1

Railroad Inspector Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Train Crew - Portland, OR

Portland, OR

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

... High Speed Rail. Experience in buried and underground structures is a plus. Experience in waterfront structures is also a plus but not required. Experience with inspection, load rating and ...

... High Speed Rail. Experience in buried and underground structures is a plus. Experience in waterfront structures is also a plus but not required. Experience with inspection, load rating and ...

Millwright

Portland, OR · On-site

$26.75 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Repair mobile equipment (rail, rubber tire and track driven). * Arc welding. * Track work/back-up ... Specific Training on Bearing Maintenance, Inspection and assembly * Ivara specific training to set ...

Millwright

Portland, OR

$26.75 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Repair mobile equipment (rail, rubber tire and track driven). * Arc welding. * Track work/back-up ... Specific Training on Bearing Maintenance, Inspection and assembly * Ivara specific training to set ...

Shipping Supervisor

Portland, OR

$85K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform daily mill inspections with an eye for safety and productivity issues, coordinate with mill ... Work with shipping department and railroad to manage truck and rail transfers Requirements

Forklift Operator

Portland, OR · On-site

$18 - $21.25/hr

... railroad cars, trucks or storage areas. They are responsible for all activities associated with ... Duties also include the completion of all required quality tests and inspections and notifying ...

Be Seen First

Roll Off Truck Driver (Class A) - Local Routes Only

Portland, OR · On-site

$31 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform standard daily morning pre-trip inspections (fluids, tires, and basic rail upkeep). * Maintain clear communication with dispatch and provide excellent service to local accounts. What We're ...

Forklift Operator

Portland, OR · On-site

$18 - $21.25/hr

... railroad cars, trucks or storage areas. They are responsible for all activities associated with ... Duties also include the completion of all required quality tests and inspections and notifying ...

New

Maintenance Tech

Portland, OR · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform regular maintenance inspections and identify any issues or necessary repairs * Respond to ... Stairs, gates, fences, patios, railings * Tile, carpet, flooring * Roofing, gutters, fasteners

Maintenance Tech

Portland, OR

$18 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform regular maintenance inspections and identify any issues or necessary repairs * Respond to ... Stairs, gates, fences, patios, railings * Tile, carpet, flooring * Roofing, gutters, fasteners

Showing results 21-40

Railroad Inspector information

See Portland, OR salary details

$25K

$56.1K

$101.2K

How much do railroad inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad inspector in Portland, OR is $56,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,300.00 and $64,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a railroad inspector do?

A Railroad Inspector is responsible for examining railroad equipment, tracks, and operations to ensure compliance with federal and state safety regulations. They inspect locomotives, railcars, signals, and infrastructure, looking for defects or safety hazards. Railroad Inspectors also investigate accidents, enforce safety standards, and may issue citations or recommend corrective actions. Their work helps ensure the safety and reliability of rail transportation for both freight and passengers.

How to become a railroad inspector?

To become a railroad inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in railroad operations or maintenance. Many employers prefer candidates who have relevant technical skills, knowledge of safety regulations, and may require certification or training in railroad safety standards. Some positions also require passing a background check and physical fitness assessment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railroad inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Railroad Inspector, you need a comprehensive understanding of railroad operations, safety regulations, and inspection procedures, often supported by technical training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with inspection tools, track geometry measurement systems, and reporting software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure the safety, reliability, and compliance of rail systems, which are critical for public safety and efficient transportation.

What are common challenges faced by railroad inspectors during field inspections?

Railroad Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating remote or hazardous locations, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Inspections can require close attention to detail to identify wear, defects, or regulatory non-compliance in rail infrastructure and equipment. Additionally, balancing thoroughness with efficiency and collaborating with train crews or maintenance staff to address issues promptly are important aspects of the role. These challenges are essential for ensuring the overall safety and reliability of rail operations.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Railroad Inspector job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,141 per year, or $27 per hour.

Train Crew - Portland, OR

Union Pacific

Portland, OR

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Union Pacific rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 64 rated delivery companies


Job description

Reference Number: 2271
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.

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 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.

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)
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 40% match up to 5% (contribute 5% and UP will contribute 2%)
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance, which are collectively bargained for through union membership
  • Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs

What Union Pacific employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom