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Mechanical Service Operator (Locomotive)

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Exact $25.86
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Benefits

Strengths-based culture
Engagement-focused culture
Performance-oriented culture
Ongoing learning and development
educational assistance
401(k) retirement plan
Employee stock purchase plan
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
wellness programs
Employee Assistance Programs

Job Description

Union Pacific is a leading railroad company in the United States, committed to providing essential transportation and logistics services across North America. With a vast network that spans thousands of miles, Union Pacific plays a critical role in the supply chain, enabling the efficient movement of goods and raw materials. As an organization, Union Pacific prides itself on fostering a strengths-based, engagement-focused, and performance-oriented culture. The company offers numerous opportunities for ongoing learning and development, including educational assistance programs such as online and in-person courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, often at little to no out-of-pocket cost. Employees benefit from comprehensive retirement plans, including a 401(k) and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a generous company match. Additionally, the company provides medical, dental, and vision insurance through union-negotiated agreements, alongside wellness and employee assistance programs that support overall employee health and well-being.

The Mechanical Service Operator role at Union Pacific is a vital position within the mechanical department, primarily responsible for supporting locomotive operations and ensuring the seamless maintenance and readiness of trains. This is an hourly position offering a competitive rate of pay at $25.86 per hour. The role demands a strong emphasis on safety, teamwork, and operational efficiency. Mechanical Service Operators are tasked with operating locomotives to move them between shop locations and service tracks, restocking locomotives with critical materials, and maintaining cleanliness both inside and outside of locomotives. Additionally, incumbents will operate various shop machines and tools, such as forklifts, backhoes, bobcats, mobile cranes, and high-pressure steam cleaning equipment, always adhering to strict safety and operational protocols.

By joining this role, individuals will develop a comprehensive understanding of the overall shop environment and gain valuable knowledge of Union Pacific's mechanical operations. The position requires strong initiative, accountability, communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Operators will have the responsibility to conduct air brake tests, inspect equipment and machinery for safety and performance, and maintain effective communication using hand radios and hand signals. This position also involves periodic physical demands, including lifting objects up to 85 pounds and the ability to work in diverse and sometimes confined environments, often in conjunction with large machinery such as railcars and cranes.

Union Pacific seeks candidates who are at least 18 years old, possess a valid driver's license, and have the ability to apply basic math skills and mechanical knowledge to solve problems. Safety is paramount, and all employees must be willing to adhere to personal protective equipment requirements and company safety policies. Candidates will be required to complete a physical ability test and an English assessment prior to the interview stage. The company is dedicated to supporting its workforce with comprehensive benefits and fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about the rail industry and committed to ensuring high standards of operational reliability and safety.

Job Requirements

  • Minimum age of 18 years
  • Possess a valid driver's license
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Proficiency in basic mathematics
  • Strong communication skills
  • Computer literacy and keyboarding skills
  • Adherence to safety rules and safe work practices
  • Ability to understand and apply instructions and federal regulations
  • Basic mechanical knowledge
  • Preparedness to live and work at job locations
  • Comfort working around large equipment
  • Willingness to wear required personal protective equipment
  • Availability for occasional travel
  • Successful completion of an English language assessment
  • Passing a Physical Ability Test (PAT)
  • Normal color vision
  • Ability to perceive unusual sounds and smells
  • Coordinated hand movements and quick response to sounds
  • Normal depth perception
  • Physical stamina for occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, and lifting up to 85 pounds
  • Ability to maintain balance on uneven surfaces
  • Manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship
  • Willingness to wear personal protective equipment consistently
  • Ability to work near large machinery
  • Capability to perform tasks at elevated heights of 18 feet or more

Job Qualifications

  • Minimum age requirement 18 years or older
  • Possession of a valid driver's license
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment
  • Proficiency in basic arithmetic operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and conversion of fractions and decimals
  • Skill in extracting relevant information from tables, charts, graphs, and written text
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate with colleagues and supervisors
  • Experience using computers and basic keyboarding skills
  • Understanding and adherence to safety rules, safe work practices, and identification of potential safety risks
  • Ability to comprehend and apply instructions, including operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents
  • Basic mechanical knowledge to solve mechanical problems
  • Comfort and capability to work around large equipment such as railcars, locomotives, and cranes
  • Willingness to wear personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection as required by the company
  • Occasional travel may be required
  • Completion of vocational courses in electronics or mechanics, demonstrating competence in the field
  • Proficiency in the use of both hand tools and power tools
  • Fundamental knowledge and experience in mechanical operations
  • Proven track record of working outdoors in diverse weather conditions, including experience gained through professional engagements, personal projects, and volunteer work
  • Comfort and willingness to work in confined spaces or small environments
  • Flexibility in scheduling, including the ability to work different shifts, overtime, holidays, and weekends

Job Duties

  • Operate locomotives to transport them between shop locations, service tracks, switching areas, and line switches, and assist hostlers by operating derails
  • Safely and proficiently operate a variety of shop machines and tools, including forklifts, backhoes, bobcats, mobile cranes, and high-pressure steam cleaning equipment
  • Ensure strict compliance with all safety and operational regulations and protocols
  • Restock locomotives with necessary materials, such as drinking water, sand, and spare parts, ensuring all required supplies are available
  • Thoroughly clean locomotive interiors and exteriors, including floors, parts, and engine car body, to maintain cleanliness and visual appeal
  • Conduct air brake tests and inspect materials, equipment, and machinery for defects or unsafe conditions, ensuring optimal performance and safety
  • Maintain effective communication with team members using hand radios and hand signals in service track and other designated areas

Job Criteria

Experience

No experience required


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