Signal Maintenance Worker at BNSF Railway
Army bulldozer operator’s military experience gives him the edge in bid for BNSF Railway job.
By Warren Duffie 

Justin Savage never has to worry about boredom at his job. As a signal maintenance worker for BNSF Railway, his service calls range from changing a burned-out light bulb in a track signal to replacing the fiber glass and aluminum gates of a railroad crossing that were smashed to bits by an SUV.

“Believe it or not, we get quite a few people who bust through crossings trying to beat a train,” said Savage, a former Army specialist. “It’s amazing how many people think their vehicle is stronger and faster than a train.”

On the Job
Savage, 29, isn’t complaining, though. People’s ignorance and the normal wear and tear of mechanical equipment keep him busy. Based in Beardstown, Ill., his service area spans 10 signals, 15 train crossings, five track power switches, and even a bridge. Aside from repairs, he also conducts routine inspections.

“No call is ever the same,” he said. “They’re all different, like snowflakes. But my military training helps me stay on top of things. In the Army, you learn never to be complacent, because it can get you killed. In combat you can get shot or trigger an IED, and on the railroad you can get hit by a train.

“I did have to learn to temper my intensity a bit,” Savage continued. “In the military, you’re always go-go-go. In my civilian job, I need to step back and analyze each problem in detail. A crossed wire can run two trains into each other. Attention to detail is crucial.”

In Uniform
Savage comes from a proud military heritage. His grandfather was a World War II veteran, one of six American Soldiers who reached Hitler’s Chancellery before Soviet troops occupied it. The elder Savage also help lay communication cable for the Potsdam Conference – which gathered the victorious Allies to create order in the post-World War II world.

Inspired to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps, Justin Savage enlisted in the Illinois National Guard while still in high school. When he graduated in 2000, he entered active duty. Savage was trained as a construction equipment operator at Fort Leonard Wood. He served two tours in Iraq – as a bulldozer operator within a bridge company and as part of an armored bulldozer task force.

The Transition
By 2006 Savage wanted to “take his life to the next level” and try his hand at civilian employment. In addition to taking transition classes, he regularly read G.I. Jobs magazine. He saw an ad listing BNSF Railway as a top Military Friendly Employer. After some research, he saw the railroad ran through his hometown of Springfield. Combining a desire to return home with a fascination with the railroad, he applied for work with BNSF.

Although he never worked with trains, Savage touted his experience with heavy construction machinery such as bulldozers. Two weeks after submitting his application, he was invited to an interview. Out of 50 applicants, he was one of three hired. Savage started out as an assistant signalman.

“The hardest part was starting out at the bottom, like an E-1,” he said. “When I first started, I literally was digging gravel to place under railroad tracks. I was so intense and go-go-go that people told me to slow down a bit. Civilian life took a little while to get used to, but I like it and I’m glad I made the jump.”  

How’d You Get That Job?
In addition to taking transition classes, Savage regularly read

G.I. Jobs magazine. He saw an ad listing BNSF Railway as a top Military Friendly Employer. After some research, he saw the railroad ran through his hometown of Beardstown. Combining a desire to return home with a fascination with the railroad, he applied for work with BNSF.

Although he never worked with trains, Savage touted his experience with heavy construction machinery such as bulldozers. Two weeks after submitting his application, he was invited to an interview. Out of 50 applicants, he was one of three hired. Savage started out as an assistant signalman.

What Savage Likes About His Job

• I work in my hometown.
• The people and camaraderie are great.
• Each day offers new challenges and keeps me thinking.

Savage’s Advice
Chill out. Take time to relax before you start your civilian job. I’ve seen people jump right from the military into a new job. Take a month for you and your family. Sleep in for a week or two. 

BNSF Railway
HQ: Fort Worth, Texas
Employees: 38,000
2010 Revenues: $14 billion
www.bnsf.com

Did You Know?
BNSF Railway operates one of the largest North American rail networks – 32,000 route miles in 28 Western states and two Canadian provinces.

BNSF is a Department of Defense Freedom Award recipient. This prestigious nomination recognizes that BNSF policies and practices go “above and beyond” in support of our nation’s citizen Soldiers.