Mechanical Service Operator - Council Bluffs, IA

Union Pacific Railroad; Colorado; On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Employee stock purchase plan

Educational assistance

Job summary

Union Pacific Railroad is seeking a Mechanical Service Operator in Council Bluffs, IA. The role supports locomotive operations by stocking materials and maintaining shop cleanliness, contributing to safe, efficient mechanical operations in North America.

You will operate locomotives between shop locations, use a range of shop machines, restock supplies, and perform safety-focused inspections. The team emphasizes accountability and a proactive approach.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Basic arithmetic, fractions and decimals are used daily.
• Able to interpret tables, charts and written instructions.
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal.
• Experience with computers and keyboarding.
• Adhere to safety rules and procedures.
• Able to understand operating and safety bulletins and federal documents.
• Willing to work around large equipment and wear PPE.

Responsibilities

• Operate locomotives to move between shop locations and service tracks.
• Safely use shop machines and tools (forklifts, cranes, cleaners).
• Restock locomotives with water, sand, and parts.
• Clean locomotive interiors and exteriors to maintain cleanliness.
• Perform air brake tests and inspect equipment for hazards.
• Communicate with team using radios and signals.
• Prioritize safety and assist with task completion to high standards.
• Fulfill additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Driver's license

Teamwork

Basic arithmetic

Reading tables/data

Verbal & written communication

Computer skills

Safety compliance

Mechanical knowledge

Job description

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Mechanical Service Operator - Council Bluffs, IA

Date: Sep 16, 2026

Location: CO BLUFFS, IA, US, 50000

Reference Number: 5265
Department:Mechanical
Closing Date: Apply early as this job may be filled at any time.
Rate of Pay: $25.86
*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

Join a passionate team of railway professionals committed to delivering essential maintenance and services to trains, ensuring uninterrupted service to Union Pacific customers throughout North America! As a Mechanical Service Operator, your primary responsibility will be to support locomotive operations by stocking necessary materials and maintaining cleanliness in assigned areas within the shop and service facilities. By being an integral part of this critical team, you will gain comprehensive knowledge of the entire shop environment and develop a holistic understanding of Union Pacific's mechanical operations. We are powered by our people, will you join our team?

Accountabilities

• Operate locomotives to transport them between shop locations, service tracks, switching areas, and line switches, and assist hostlers by operating derails.


• Safely and proficiently operate a variety of shop machines and tools, including forklifts, backhoes, bobcats, mobile cranes, and high-pressure steam cleaning equipment.


• Ensure strict compliance with all safety and operational regulations and protocols.


• Restock locomotives with necessary materials, such as drinking water, sand, and spare parts, ensuring all required supplies are available.


• Thoroughly clean locomotive interiors and exteriors, including floors, parts, and engine car body, to maintain cleanliness and visual appeal.


• Conduct air brake tests and inspect materials, equipment, and machinery for defects or unsafe conditions, ensuring optimal performance and safety.


• Maintain effective communication with team members using hand radios and hand signals in service track and other designated areas.


• Demonstrate initiative, contribute meaningfully, embrace change, and take personal accountability for completing tasks in a timely manner and to the highest quality standards.


• Prioritize personal safety and the safety of co-workers by adhering to safety guidelines and reporting any potential hazards or incidents.


• Foster positive working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, contractors, and customers, effectively resolving conflicts and handling contentious situations.


• Fulfill additional assigned duties as required and contribute to the overall success of the team and organization.

Qualifications - Required

• Minimum age requirement: 18 years or older.


• Possession of a valid driver's license.


• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment.


• Proficiency in basic arithmetic operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and conversion of fractions and decimals.


• Skill in extracting relevant information from tables, charts, graphs, and written text.


• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate with colleagues and supervisors.


• Experience using computers and basic keyboarding skills.


• Understanding and adherence to safety rules, safe work practices, and identification of potential safety risks.


• Ability to comprehend and apply instructions, including operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents.


• Basic mechanical knowledge to solve mechanical problems.


• Apply only to those locations where you are prepared to live and work


• Comfort and capability to work around large equipment such as railcars, locomotives, and cranes.


• Willingness to wear personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection as required by the company.


• Occasional travel may be required.


• To be considered for this position, candidates are required to successfully complete an assessment in English before proceeding to the interview stage. For more information go to the FAQs on UP.jobs.

Qualifications - Preferred

• Completion of vocational courses in electronics or mechanics, demonstrating competence in the field.


• Proficiency in the use of both hand tools and power tools.


• Fundamental knowledge and experience in mechanical operations.


• Proven track record of working outdoors in diverse weather conditions, including experience gained through professional engagements, personal projects, and volunteer work.


• Comfort and willingness to work in confined spaces or small environments.


• Flexibility in scheduling, including the ability to work different shifts, overtime, holidays, and weekends.

Physical and Mental Job Requirements

• To be considered for employment, candidates must successfully pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT). Please note that this test is separate from the medical exam. For additional details, refer to the FAQs on UP.jobs.


• Normal Color Vision: You should have normal color vision to accurately detect and interpret various visual color signals and displays. This includes the ability to identify and determine the speed of moving objects at different distances.


• Sensory Perception: You must be able to detect unusual sounds and smells during inspections and testing.


• Hand Coordination and Speed: You should be capable of making frequent coordinated hand movements to grasp, place, or move objects. Additionally, you need to have the ability to respond quickly to sounds.


• Depth Perception: It is essential to possess normal depth perception to accurately judge the speed and distance of locomotives being moved in the service area.


• Physical Stamina: While not constant, there may be occasional bending, stooping, and kneeling involved in the job. Furthermore, you should be able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 85 lbs when required.


• Balance and Mobility: You should be able to safely walk and maintain balance on uneven surfaces.


• Manual Dexterity and Eye-Hand Coordination: The job requires manual dexterity, precise eye-hand coordination, and the ability to perform physically strenuous tasks

Work Conditions

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship.


• Comply with the company's requirement to wear personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection.


• Demonstrate a willingness and ability to work in close proximity to significant machinery such as railcars, locomotives, and cranes.


• Perform tasks at elevated heights of 18 feet or greater.

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)


• 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

Union Pacificstrives 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.