BNSF Railway
Signal Apprentice (District 1) - Ottumwa, IA
BNSF Railway, Ottumwa, Iowa, United States, 52501
Sign Apprentice (District 1) – Ottumwa, IA – BNSF Railway
Join BNSF Railway, one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. As a Signal Apprentice, you will support the movement of essential products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world.
Job Details
Job Location: Ottumwa
Other Potential Locations: Ottumwa, IA
Anticipated Start Date: 04/06/2026
Number of Positions: 1
Salary Range: Entry rate approx. $36.44/hr; avg annual pay $85K–$95K with 3–5 years seniority.
Travel: up to 90% outside the headquarters location; travel costs covered by collective bargaining agreement.
Shift: Full-time 40 hrs/wk; on‑call (24/7), overtime, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, holidays.
Training: Company‑paid on‑the‑job and classroom training, including travel to the BNSF Training Center. Pay increases with each completed step of qualification.
Probation: 90‑day period. Relocation assistance not available.
Key Responsibilities
Perform construction, reconditioning, installation, maintenance, repair, inspection, and testing of wayside signal devices.
Load and unload supplies; install underground and overhead cables, trenching and hand digging; operate heavy machinery.
Work on or around highway grade crossings, climb signal masts, bridges, and ladders; handle cables and wires for electrical connections.
Use various power and non‑power tools including shovels, picks, axes, sledgehammers, micrometers, voltmeters, amp meters, computer‑based systems, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, tape measures, drills, and power saws.
Operate equipment such as backhoes, trenchers, boom trucks, and directional boring machines.
Perform work in a safety‑sensitive environment with diverse and extreme weather conditions, uneven surfaces, loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery.
Adhere to safety regulations, wear required personal protective equipment, and participate in daily safety conversations.
Basic Qualifications
Able to work now and in the future without BNSF’s assistance in obtaining or extending employment authorization (including H‑1B, STEM OPT/CPT, or TN status).
At least 18 years of age.
Valid state‑issued driver’s license.
Ability to report for duty at the designated work location.
Capability to travel for extended periods (fly, drive, or ride).
Ability to work safely in the specified working conditions.
Ability to work the above shift/hours and meet travel requirements.
Read, write, and communicate in English.
Lift and carry up to 60 lbs occasionally and 15–30 lbs frequently.
Recognize colors (red, blue, green, yellow, and white).
Discriminate between verbal and non‑verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.).
Use hands and hand tools for holding, grasping, turning, pushing, and pulling.
Climb ladders and signal poles/platforms for installations and maintenance.
Bend, walk, stand, or sit for periods.
Follow safety policies and procedures; wear required protective equipment.
Perform work on various terrain types (uneven, snow, mud, rock, sand).
Benefits
Health care options for you and dependents: medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, wellness coaching, 2nd opinion services, and high‑quality care network options.
Life insurance at no cost.
Railroad Retirement program and competitive 401(k) plan.
Family benefits: 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.
Union
membership is required with the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen; seniority and collective bargaining agreements apply.
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.
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Join BNSF Railway, one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. As a Signal Apprentice, you will support the movement of essential products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world.
Job Details
Job Location: Ottumwa
Other Potential Locations: Ottumwa, IA
Anticipated Start Date: 04/06/2026
Number of Positions: 1
Salary Range: Entry rate approx. $36.44/hr; avg annual pay $85K–$95K with 3–5 years seniority.
Travel: up to 90% outside the headquarters location; travel costs covered by collective bargaining agreement.
Shift: Full-time 40 hrs/wk; on‑call (24/7), overtime, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, holidays.
Training: Company‑paid on‑the‑job and classroom training, including travel to the BNSF Training Center. Pay increases with each completed step of qualification.
Probation: 90‑day period. Relocation assistance not available.
Key Responsibilities
Perform construction, reconditioning, installation, maintenance, repair, inspection, and testing of wayside signal devices.
Load and unload supplies; install underground and overhead cables, trenching and hand digging; operate heavy machinery.
Work on or around highway grade crossings, climb signal masts, bridges, and ladders; handle cables and wires for electrical connections.
Use various power and non‑power tools including shovels, picks, axes, sledgehammers, micrometers, voltmeters, amp meters, computer‑based systems, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, tape measures, drills, and power saws.
Operate equipment such as backhoes, trenchers, boom trucks, and directional boring machines.
Perform work in a safety‑sensitive environment with diverse and extreme weather conditions, uneven surfaces, loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery.
Adhere to safety regulations, wear required personal protective equipment, and participate in daily safety conversations.
Basic Qualifications
Able to work now and in the future without BNSF’s assistance in obtaining or extending employment authorization (including H‑1B, STEM OPT/CPT, or TN status).
At least 18 years of age.
Valid state‑issued driver’s license.
Ability to report for duty at the designated work location.
Capability to travel for extended periods (fly, drive, or ride).
Ability to work safely in the specified working conditions.
Ability to work the above shift/hours and meet travel requirements.
Read, write, and communicate in English.
Lift and carry up to 60 lbs occasionally and 15–30 lbs frequently.
Recognize colors (red, blue, green, yellow, and white).
Discriminate between verbal and non‑verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.).
Use hands and hand tools for holding, grasping, turning, pushing, and pulling.
Climb ladders and signal poles/platforms for installations and maintenance.
Bend, walk, stand, or sit for periods.
Follow safety policies and procedures; wear required protective equipment.
Perform work on various terrain types (uneven, snow, mud, rock, sand).
Benefits
Health care options for you and dependents: medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, wellness coaching, 2nd opinion services, and high‑quality care network options.
Life insurance at no cost.
Railroad Retirement program and competitive 401(k) plan.
Family benefits: 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.
Union
membership is required with the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen; seniority and collective bargaining agreements apply.
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.
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