Apprentice Freight Car Repair - North Platte, NE

$70,096 - $70,096/Yr

Union Pacific Railroad

Full-time - Entry Level

Rail Transportation

About the position

The Apprentice Freight Car Repair position at Union Pacific offers a comprehensive three-year training program designed to develop skilled Freight Car Repairers. This role involves hands-on experience in inspecting, repairing, and rebuilding freight cars, with a focus on safety and compliance with railroad regulations. Apprentices will engage in various maintenance tasks, operate specialized tools, and communicate effectively within a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough inspections to identify defects, wear, and damages resulting from derailments or collisions.
• Carry out maintenance tasks, including conducting initial terminal air brake tests and pre-trip inspections.
• Repair structural components of rolling stock, involving tasks such as fabricating, cutting, or performing rough finish operations on metal and wood replacement parts.
• Remove and replace faulty components, such as trucks, shoes, coupler assemblies, or air brake systems.
• Prepare surfaces for painting, welding, and fabrication by cleaning and ensuring proper readiness.
• Operate various tools and equipment safely and effectively, such as acetylene torches, non-power hand tools, power tools, electric and gas welding equipment, and other shop machines, vehicles, and tools.
• Communicate technical information, job procedure recommendations, and other work-related information verbally and in writing to colleagues, supervisors, contractors, and customers.
• Foster positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, and customers, and skillfully resolve any arising situations.
• Ensure strict compliance with all railroad rules and regulations pertaining to safety, operations, and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) guidelines.
• Perform additional assigned duties as required.

Requirements

• Basic mathematic skills
• Valid driver's license
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to deliver information to coworker(s) and supervisor(s)
• Experience reading and understanding instructions (examples may include: operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents)
• Candidates are required to successfully complete an assessment in English before proceeding to the interview stage.

Nice-to-haves

• Proficient in operating heavy equipment, including but not limited to construction machinery, farm equipment, etc.
• Experience working in an environment that necessitates the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection.
• Demonstrated ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Proficient in welding or possessing a welding certificate.
• Skilled in effectively operating a range of tools required for repairing freight/passenger cars, such as 100-ton jacks, air tools, compressors, generators, welders, hydraulic equipment, or torches.
• Flexibility to work on-call, overtime, various shifts, including weekends, holidays, and potentially 7 days a week.
• Willingness and capability to work in confined and/or small spaces.
• Ability to work safely around large equipment, such as railcars, locomotives, and cranes.

Benefits

• Ongoing learning, development, and Educational Assistance (including little to no out-of-pocket cost for online and in-person courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha)
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 40% match up to 5%
• Medical, dental and vision insurance, which are collectively bargained for through union membership
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs