Train Crew - Memphis, TN

Union Pacific•Memphis, TN

20h•$80,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

Union Pacific Train Crew employees provide the safe and timely movement of customers’ freight. Previous railroad experience is not required; the company provides 14 weeks of classroom and on-the-job training. Employees must attend the full training period and successfully complete all exams to continue employment. After training, employees work in road or yard service according to their seniority territory and date. Road crews may travel between locations and stay away from their home terminal; lodging is provided in some circumstances. Yard and local crews work with an engineer or by remote control to sort cars from inbound trains and build outbound trains. This is a seniority-based position. Employees may need to cover locations across their seniority area, potentially far from their hired location or home, and may be assigned to work on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Work hours and days off are variable and irregular, and employees may work nights, weekends, and holidays. Temporary furloughs are possible based on business volume. Changing locations or crafts is subject to business demands, and employees should plan to remain in their craft and work location for at least two years. Employees are subject to drug and alcohol testing. The role requires outdoor work in all weather conditions, travel with trains, and physically demanding tasks. Employees may walk up to five miles per shift on uneven terrain, climb rail-car ladders, work at heights, and push, pull, lift, and carry objects weighing up to 85 pounds. The position offers the potential to apply for engine service and become a Class 1 Locomotive Engineer. Union Pacific cites expected first-year earnings of around $80,000 and median annual wages above $100,000 for employees with five years of service. Compensation and some benefits are subject to collective bargaining and union membership.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Valid driver's license.
Clean driving record for the past 36 months, without suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of a driver's license resulting from a drug- or alcohol-related incident.
Must not have been involved in diversion or probation, or pleaded guilty to a drug- or alcohol-related driving incident.
Must not have refused a drug or alcohol test related to operating a motor vehicle.
Successfully complete an English-language assessment before proceeding to the interview stage.
Successfully pass a Physical Ability Test before consideration for employment.
Normal color vision to detect and interpret visual color signals and displays, and ability to determine the speed of moving objects at close and distant ranges.
Adequate depth perception to assess the speed and distance of locomotives being moved in the service area.
Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry objects weighing up to 85 pounds.
Ability to frequently perform coordinated hand movements for grasping, placing, or moving objects.
Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including occasional bending, stooping, and kneeling; line switches; climb rail-car side ladders; maintain balance while riding rail cars; walk up to five miles per shift on uneven terrain; and occasionally work at heights of 12 feet or more.
Ability to detect unusual sounds and smells during inspections and testing and respond promptly.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship.
Must attend the full 14-week training program and successfully complete all exams during training.

Nice To Haves

Experience working second and/or third shifts.
Experience working outdoors in diverse weather conditions, including professional, personal, or volunteer experience.
Experience working with, on, and around heavy equipment in motion, including professional, personal, or volunteer experience.
Experience working in confined spaces and at different heights.

Responsibilities

Inspect equipment, locomotives, and rail cars to ensure they are safe to use or move in a train.
Couple equipment, align drawbars, operate remote-control locomotives, apply and release hand brakes, ride rail cars, and replace couplers or knuckles.
Communicate information to crews, yard controllers, and dispatchers using radios and/or hand signals.
Maintain accurate written and electronic documentation and prepare necessary materials.
Observe and comply with railroad safety and operating rules and regulations, including Federal Railroad Administration requirements.
Perform additional duties as assigned by a supervisor.
In yard and local service, sort cars from inbound trains and build outbound trains.

Benefits

Medical insurance, including prescription coverage.
Vision insurance.
Dental insurance.
Life insurance.
Disability insurance.
Educational Assistance, including online and in-person courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Metropolitan Community College with little to no out-of-pocket cost.
401(k) retirement plan.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 20% match up to 5%.
Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs.
Lodging provided for road service crews when required to stay away from their home terminal.
Paid sick days; the posting says compensated time off other than paid sick days is likely unavailable during the first year.