Wichita Terminal Association-(WTA) Switchman - Wichita, KS

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Date: Jan 22, 2026

Location: Wichita, KS, US, 67201

Company: BNSF

Apply early as this job may be filled at any time.

 

Job Location: Wichita
Other Potential Locations: Wichita, KS 
Anticipated Start Date: 03/16/2026
Number of Positions: 1 
Salary Range: During Training: $29.40/hour; After Training: $39.20/hour Subject to Collective Bargaining Agreement


All communication with applicants will be done via email.  Please check your email on a daily basis.

 

 

THIS POSITION IS FOR THE WICHITA TERMINAL ASSOCIATION.

This employment opportunity is only for the Wichita Terminal Association, not BNSF Railway. Any current or furloughed employees with BNSF or another Class I railroad that are ultimately selected for this position must resign with their respective road upon being employed by the Wichita Terminal Association.

 

SAFETY

Safety is a core value of how we do business. Each and every day, our employees are committed to approach one another about safety, which is key in realizing our vision. Employees are also expected to comply with company and federal safety & health regulations, safety rules & policies, as well as procedures that guide work practices to reduce risk to exposure.  Such work practices include but are not limited to wearing required safety equipment, responding to safety concerns, and taking appropriate actions in the event of an emergency.

 

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is responsible for safely switching railcars and safe train movement. Additional responsibilities include the following:

 

COMMUNICATION

  • Obtain and receive information and act on oral or written instructions by various communication devices
  • Monitor and report daily work

 

TRAIN OPERATION

  • Climb on/off equipment, set/release hand brakes, couple/uncouple air hoses, remove/replace broken railcar knuckle, ride moving cars by holding onto grab irons or ladders
  • Observe, interpret and relay hand, lantern, and other signals for train movement
  • Judge and control speed and clearance distance of cars

 

SWITCHING FUNCTIONS

  • Operate track switches and derails to change train routing within yards or on road
  • Check switch points for proper alignment

 

TRAIN AND EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS

  • Switch, spot cars and determine train make-up
  • Observe and monitor track conditions (e.g. broken rails, defective switches, weather-related problems)
  • Inspect cars per federal regulations
  • Observe and report on passing train conditions

 

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.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Extreme all-weather conditions
  • Walk and perform work on uneven surfaces
  • Safety sensitive work environment
  • Loud noise and fumes
  • Work on and around heavy and moving machinery

 

SHIFTS/HOURS

  • Full-time (40 hrs/wk)
  • Subject to on-call (24/7), nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Must be able to report to assigned work location when notified

 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • At least 18 years of age, or will be by the anticipated start date listed above
  • Ability to report for duty at the designated work location in Wichita, KS
  • Able to work safely in the above working conditions
  • Able to work the above shift/hours
  • Ability to read, write and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds
  • Ability to see, learn, and interpret hand signals from near and far; visually distinguish colors - red, blue, green, yellow and lunar (clear light); visually judge speed and distance of moving objects; see at night
  • Ability to discriminate and differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) in the work environment
  • Ability to visually distinguish and differentiate colors of computer display screens
  • Ability to use hands and use hand tools to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning and pulling
  • Ability to climb 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 sit frequently with breaks
  • Follow safety policies and procedures; wear required personal protective equipment

 

TRAINING

  • Company-paid on-the-job and classroom training at the location hired

RELOCATION

  • Relocation assistance is not available

 

UNION

  • SMART-TD
  • Dues required per union agreement

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

  • 60 days

 

 

BENEFITS:

WTA Employees receive a competitive benefit package.
 
All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen.
 
WTA 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.
 
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION ELEMENTS:
  •     Criminal history 
  •     Last 7 years of driving history
  •     Last 5 years of employment history to include military service
  •     Social Security number
  •     Education
 
MEDICAL REVIEW ELEMENTS:
  •     Medical evaluation
  •     Drug Screen
  •     Other elements as needed
 
DRUG TEST ELEMENTS:
WTA is committed to a safe and drug free work place and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing. All new hires are required to undergo a hair drug test which detects the presence of illegal drugs for months prior to testing. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping BNSF safe and drug free.
 

SF: Internal Posting Only | Private Posting Only Private Posting Only  | Operations - Transportation | Wichita, KS | 67201 

 

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Nearest Major Market: Wichita