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Model Railroad Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

A career in transportation is more than bridges, roads, and rail. As we plan, design, and manage ... Prepare model inputs, execute model scenarios, and summarize results for reports and presentations.

A career in transportation is more than bridges, roads, and rail. As we plan, design, and manage ... Prepare model inputs, execute model scenarios, and summarize results for reports and presentations.

Local Class A Driver

Portland, OR · On-site

$1.2K - $1.6K/day

Haul intermodal container in and out of the rail ramps, 100% drop and hook no-touch freight in the area. Equipment: Late model well maintained tractors Pay: $1200-$1600 Home time: Daily Experience: 6 ...

Sr. Hardware Engineer (Teradyne, Oregon)

Tualatin, OR · On-site

$115K - $153K/yr

... rails, and dynamic voltage scaling. Power Integrity & Transient Performance * Optimize power integrity across the full PDN (instrumentation → cabling → loadboard → DUT). * Model and mitigate ...

... rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly ... Knowledge of ADINA, LUSAS, Bentley OpenBridge Designer and OpenBridge Modeler and/or Autodesk ...

... rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly ... Knowledge of ADINA, LUSAS, Bentley OpenBridge Designer and OpenBridge Modeler and/or Autodesk ...

Our rail network is one of the largest freight railroads, spanning 28 western states and serving ... We model the way through our leadership, our BNSF Diversity Councils, our eclectic Business ...

Senior Transportation Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Experience using InRoads and/or Civil 3D design software packages for the conceptual and detailed design of horizontal and vertical alignments, sections, and 3D modeling on rail and/or highway ...

Senior Transportation Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Experience using InRoads and/or Civil 3D design software packages for the conceptual and detailed design of horizontal and vertical alignments, sections, and 3D modeling on rail and/or highway ...

Our rail network is one of the largest freight railroads, spanning 28 western states and serving ... We model the way through our leadership, our BNSF Diversity Councils, our eclectic Business ...

You do not need to have experience training or developing ML models/algorithms, but experience with them is a plus. What You'll Do * Design, build, and maintain scalable Ruby/Rails, TypeScript/Node ...

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Model Railroad information

See Portland, OR salary details

$10

$33

$71

How much do model railroad jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for model railroad in Portland, OR is $33.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $41.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a model railroad?

A Model Railroad job typically involves designing, building, maintaining, and operating model train layouts. Professionals in this field may work in museums, hobby shops, theme parks, or as independent designers. Responsibilities can include crafting realistic landscapes, wiring electrical components, and troubleshooting mechanical issues. Some model railroaders also contribute to historical preservation by recreating accurate railway scenes. The job requires a mix of artistic, engineering, and problem-solving skills.

What are some common challenges faced in a model railroad technician role?

Model Railroad Technicians often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting electrical issues, maintaining precise track alignment, and integrating digital controls into existing layouts. Working on detailed scenery and miniature structures also requires a steady hand and a keen eye for realism. The role frequently involves collaborating with designers, other technicians, and sometimes the public, especially when displays are part of museums or exhibitions. Adaptability and effective communication are essential for addressing unexpected issues and meeting client or exhibitor expectations. By staying organized and proactive, technicians can overcome these challenges and deliver impressive model railroad experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the model railroad position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Model Railroader (often formally titled Model Railroad Technician or Model Railroad Builder), you need strong skills in mechanical assembly, electrical wiring, and attention to detail, often backed by experience in hobby electronics or model construction. Familiarity with power tools, DCC (Digital Command Control) systems, and basic carpentry or soldering is highly beneficial, while certifications in electronics or model railroading can be an advantage. Creativity, patience, and strong problem-solving abilities enable you to troubleshoot and enhance complex layouts or exhibits. These combined technical and soft skills are crucial for building, maintaining, and operating intricate model railroad displays that delight clients and audiences.

What are popular job titles related to Model Railroad jobs in Portland, OR?

For Model Railroad jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Model Railroad jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Model Railroad jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Model Railroad job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,193 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Conductor Trainee - Vancouver, WA

BNSF Railway

Vancouver, WA • On-site

$70K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


BNSF Railway rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 366 rated logistics


Job description

Apply early as this job may be filled at any time.
Job Location: Vancouver
Other Potential Locations: Vancouver, WA
Anticipated Start Date: 10/26/2026
Number of Positions: 7
Salary Range: Entry rate is approx. $259.65 per day with an average annual salary of $70,000 - $82,000
All communication with applicants will be done via email. Please check your email on a daily basis.
Who we are and what we do
Do you want to be a part of something that really matters? Team BNSF includes professionals focused on safety and service that play a vital role in delivering the nation's freight. Together, we help move goods and materials that sustain life and support local, national and global economies. Our rail network is one of the largest freight railroads, spanning 28 western states and serving three Canadian provinces.
What we believe
At BNSF, our Vision and Values drive who we are, not only in our words, but also our actions. BNSF is committed to our foundational values of equality and inclusion. As members of the BNSF community, our employees are entitled to:
  • be treated with dignity and respect.
  • have equal access to tools, resources, training and development opportunities.
  • have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential.

We model the way through our leadership, our BNSF Diversity Councils, our eclectic Business Resource Groups, our deep involvement and investment in the communities we serve and through training programs. Our actions create an inclusive, open and collaborative workplace that encourages diverse perspectives in all interactions.
NOTE: This posting is for a "Primary Recall" location. Employees hired at a "Primary-Recall" location have a three-year obligation (from date of hire) to return to their hiring location if called back to stabilize the location's workforce.
SAFETY:
At BNSF, Safety is a core value of how we do business. Each and every day, our employees are committed to approach one another about safety, which is key in realizing our vision. Employees are also expected to comply with company and federal safety & health regulations, safety rules & policies, as well as procedures that guide work practices to reduce risk to exposure. Such work practices include but are not limited to wearing required safety equipment, responding to safety concerns, and taking appropriate actions in the event of an emergency.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
This position is responsible for safely switching railcars and safe train movement. Additional responsibilities include the following:
COMMUNICATION
  • Obtain and receive information and act on oral or written instructions by various communication devices
  • Monitor and report daily work

TRAIN OPERATION
  • Climb on/off equipment, set/release hand brakes, couple/uncouple air hoses, remove/replace broken railcar knuckle, ride moving cars by holding onto grab irons or ladders
  • Observe, interpret and relay hand, lantern, and other signals for train movement
  • Judge and control speed and clearance distance of cars

SWITCHING FUNCTIONS
  • Operate track switches and derails to change train routing within yards or on road
  • Check switch points for proper alignment

TRAIN AND EQUIPMENT INSPECTIONS
  • Switch, spot cars and determine train make-up
  • Observe and monitor track conditions (e.g. broken rails, defective switches, weather-related problems)
  • Inspect cars per federal regulations
  • Observe and report on passing train conditions

The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position. This is not an exhaustive list of the position's duties.
WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Extreme all-weather conditions
  • Walk and perform work on uneven surfaces
  • Safety sensitive work environment
  • Loud noise and fumes
  • Work on and around heavy and moving machinery

SHIFTS/HOURS
  • Full-time (40 hrs/wk)
  • Subject to on-call (24/7), nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Work in geographic area as posted and report to assigned work location when notified

TRAVEL
  • Frequent
  • Travel to and remain on designated seniority region for days at a time

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • At least 18 years of age, or will be by the start date listed above
  • Ability to report for duty at the designated work location
  • Able to work safely in the above working conditions
  • Able to work the above shift/hours
  • Able to meet the above travel requirements
  • Ability to read, write and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 80 pounds
  • Ability to see, learn, and interpret hand signals from near and far; visually distinguish colors - red, blue, green, yellow and lunar (clear light); visually judge speed and distance of moving objects; see at night
  • Ability to discriminate and differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) in the work environment
  • Ability to visually distinguish and differentiate colors on computer display screens
  • Ability to use hands and use hand tools to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning and pulling
  • Ability to climb ladders and get on/off equipment
  • Ability to work at various heights above the ground including on locomotives, railcars and other equipment
  • Ability to bend, lift, walk and stand occasionally with breaks
  • Ability to sit frequently with breaks
  • Follow safety policies and procedures; wear required personal protective equipment

TRAINING
  • Company-paid on-the-job and classroom training for up to 19 weeks and may include travel to BNSF's Training Center in Overland Park, KS

RELOCATION
  • Relocation assistance is not available

UNION
  • SMART-TD or BLET
  • Dues required per union agreement

PROBATIONARY PERIOD
  • 60 days

SENIORITY DISTRICT TRANSFERS
  • Transfer eligibility varies by location
  • May require up to 3 years of employment and General Manager approval

BENEFITS:
BNSF Employees receive a competitive benefit package.
All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION ELEMENTS:
  • Criminal history
  • Last 7 years of driving history
  • Last 5 years of employment history to include military service
  • Social Security number
  • Education

MEDICAL REVIEW ELEMENTS:
  • Medical evaluation
  • Drug Screen
  • Other elements as needed

DRUG TEST ELEMENTS:
BNSF is committed to a safe and drug free work place and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing. All new hires are required to undergo a hair drug test which detects the presence of illegal drugs for months prior to testing. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping BNSF safe and drug free.
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC): Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a TWIC. A TWIC is a condition of employment for such positions and requires candidates to those positions to submit to a TSA security assessment (to include, but not limited to, providing: biographic information; identity documents; fingerprints; digital photograph). More information is available at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic.
BNSF Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
F: MO | Transportation Transitioning Military | Operations - Transportation | Vancouver, WA | 98660
Zip/Postal Code: [

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