Mechanical Service Operator (Locomotive) - North Platte, NE

Union Pacific Railroad; North Platte (NE); On-site; USD 27,552 - 41,328; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock Purchase Plan

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Education assistance

Wellness programs

Job summary

Union Pacific Railroad is seeking a Mechanical Service Operator to support locomotive operations by stocking materials and keeping work areas clean. You will gain broad exposure to shop environments and learn Union Pacific's mechanical processes while contributing to reliable service for customers across North America.

The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and hands-on use of shop equipment; candidates must be able to work around large gear and wear PPE as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 18 years or older.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Proficiency in basic arithmetic operations.
• Ability to extract information from tables, charts, graphs, and text.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written).
• Experience with computers and basic keyboarding.
• Understand safety rules and safe work practices.
• Ability to follow operating instructions and safety bulletins.

Responsibilities

• Operate locomotives to move between shop locations and assist with derails.
• Safely operate shop machines and tools (forklifts, backhoes, cranes, steam cleaners).
• Restock locomotives with water, sand and spare parts.
• Clean locomotive interiors and exteriors to maintain cleanliness.
• Conduct air brake tests and inspect equipment for defects.
• Communicate effectively with teammates using radios/signals.
• Show initiative and accountability for timely, high-quality work.

Skills

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Verbal/written communication

Computer basics

Education

Vocational electronics/mechanics

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Reference Number:4302

Department:Mechanical

Closing Date:Apply early as this job may be filled at any time.

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.

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.

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)
• 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