technical Training Center in Overland Park to sharpen your technical and personnel management skills. During this time, we'll focus on developing you as a safety and operations leader:

• The safety leader phase will provide you with knowledge of operating and safety rules. You'll then receive on-the-job training where you'll observe and learn from train crews in the field, strengthening the knowledge gained in the classroom. This position requires that all Management Trainee must obtain their rules qualification by week 12 of the 26-week training program.
• The operations leader phase will teach you the program and leadership skills needed to successfully navigate on-the-job training at your assigned training location for the remainder of the program.

By the end of the program, you'll have gained valuable technical skills and leadership abilities that will propel your career forward.

Travel and Relocation is required for this program, Trainees must be flexible with their location, as they could be moved depending on business needs. Must have reliable transportation to and from work.

Applicants will be notified via e-mail regarding potential interviews, testing, and hiring events for this position. Please check your e-mail daily. 

Key responsibilities may include: 

Leading safety briefings and ensuring compliance with Federal Railroad Administration and BNSF rules as well as conducting safety meetings, investigate accidents, monitor costs, and ensure compliance with regulations and company policies.  

Facilitating crew discussions on safety, managing compliance with attendance policies, and conducting operational audits while riding trains.  

Assisting crews with personnel paperwork, vacation requests, and providing transportation for timely operations.  

Corresponding with customers regarding shipments and planning the movement of cars, locomotives, and crews within terminals in addition to coordinating with various departments to execute the operations plan and provide efficient service. 

Implementing policies, supervise employees, and manage daily train and switching operations.  

Possess leadership, teamwork, clear communication, adaptability, and resilience to overcome obstacles and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment. 

Daily work is conducted in a mixed indoor office and outdoor safety-sensitive environment, where working conditions can include diverse and extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet), walking and performing work on uneven surfaces, and working around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery. Personal protective equipment, a hard hat, safety glasses, and gloves are required and provided by BNSF.  

The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position.This is notan exhaustive list of the position's duties. 

At BNSF Railway, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, showcasing their skills, experiences and development. We provide resources and tools to help you reach your full potential, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Basic Qualifications:

• Legally authorized to work in the United States and will be at least eighteen (18) years old upon hire.
• Does not require BNSF's assistance, now or in the future, (whether monetary, through sponsorship, or otherwise) to obtain, maintain, or extend employment authorization (including H-1B, STEM OPT/CPT, or TN nonimmigrant status).
• Capable of visually distinguishing among red, blue, green, yellow and lunar (clear light) colors & able to see at night AND I am able to hear and, with training, distinguish auditory signals.
• Capable of working in a 24/7 environment, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and can safely perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions or in a shop, terminal, or field environment. Role includes climbing ladders and navigating uneven surfaces, with the ability to travel up to 25% of the time based on business needs.
• Able and willing to relocate anywhere on the BNSF Railway operating system (western 28 states) upon hire, for the summer, and travel to other locations as required. If you have any location restrictions, please answer "No."
• Pursuing a Bachelors or Graduate degree in Logistics, Transportation, Supply Chain Management, Business, Communication, Technical, OR a similar degree program from an accredited university.
• Have and will maintain at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA.
• Have LESS THAN three (3) years of professional work experience/military service, EXCLUDING internships, part-time jobs, or positions held while pursuing my undergraduate and/or graduate degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior internship experience or less than 3 years of work experience in Supply Chain, Business, Logistics, or a related field.
• Have or have held a leadership position in a campus, community, or extracurricular organization.

At BNSF, you will have access to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including:

• An industry-leading 401(k) and renowned Railroad Retirement program.
• A range of robust health care options for you and your dependents (including domestic partners), including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, cancer support, and high-quality care network options.
• Health care spending accounts (HSA) with employer contributions, as well as life and disability insurance, provided at no cost.
• Family benefits including parental, pediatric and family building support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and dependent care spending account (with employer match).
• Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships, counseling services and wellness support.
• Annual bonus (Incentive Compensation Program)
• Generous leave / time off policies.
• 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.

SF: MO | [[mfield5]] | Operations - Transportation | Barstow, CA | 92311