Track Maintenance - Laborer (Centralia, IL)

Be part of a team that values safety, diversity, 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: Centralia
Other Potential Locations: Centralia, IL 
Anticipated Start Date: 03/24/2025
Number of Positions: 4 
Salary Range: Entry rate is approx. $34.90/hr

Apply early as this job may be removed or filled prior to the closing date, which is approximately seven (7) days after the posting date.

Embark on a fulfilling career at BNSF Railway, where joining our Engineering Department means contributing to the backbone of our nation's rail infrastructure. As a member of our Track Maintenance Team, you'll play a vital role in constructing, inspecting, and repairing tracks and other railroad assets and maintaining our railway corridors.  

This is a full-time (40hrs/wk) position and is subject to on-call, overtime, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, and holidays. 

Travel is required to (and remain at) job sites for extended periods, sometimes for days or weeks at a time, in the designated seniority region.

Training for this position is company-paid on-the-job and classroom training and will include travel to the BNSF Training Center.

Key responsibilities may include: 

Track maintenance repair and installation; repair and rebuild railroad track as well as perform maintenance by pulling spikes, cutting, welding, or drilling rail.  This also includes maintaining a clean right of way by removing hazards such as brush, trees, vegetation, litter, and cargo spillage.

Maintain trackbed which includes manually compressing ballast, remove/install ties and replacing, cutting, and adjusting rail in addition to lifting and carrying materials with assistance.

Operate equipment – power hand tools such as electric, pneumatic or hydraulic tools (drills, impact wrenches, jacks, power saws and grinders) as well as non-powered hand tools and shovels, picks, saws, and grinders. 

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.  

BNSF prioritizes safety as a core value of how we do business. Our employees engage in daily safety conversations to achieve our vision. In addition, they must adhere to safety regulations, rules, and policies, including wearing safety equipment, responding to concerns, and taking action in emergencies. 

Relocation assistance is not available and there is a 60-day probationary period. 

The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position. This is not an 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: 

• Able to work in the US without company sponsorship now AND in the future. 
• At least 18 years of age or will be by the anticipated start date listed above. 
• Possess a valid state-issued driver’s license.  
• 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.  
• Able to read, write and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English.  
• Available to travel to and remain on job sites in designated seniority region and remain on site for extended periods, sometimes days or weeks at a time.  
• Able to lift and carry up to 60 lbs occasionally.  
• Able to visually distinguish colors - red, blue, green, yellow, and lunar (clear) light.   
• Ability to discriminate and differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) in the work environment.  
• Able to use hands to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.  
• Occasionally climb on/off equipment  
• Bend, walk, stand and sit for extended time, use hand tools.  
• Follow safety policies and procedures along with rules compliance; wear required personal protective equipment.  

Union membership is with the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees (BMWE) and union dues are required per union agreement.

Seniority district transfers are handled per union agreement, are seniority based and require Director approval. 

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

At BNSF, you will have access to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that meets you where you are, a few of those benefits include:

• A range of health care options for you and your dependents including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, wellness coaching, 2nd opinion services, and high-quality care network options. You will also have 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!
• Benefits vary by union collective bargaining agreement.
• For more information, visit Benefits.

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.

F: MO | Engineering Transitioning Military  | Operations - Engineering | Centralia, IL | 62801