Assistant Signal Person - Dunsmuir, CA

Union Pacific • DUNSMUIR, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Signal Person assists with the installation, repair, and upkeep of railroad signals and grade crossing warning systems. The role supports the safe and efficient transportation of goods by Union Pacific and involves working with a variety of equipment across a designated geographic territory.

The position requires inspections and testing of signal circuitry, equipment, and systems; assembly, disassembly, troubleshooting, and repair of crossing warning devices; and construction, installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of signal communication circuitry, systems, and components. The employee uses machines, tools, vehicles, and equipment responsibly, maintains clean work areas, and operates company vehicles while traveling throughout the territory. The role also requires safe work practices, compliance with operational and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rules, proactive task ownership, and effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, contractors, and customers.

Candidates must successfully complete an English assessment before the interview stage and a separate Physical Ability Test (PAT) to be eligible for employment. Work conditions include working at heights of 20 feet or more, wearing required personal protective equipment, and potentially relocating during employment. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship, and apply only to locations where they are ready to reside and work.

Requirements

• Valid driver's license.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to provide assistance and effectively supervise others.
• Ability to plan, organize, and maintain information and activities.
• Commitment to understanding and following safety rules, promoting safe work habits, and identifying potential risks.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and conversion of fractions and decimals.
• Ability to extract information from tables, charts, graphs, and text to solve practical problems.
• Familiarity with applying fundamental mechanical principles to resolve mechanical issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for conveying information to colleagues and supervisors.
• Successful completion of an English assessment before proceeding to the interview stage.
• Successful completion of a Physical Ability Test (PAT), separate from the medical examination.
• Normal color vision.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, change positions periodically, and perform physically demanding tasks that may include occasional bending, stooping, and kneeling.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 65 lbs and push and pull objects weighing up to 119 lbs.
• Ability to safely walk and maintain balance on uneven surfaces, make frequent coordinated hand movements, and frequently walk to access the work site.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.
• Willingness and ability to work at heights of 20 feet or more.
• Commitment to consistently practicing safe work habits.
• Willingness to potentially relocate during employment.
• Agreement to wear mandatory personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection as required.
• Application limited to locations where the candidate is ready to reside and work.

Nice To Haves

• Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A or Class B.
• Certificate from a recognized electrical training program, such as community college, trade or vocational school, or military training.
• Associate's degree or higher in electrical engineering or electronic technology.
• Experience operating heavy equipment, such as construction or farm machinery, through professional, personal, or volunteer experience.
• Experience working outdoors in diverse weather conditions through professional, personal, or volunteer work.
• Familiarity with safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection.
• Knowledge of installation and maintenance of railroad signaling devices.
• Prior experience in a construction-oriented setting, whether professional, personal, or volunteer-based.
• Ability to travel extensively, approximately 95–100% of the time.
• Willingness to work in confined and/or small spaces.
• Flexibility to work on-call, overtime, various shifts, and seven days a week, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and test signal circuitry, equipment, and systems to identify and resolve issues and defects.
• Assemble and disassemble signal crossing warning device equipment, troubleshoot problems, and perform necessary repairs.
• Construct, install, maintain, repair, and replace signal communication circuitry, systems, and components.
• Use machines, tools, vehicles, and equipment responsibly and keep work areas clean.
• Operate company vehicles and travel across the designated geographic territory.
• Demonstrate proactive behavior, contribute to the team, take ownership of tasks, and ensure high-quality, timely completion.
• Build positive working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, contractors, and customers, and manage conflicts effectively.
• Follow safety, operational, and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations and guidelines.
• Perform additional assigned duties as required.

Benefits

• Ongoing learning and development.
• Educational Assistance, including little to no out-of-pocket cost for online and in-person courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Metropolitan Community College.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 20% match up to 5%.
• Medical insurance, collectively bargained for through union membership.
• Dental insurance, collectively bargained for through union membership.
• Vision insurance, collectively bargained for through union membership.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed