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Hourly Rail Train Operator Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Union Pacific

Train Crew

Milwaukee, WI

Train Crew employees are responsible for providing the safe and timely movement of customers ... operating remote control locomotives, applying, and releasing hand brakes, riding rail cars ...

Union Pacific

Train Crew

Adams, WI

Train Crew employees are responsible for providing the safe and timely movement of customers ... operating remote control locomotives, applying, and releasing hand brakes, riding rail cars ...

Cando Rail & Terminals Ltd.

Switchperson

Superior, WI · On-site

Cando provides specialized rail operating services. We provide a wide range of rail services ... Ensuring safe operation of the locomotive and train movements including conducting clear and ...

Reyes Beverage Group

Forklift Operator

Wrightstown, WI · On-site

$24.20/hr

Hourly Pay Rate: $24.20 If you enjoy our products, you'll really enjoy being a part of our team ... Forklift Operators safely and accurately receive inbound products (including rail), replenish ...

RailPros

$22 - $35/hr

RailPros is the premier provider of engineering and diversified safety services to America's rail ... UP North On Track Worker and Operating Rules Why RailPros? Build Your Career Where Culture Leads ...

RailPros

$22 - $35/hr

RailPros is the premier provider of engineering and diversified safety services to America's rail ... UP North On Track Worker and Operating Rules Why RailPros? Build Your Career Where Culture Leads ...

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Hourly Rail Train Operator information

What is an hourly rail train operator?

Hourly rail train operators are professionals responsible for operating trains on a scheduled basis, typically working shifts that are paid by the hour. They ensure the safe and timely transportation of passengers or freight along designated rail routes. Their duties include monitoring train controls, adhering to safety protocols, communicating with dispatchers, and responding to emergencies or unexpected situations on the tracks. These operators play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and safety of rail transportation systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an hourly rail train operator?

To thrive as an Hourly Rail Train Operator, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong attention to safety protocols, and a clean driving record, often supplemented by specialized training or certification in rail operations. Familiarity with train control systems, signaling equipment, and communication tools is typically required. Outstanding situational awareness, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication set exceptional operators apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safe and timely transport of passengers or freight and for maintaining operational efficiency in a regulated environment.

What are some common challenges faced by hourly rail train operators, and how can they be managed?

Hourly rail train operators often face challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to schedules, managing unexpected delays, and ensuring passenger safety in a variety of weather and operational conditions. Effective communication with dispatchers and other crew members is crucial for timely problem-solving, and operators must remain alert at all times to quickly respond to signals or track obstructions. Staying current on safety procedures and participating in ongoing training can help operators manage these challenges and maintain a smooth, efficient service.

What is the difference between Hourly Rail Train Operator vs Conductor?

AspectHourly Rail Train OperatorConductor
CredentialsState-issued train operator license, safety certificationsConductor certification, safety training
Work EnvironmentOperate trains, monitor controls, ensure safetyCoordinate train operations, oversee passenger safety
Employer & IndustryRailroads, transit agencies

Both roles are essential in rail operations, with the train operator focusing on driving and controlling the train, while the conductor manages passenger safety and operational coordination. They often work together but have distinct responsibilities within the rail industry.

How many hours does an hourly rail train operator work?

Hourly rail train operators typically work shifts that range from 8 to 12 hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on the schedule and company policies. Overtime and split shifts are common, and the job often requires working irregular hours to ensure continuous rail service.

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Hourly Rail Train Operator jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Hourly Rail Train Operator job openings:

Hourly Rail Train Operator jobs near you

Train Crew - Adams, WI

Adams, WI • On-site

Union Pacific Railroad

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 64 rated delivery companies

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Learn more about Union Pacific Railroadexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Reference Number: 5122
Department: Transportation
Closing Date: Apply early as this job may be filled at any time.
Most communications will be done electronically. Please check email, including spam folders, daily.
Rate of Pay: $80,000 Annually
If you wish to solicit an employee referral for this position, please ensure the employee submits the referral prior to submitting your application.
Description
At Union Pacific, success is driven by our talented workforce. If you are passionate about contributing to a dynamic team and being at the heart of the railroad industry, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey. We are powered by our people, will you join our Train Crew team?
Train Crew employees are responsible for providing the safe and timely movement of customers' freight. Previous railroad experience is not required as we provide all necessary training.
As you progress in your career, you may have the opportunity to apply for engine service (fireman's class) and become a Class 1 Locomotive Engineer.
In your initial year of service, you can expect earnings of around $80,000. As you advance in your career there is potential for higher earnings, with the median annual wages of an employee with five years of service reaching over $100,000. Each employee is entitled to medical insurance that also covers prescriptions. In addition, the company provides vision, dental, life, and disability insurance.
What Should You Know
  • If hired, know that changing seniority locations and/or crafts (moving from train crew to mechanical or engineering) are approved based on business demands and may not be granted. Plan to commit to your craft and work location for a minimum of 2 years.
  • The training class is 14 weeks and includes classroom and on-the-job training. Attendance for the full 14 weeks and successful completion of all exams during the training period is a requirement for continued employment.
  • After training, you will work either road or yard service based on the territory you hold seniority and seniority date.
  • Road service crews may be required to work between two locations requiring them to stay away from their home terminal point. Lodging is provided by Union Pacific.
  • Yard and local service crews work with an engineer, or by remote control. They classify (sort) the cars from inbound trains and build outbound trains.
  • This is a seniority-based position, and you may be required to cover locations within the area you hold seniority other than the location hired. These locations could be a long distance from the location you were hired or from where you live. Lodging may or may not be provided depending on the collective bargaining agreement you are working under.
  • You may be required to work an assignment that is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • You will likely not be eligible for compensated time off during your first year of employment aside from paid sick days.
  • Temporary furloughs are possible depending on fluctuations in business volumes. Furloughs and subsequent recalls to work are based on seniority dates.
  • Union Pacific does not tolerate the use of drugs and alcohol (even for medicinal purposes). You will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing, mandatory testing for reasonable suspicion, and post-accident testing when applicable.
  • Refer to Train Crew FAQs for more information.

Accountabilities
  • Inspect equipment, locomotives, and rail cars to ensure they are safe to use or move in a train.
  • Perform tasks such as: Coupling (connecting) equipment, aligning drawbars, operating remote control locomotives, applying, and releasing hand brakes, riding rail cars, replacing couplers/knuckles and effectively communicating information to crews, yard controllers, and dispatchers via radio and/or hand signals.
  • Maintain accurate written and electronic documentation and prepare necessary materials as required.
  • Observe and comply with all railroad rules and regulations pertaining to safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by a supervisor.

Qualifications - Required
  • Applicants must have reached the age of 18 or above.
  • Valid driver's license
  • Clean driving record in the past 36 months, without any suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of your 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 to undergo a drug or alcohol test related to the operation of a motor vehicle.
  • Successfully complete an assessment in English before proceeding to the interview stage. For more information go to FAQs on UP.jobs.

Qualifications - Preferred
  • Experience working on 2nd and/or 3rd shifts.
  • Experience working outdoors in diverse weather conditions (considering professional, personal, and volunteer experiences)
  • Experience working with, on, and around heavy equipment in motion (considering professional, personal, and volunteer experiences)
  • Experience working in confined spaces and at different heights.

Physical and Mental Job Requirements
  • Candidates are required to successfully pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT) before being considered for employment. This is separate from the medical exam and will assess your ability to handle the demands of the job. For more information go to the FAQs on UP.jobs.
  • Normal color vision, enabling the detection and interpretation of various visual color signals and displays, as well as the ability to determine the speed of moving objects at both close and distant ranges.
  • Adequate depth perception to accurately assess the speed and distance of locomotives being moved in the service area.
  • The strength to push, pull, lift, and carry objects weighing up to 85 lbs.
  • The ability to frequently perform coordinated hand movements for grasping, placing, or moving objects.
  • The capacity to engage in physically demanding tasks, including occasional bending, stooping, and kneeling.
  • The capacity to bend, stoop, line a switch from one track to another, climb a rail car side ladder, maintain balance while riding a rail car at varying distances, walk up to 5 miles per shift on uneven terrain and occasionally work at heights of 12' or more.
  • The capability to detect unusual sounds and smells during inspections and testing, and promptly respond.

Work Conditions
  • You may travel with our trains, sometimes spending a day or more away from your home terminal.
  • Work outdoors in all weather conditions, including snow, ice, rain, cold and heat.
  • Instead of working a standard 40-hour week, there are variable work hours and irregularly scheduled days off. Train Crew employees are on call, even on nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship.

Union Pacific strives to attract all available talent. We are committed to creating an environment where all people can be their best, personally and professionally, as we remain a merit and performance-based company.
What we offer:
  • A strengths-based, engagement-focused, and performance-oriented culture
  • 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 and Metropolitan Community College)
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 20% match up to 5%
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance, which are collectively bargained for through union membership
    Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs

Background Check Investigation
* State & Federal criminal history
* Last 7 years of employment history to include military service
* Education
* Prior drug history
* Professional license or certification, if applicable to role
* Driving history, if applicable to role
Please click here to review Union Pacific's policy regarding background investigations.
Medical Review
* Medical Evaluation
* Drug Screen
* Fitness-for-duty assessment to ensure that candidates can safely perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation
* Color vision exam, if applicable to role
Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation
Union Pacific is an equal opportunity employer here . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran 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 here to submit a request.
Culture
Union Pacific strives to attract all available talent. We are committed to creating an environment where all people can be their best, personally and professionally, as we remain a merit and performance-based company.

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