Mechanical Laborer (Birmingham, AL) 2025

Norfolk Southern; Birmingham; On-site; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team in a crucial mechanical role focused on maintaining and enhancing the reliability of locomotives and freight cars. This position involves servicing and cleaning locomotives, ensuring they operate safely and efficiently. You'll work closely with advanced technologies, adhering to strict safety regulations while contributing to the future of rail transportation. If you have a passion for mechanical work and a commitment to safety, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Benefits

Medical (Managed or 85/15 Plan)

401 (K) First Day of Employment

Union Benefits

Life Insurance

Qualifications

• Must maintain alertness and concentration while working around heavy locomotives.
• Must pass all required assessments and background screening.

Responsibilities

• Service and clean locomotives, perform support activities in repair areas.
• Fueling locomotives and checking oil levels.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Time Management

Oral and written communication

Soft computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Requisition 38626: Mechanical Laborer (Birmingham, AL) 2025 2.0

Please note, applying for a position outside of your department will require a departmental release.

A resume helps you stand out to hiring managers and recruiters; your resume communicates your experience and your brand. While it is not required, we encourage you to include an up-to-date resume along with a job application to give you the best opportunity to be considered. A complete resume helps us to better understand your unique background, relevant experiences, and passions. We look forward to learning about you.

Note for Safety-Sensitive Positions: Any safety-sensitive position with Norfolk Southern will require the following pre-employment screenings:

• FRA Drug and Alcohol Screen


• Medical Screening


• Background Check

The Mechanical team at Norfolk Southern is crucial to the maintenance and reliability of our rolling stock and equipment. We focus on the inspection, repair, and improvement of locomotives and freight cars, ensuring they operate safely and efficiently across our network. Our team employs advanced technologies and best practices to optimize performance and minimize downtime while adhering to stringent safety regulations. Collaborating closely with other departments, we strive to enhance operational efficiency and support the company's strategic objectives. Join us in driving the future of rail transportation through exceptional mechanical expertise and innovation!

Job Description

Service and clean locomotives, transport supplies between work and storage sites, and perform a variety of support and clean-up activities in locomotive and car repair areas.

Primary Responsibilities

• Fueling locomotives


• Check and replenishing oil level of locomotives


• Cleaning cabs of locomotives, including restroom facilities


• Sanding locomotives


• Operate forklifts and other equipment


• Operate various vehicles, maybe required to obtain CDL for operation of Locomotive Service truck.


• May be required to operate locomotives within shop limits


• Washing locomotives


• Clean and maintain related railroad facilities


• Complete other tasks as needed to ensure the proper and safe functioning of the locomotive

Job Requirements

• A Mechanical Shop Laborers holds a safety sensitive position in which he/she must maintain alertness and concentration while at work. Safety sensitive tasks may include:
  
  
  
  • Constantly working around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines.
  
  
  • Frequently climbing on/off locomotives inside and outside the shop in all weather conditions.
  
  
  • Operating and moving a locomotive engine (some of these movements may fall under the Hours-of-Service act).
  
  
  
  


• Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries.


• Wear protective equipment such as hard hat, hearing protection, or safety-toe boots.


• Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations.


• Must pass all required assessments.


• Must pass a background screening.


• Must pass a post-offer medical examination, including a drug test.


• This position is governed by a union position and membership is required.

Additional Information

Skills/Abilities

• Understand oral and written communication


• Problem solving and troubleshooting skills


• Time Management


• Soft computer skills


• Mechanical aptitude


• Ability to obtain a license (Locomotive Service Engineer) through NS-provided training.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED


• 18 years of age or older


• Valid Driver's License


• Veterans and transitioning service members are encouraged to apply. Military roles that often transition well to this position (but not limited to): 2T3X1, AE, AMT, 2141, 88U.

Training

Mechanical Laborers will undergo 1 week of Mechanical Safety Orientation during their first week of employment at McDonough, GA. Norfolk Southern will pay reimburse travel and pay for lodging as required per union agreement.

Career Path

Predecessor Jobs: None

Future Jobs: Freight Car Repairer, Machinist (Locomotive Diesel Engine Mechanic), Locomotive Electrician

Compensation Data

Rate of Pay

• 1st 12 calendar months - 75% of F&O rate


• 2nd 12 calendar months- 80% of F&O rate


• Completion of 24 months of service in any shop craft position (or combination) - $33.87

Benefits

• Company Benefits - Eligible 1st day of second month after hire


• 80/20 plan for employee, spouse, and eligible dependents


• Union Benefits


• Medical (Managed or 85/15 Plan)


• $20K Life Insurance


• 401 (K) First Day of Employment


• After 1st year of service: Eligible for Dental / Vision

Work Conditions

Working hours will include shift work over all 3 shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts are assigned/awarded by seniority. The work environment is a shop and outdoor work.

Pay Rates for Mechanical Craft: Noted Below:

Freight car repairer:

• 1st 40 Working Days: $20.44 (50% of Full rate)


• Next 204 Working Days: $30.66 (75% of Full rate)


• Next 244 Working Days: $32.70 (80% of Full rate)


• After 2 Years/488 Working Days: $40.88 (100% of Full Rate)

Union electrician:

• 1st 40 Working Days: (50% of Full Rate)


• Next 204 Working Days: (75% of Full Rate)


• Next 244 Working Days: (80% of Full Rate)


• After 2 Years/488 Days Working Days: $40.98 (100% of Full Rate - Journeyman)

Union machinist:

• 1st 40 Working Days: (50% of Full Rate)


• Next 204 Working Days: (75% of Full Rate)


• Next 244 Working Days: (80% of Full Rate)


• After 2 Years/488 Working Days: $41.02 (100% of Full Rate - Journeyman)

Mechanical laborer:

• 1st 12 calendar months - 75% of F&O rate


• 2nd 12 calendar months- 80% of F&O rate


• Completion of 24 months of service in any shop craft position (or combination) - $33.87

Company Overview

Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.