Apprentice Train Dispatcher

Union Pacific Railroad; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 100% match up to 6%

Educational Assistance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Union Pacific Railroad is seeking an Apprentice Train Dispatcher in Omaha, NE within the Harriman Dispatching Center. You will learn to direct train movements, coordinate with Engineering partners, and maintain safe, on-schedule operations across our rail network.

Starting salary for the Apprentice is $75,000, with a pathway to $100,000 after successful program completion. This position requires a high school diploma or GED and being at least 18, with strong communication, teamwork, and the

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 18+ years old.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Bachelor's degree and/or transportation industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct train movement and coordinate with Engineering to maintain safe track conditions.
• Use computers and internal systems to direct train movements and track projects.
• Adapt to unforeseen situations affecting safe train movement.
• Comply with FRA safety regulations and rules.
• Complete documentation for train movements and track assignments.
• Collaborate with dispatchers, crews, maintenance and leadership to move trains safely.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Internal systems

Computers

Job description

Reference Number:5187
Department:Harriman Dispatching Center
Location:Omaha, NE
Job Level: ATD Level 99, Train Dispatcher Level 19

• The Apprentice Train Dispatch starting salary is $75,000.
• Upon successful completion of the program, the starting salary for a Train Dispatcher is $100,000.

Application Deadline: 09/21/2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT

Note: It is your responsibility to ensure accurate and updated information is provided when applying for this position. Be sure to add/modify your work history prior to submitting your application.

Description

Union Pacific Train Dispatchers collectively handle over 30,000 miles of track and coordinate the movement of more than 500 trains and thousands of field employees throughout our rail network. Our Train Dispatchers direct the safe transportation of freight and commuter trains throughout our railroad. As a Train Dispatcher, you will assess and implement the transportation plan of moving trains through varying weather conditions, topography, and rail construction projects. Train Dispatchers are strong communicators who thrive in a fast-paced dynamic environment. At Union Pacific, we are looking for driven problem solvers who can handle significant responsibility and have phenomenal attention to detail. This job relies on teamwork to ensure trains move safely, efficiently, and on schedule. Throughout our intensive training program, you will develop expertise in railroad safety, train operations and information systems utilization. We are powered by our people, will you join our team?

Accountabilities

• Direct train movement and coordinate with Engineering partners to maintain safe and reliable track conditions
• Use computers and internal systems to direct train movements and track projects to meet operational goals
• Adapt to any unforeseen situations that affect safe train movement
• Comply with all applicable safety regulations and rules as required by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
• Complete documentation required for train movements, track assignments and other events
• Actively collaborate with other train dispatchers, train and engine crews, maintenance personnel, Sr. Leadership and other critical team members to facilitate safe and efficient movement of trains
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned
  

Qualifications - Required

• A high school diploma or Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED)
• 18 years of age

Qualifications - Preferred

• A bachelor's degree
• At least 4 years of work experience
• At least 1 year work experience in the Transportation industry (railroad, trucking, airlines, etc.)
• At least 1 year experience working in a job that required working rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays
• At least 1 year experience working in a job that required following standard operational processes

Physical Requirements

• Required to maintain a stationary position for the duration of the shift, or at least 75% of the time
• Demonstrates the ability to execute tasks independently
• Maintains concentration and focus on tasks, even in demanding environments
• Frequently communicates with others via telephone, radio, instant messaging, email and face-to-face conversations

Work Conditions

Work is performed in an indoor open floor plan office setting with low light and moderate noise level.

Candidates should be authorized to work in the United States. The company does not offer sponsorship for this role.

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) with 100% match up to 6%, plus additional automatic 3% (contribute 6% and UP will contribute 9% [6% + 3%])
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 20% match up to 5%
• Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid disability, life, and AD&D insurance
• Health Savings Account (with company contribution) Dependent Care Savings Account and Transportation Spending Account
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs
• Adoption/Surrogacy Assistance, paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• Competitive compensation including eligibility for annual merit, bonus, and equity programs dependent on job level and personal and company performance

The final salary of the selected candidate for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, specialty and training. This position also includes additional compensation and benefits offered by Union Pacific.

This position is eligible for participation in the Union Pacific Annual Compensation Program. This is a pay-for-performance program which administers annual salary adjustments, cash incentive bonuses and stock equity as determined by individual performance, company performance and program guidelines. Additionally, this position is eligible for health and welfare benefits, retirement, financial planning benefits and paid and unpaid leave. For more information regarding Union Pacific's nonagreement employee benefits, please visit our management benefits page.