FAQs

Quick answers to the most common questions related to the application process, job opportunities and basic qualifications.

Application Process

You must submit an online application. Search for a role by Job Title, Job Category, or Location and apply by following the prompts.

Note: You must submit your application to a specific job to be considered for that job.

Yes, a separate application must be submitted for each position and/or location you wish to apply for.

Upon completion of the online application process, applicants will receive a confirmation email. This email will contain a unique link that allows you to track your application status. You will also be prompted to create a candidate account after you submit your application, which will allow you to login and track the status of your application at any time. Applications are screened for the most qualified candidates to proceed to the next step in the process. With regret, due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to personally respond to all applicant inquiries. All candidates will receive an email when their status changes.

Please email Staff.Recruiter1@BNSF.com and we will do our best to assist.

BNSF Railway offers reasonable accommodations in the employment process for individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance in the application or hiring process to accommodate a disability, you may request an accommodation at any time. To contact us, click here.

Important Notice: Beware of Recruitment Scams
We are aware that fraudulent job offers are being made by individuals or organizations posing as BNSF Railway. These scams often request personal information or money from job seekers.

Please be aware of the following:

No Upfront Payments: BNSF Railway will never ask for any form of payment from a candidate as part of the recruitment process (e.g., for background checks, training, or equipment).
Official Communication: All official communication from BNSF Railway will come from an email address ending in @bnsf.com. Be cautious of emails from free email services like Gmail, Yahoo or Outlook.
Verification: If you receive a job offer or any communication that seems suspicious, please verify its authenticity by contacting us directly at talentacquisition@bnsf.com.
Interviews: Our hiring process includes a virtual or in-person interview prior to extending any offer of employment. We do not make job offers solely based on email or text communication.
Personal Information: Do not share personal information such as your social security number, bank account details, or any other sensitive information until you have verified the legitimacy of the job offer.

If you suspect that you have been contacted by someone impersonating BNSF Railway, please report it to us immediately at talentacquisition@bnsf.com.

Stay vigilant and protect yourself from recruitment fraud.

Job Opportunities

To access the Talent Community and setup job alerts on the BNSF website, follow these steps:

Visit the BNSF Careers page.
Click on the “Get Started” link to Get tailored job recommendations based on your interests.
Setup your profile to sign up for alerts to be the first to know about new job openings.
Upload or fill out your resume to streamline the application process.
Create a profile to check on your application status from the BNSF website by selecting Edit profile.

Joining BNSF’s Talent Network enhances your job search and application process, making it easier for us to find and connect with you! You can upload your resume and get noticed by recruiters. To get started, visit the BNSF Jobs Talent Community page.

Yes. If you do not specify any criteria, the system will display all current job openings.

BNSF posts positions as they become available. If you do not see the location you are interested in, we currently do not have positions available in that location. Our careers website is updated regularly, so check back often for new postings. Review the BNSF system map for BNSF operating locations.

BNSF posts positions as they become available. If you do not see the position you are interested in, then it is not available at this time. Our careers website is updated regularly, so check back often for new postings.

You may be competing with hundreds of other qualified candidates. Applications are screened for the most qualified candidates to proceed to the next step in the process. With regret, due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to personally respond to all applicants. If selected for an interview, or if additional information is needed, a BNSF representative will contact you directly via email or telephone. All candidates will receive an email when their status changes.

Union agreements dictate that only promoted BNSF conductors can become locomotive engineers. Should an individual have the long-term goal of becoming a locomotive engineer for BNSF, an application can be submitted for a Conductor Trainee position.

The BNSF Police Department is responsible for all security measures at BNSF, including protecting BNSF people, freight, facilities and the public BNSF serves. Those interested in employment should have had formal police officer training and preferably be a state certified police officer. If you possess these qualifications and are interested in employment with BNSF's Police Department, please submit an application. If you do not find a posting available, it means the BNSF Police Department is not currently hiring. Please check back regularly as our hiring needs are subject to frequent change.

Basic Qualifications

A person must be at least 18 years of age to be employed at BNSF.

Basic qualifications are provided in the job posting. To learn more, review the jobs listed on this website.

BNSF is committed to an alcohol and drug free workplace. Please note that it will be necessary for you to provide a hair specimen for this exam, which will test for certain drug use in the past 90 days. Hair specimens can be collected from EITHER the head or body and can be taken from several locations to get the required amount necessary for testing. Your application will not be able to move forward without completing this test. Please click here for more information regarding hair testing.

BNSF does test for some prescription medications. To be considered a valid prescription, a prescription order must be less than 12 months old. In addition, be aware that marijuana is among the drugs that are prohibited, notwithstanding any statute, ordinance, regulation or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational or other use.