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When someone works on Train Crew, they are working at the heart of our railroad. Train Crew employees are accountable for serving our customers by providing the safe, timely, and on-plan movement of freight trains! In this beginning position, a person will start as a Switch-person or Brake-person, working as on-the-ground traffic control. No previous railroad experience is needed; we provide all the essential training! These jobs lead directly to becoming a Conductor and/or a Locomotive Engineer, where employees have the rare opportunity to work on board a moving locomotive.
A newly hired Train Crew employee can expect to earn $71,000 - $81,000 per year during their first 1-4 years of service. Advancement to other Train Crew positions has earning potential up to $88,000 a year or more. We are powered by our people, will you join our team?
- Ensure safe, timely train operation and movement between various shop locations, service tracks and switching areas
- Inspect the conditions and operations of equipment and machines, analyzing and troubleshooting problems to find solutions, and making adjustments as needed
- Perform various tasks to include: removing, replacing and carrying couplers/knuckles; aligning drawbars, coupling equipment and cars; operating locomotive equipment through a remote control device; applying and releasing hand brakes; riding rail cars; climbing onto equipment and sharing information clearly with co-workers and train dispatchers via radio
- Check, observe, interpret and relay signals and placards to collect and communicate information
- Prepare written documentation and materials as needed
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors and/or customers and efficiently handle controversy
- Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
- Work efficiently and productively under stressful working conditions
- Perform other duties as assigned
- Basic keyboarding skills
- Valid driver's license
- Ability to read and understand all instructions including operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents
- Proficient verbal and written communication skills to deliver information to coworker(s) and supervisor(s)
- Candidates for this position must pass a pre-employment test in English before being allowed to interview. The number of candidates who pass the test and will be granted an interview is based upon hiring needs. If you have taken this test and failed within the last six months, you will not be eligible to apply for this position. Click here to see a sample of the
- Candidates must qualify on a Physical Ability Test (PAT) prior to employment. Click here for a description of the
- Experience working with, on, and around moving heavy equipment (Consider professional, personal, and volunteer experience)
- Experience working outdoors in variable weather conditions (consider professional, personal, and volunteer experience)
- Completed a railroad conductor training course or program
- Able to push, pull, lift and carry objects weighing up to 87 lbs
- Able to make frequent coordinated hand movements to grasp, place, or move objects
- Must have normal color vision, be able to detect and interpret different visual color signals and displays, and determine the speed of moving objects at near or far distances
- Able to perform physically strenuous work and occasionally bend, stoop, and kneel
- Have normal depth perception to judge the speed and distance of locomotives being moved in the service area
- The ability to detect unusual sounds and smells during inspections and testing and to respond quickly
- Have the capacity to walk (up to 5 miles a shift), climb, and maintain balance on railcars, locomotives, stairs, ladders, uneven terrain, moving equipment, rails and ballast in a safe manner (occasionally work at heights of 12 feet or more)
- Typically required to report to your assigned work location within a prescribed timeframe (between 1-3 hours, depending on location)
- Willingness to practice safe work habits
- Agree to wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection where the company requires
- Authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship
- 18 years of age or older
- Prepared to work at the location for which you are hired for at least 2 years
- In the past 36 months, and in connection with the operating of a motor vehicle, you must not have had any of the following: (1) the suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of your driver's license in an incident involving drugs or alcohol; (2) your participation in diversion or probation, or a guilty plea, in a drug or alcohol-related driving incident; OR (3) you refused to take a drug or alcohol test
- Benefit information can be found under the Benefits section on up.jobs (https://up.jobs/why/benefits/index.htm)
- Experience working 2nd and/or 3rd shifts
- To the extent required by federal law and/or collective bargaining agreement, membership to the respective labor union is required. The union agreement dictates the pay rate and cannot be individually negotiated. Monthly dues are the responsibility of the employee.
COVID-19: Union Pacific complies with its federal contractor obligations concerning the spread of COVID-19; however, the vaccination mandate is currently stayed. Union Pacific will update our employees and applicants of any changes to these obligations as warranted.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation: Union Pacific supports diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer . Union Pacific is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce where equal employment opportunities are available without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, religion, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, or genetic information. Union Pacific strictly prohibits any discrimination or harassment based on protected status. Union Pacific is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its employment of individuals with disabilities. To request a disability accommodation in the application process, please use this link to submit a request.
Union Pacific supports diversity in the workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer inclusive of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.