BNSF Railway Photos by Ken Fitzgerald
With supervisory talent also in great demand, BNSF established the Experienced First-Line Supervisor (EFLS) program, which seeks to pull supervisors from other industries, such as aerospace, manufacturing, trucking, and the armed services. Rails and the Military: A Good Fit Railroads are actively recruiting men and women who are transitioning out of the military. The nation’s four largest railroads all made the list of “Top 50 Military-Friendly Employers” as determined by GI Jobs magazine in late 2006. “BNSF is a military-friendly employer, and we are seeking applicants with military experience because we value their skills and unique experiences. The military has high standards in everything they do,” says Connie McLendon, BNSF’s manager of military staffing. “Also, we believe that if you served your country, you shouldn’t have to stand in line for a job when you get home.” Veterans share the military’s strong american coal council
work ethic, discipline, and “can-do” attitude, McLendon says, adding they are highly skilled, typically coming out of the armed services certified in a trade, and having extensive hands-on and leadership experience. In 2006 alone, about 1,000 veterans were hired by BNSF. McLendon, who served in the U.S. Navy, says there are many parallels between veterans and railroaders. “The work situations are very similar,” she says. “They are often outdoors, in a very physical environment and are always on the go.” Work style is similar, as well. Soldiers are trained to be mission-focused, to pay attention to detail and strive for excellence. Leaders are taught to be problem-solvers, teachers, and innovative thinkers. Safety orientation and safety consciousness are also strong bonds. “One of the things that appeals to veterans is that railroading is very structured, with rules and regulations,” McLendon says. “They like the stability and that railroads have a long history.
They also are attracted to the high-tech features of today’s railroads.” As the veterans are sought-after candidates for many types of work and industries, BNSF has to distinguish itself. “We truly are a military-friendly company,” says McLendon. “BNSF recognizes the sacrifice made by our National Guard and Reserve employees, and we offer enhanced and extended benefits to those called to duty since Sept. 11, 2001.” Since 9/11, more than 500 BNSF employees have been called up, and about 175 are currently serving in active duty. The national committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) honored BNSF with the 2006 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom award. BNSF joined an elite group of 15 companies, selected from more than 5,000 nominations, honored for their exceptional support of the National Guard and Reserves. “The veterans I talk to are very excited about the opportunities at BNSF,” says 35