Mechanical Shop Laborer (Hostler Helper) Chicago/Cicero

BNSF Railway; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care options

Railroad Retirement program

401(k) plan

Travel discounts

Job summary

BNSF Railway in Chicago, IL seeks a Mechanical Shop Laborer (Hostler/Helper) to support locomotive and equipment maintenance in a union-governed, 40-hour shift structure. You will start with on-the-job training and operate heavy tools while upholding strict safety standards.

The role requires a valid CDL with endorsements or ability to obtain within 60 days, ability to work outdoors in all weather, and adherence to safety policies.

Qualifications

• Able to work now and in the future without BNSF’s assistance in obtaining employment authorization.
• 21 years of age or older.
• Have a valid CDL, with endorsements for combination vehicle, air brake, and HAZMAT or able to obtain within 60 days of employment.
• Available to work in the geographic area indicated.
• Able to read, write and communicate English.
• Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Work a 40-hour work week; shifts governed by union agreement
• Able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds with or without assistance.
• Able to visually distinguish among red, blue, green, and yellow colors; hear and distinguish auditory signals.
• Able to use hands to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
• Able to perform work on uneven surfaces, climb ladders and on/off equipment, and work from various heights.
• Follow safety policies and wear PPE.

Responsibilities

• Operate locomotives, fuel trucks, shop tractors, and power hand tools.
• Keep work areas clean and orderly; operate industrial maintenance equipment.
• Sand, fueling, and cleaning locomotives; organize shop areas and dispose of garbage.
• Operate power-driven equipment (vacuum, broom, steam cleaning gun).
• Daily work is conducted in a safety-sensitive environment with variable weather and noise.
• Adhere to safety rules and wear required PPE.

Skills

CDL required

English proficiency

Outdoor work

Safety compliance

Tools

Power hand tools

Job description

Be part of a team that values safety, inclusion, and excellence

We are one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting the nation’s freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. As a member of our team, you will play a role in supporting the movement of essential products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world.

We are committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong, and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential.Come make a difference with us!

Learn More About BNSF And Our Benefits

Job Location: Chicago

Other Potential Locations: Chicago, IL

Anticipated Start Date: 10/26/2026

Number of Positions: 1

Salary Range: Entry rate $32.70-$39.99/hr with approximate annual pay of $68,020 - $83,179

Embark on a fulfilling career at BNSF Railway where joining the Mechanical Department offers you the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team focused on safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement. The Mechanical Shop Laborer (Hostler/Helper) position plays a critical role for ensuring efficient operation and maintenance of locomotives and equipment within the mechanical facility.

This is a full-time(40hrs/wk) position, seniority-based and governed by union agreement. Subject to overtime, nights, alternatingshifts, weekends, and holidays.Mechanical shops operate 24 hours/day, 7 days/week with three 8-hour shifts.

Travel is minimal.

Training for this position is company-paid on-the-job training.

Key responsibilities may include:

Operating locomotives, fuel trucks, shop tractors, and power hand tools which includes driving fuel tanker trucks on roadways and BNSF property to refuel locomotives as needed.

Keeping work areas clean and orderly and operating industrial maintenance equipment.

Sand, fueling, and cleaning locomotives as well as cleaning and organizing shop work areas (sweeping and cleaning, storing parts, emptying, and discarding garbage).

Operating power-driven equipment (vacuum cleaner, electric broom, or steam cleaning gun).

A CDL is required, and the position is assigned based on seniority and business needs.

Daily work is conducted in a safety sensitive environment where the working conditions can include diverse and extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet), walking and performing work on uneven surfaces, working around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery.

At BNSF safety is one of our core values that guides us through everything we do. Our employees engage in safety conversations, through an approaching others mindset to help us achieve our tremendous potential. In addition, our employees must adhere to safety rules, policies, as well as federal and state regulations, which could include wearing personal protective equipment, responding to concerns, and taking appropriate action in emergencies.

Relocation assistance is not available, and there is a 100 working day probationary period.

The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position.This is notan exhaustive list of the position’s duties.

At BNSF Railway, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, showcasing their skills, experiences and development. We provide resources and tools to help you reach your full potential, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Basic Qualifications:

• Able to work now and in the future without BNSF’s assistance (whether monetary, through sponsorship, or otherwise) in obtaining, maintaining, or extending employment authorization (including H-1B, STEM OPT/CPT, or TN nonimmigrant status).
• 21 years of age or older.
• Have a valid CDL, with test endorsements for combination vehicle, air brake, and HAZMAT or able to obtain one within 60 days of employment.
• Available to work in the geographic area indicated.
• Able to read, write and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English.
• Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet)
• Work a 40-hour work week. Shifts are governed by union agreement and subject to seniority.Mechanical shops operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week with three 8-hour shifts including weekends, holidays, and overtime. Available to work any of these shifts as required.
• Able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds with or without assistance.
• Able to visually distinguish among red, blue, green, and yellow colors, hear, and with training distinguishauditory signals.
• Able to use hands to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
• Able to perform work on uneven surfaces, frequently climb ladders and on/off equipment, and work from various heights.
• Able to work in conditions that include loud noise and fumes, work on and around heavy and moving machinery, bend, walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time and use hand tools.
• Follow safety policies and procedures and wear the required personal protective equipment required for the job in a safe manner.

Union membership is with the National Conference of Fireman and Oilers and union dues are required per union agreement.

Benefits

• A range of health care options for you and your dependents including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, wellness coaching, 2nd opinion services, and high-quality care network options. You will also have life insurance, provided at no cost to you.
• A Railroad Retirement program and competitive 401(k) plan to help you meet your retirement goals.
• Family benefits including parental and pediatric support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and spending accounts.
• Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships and more!
• Benefits vary by union collective bargaining agreement.
• For more information, visit Benefits.

Please be aware of potential fraud that can occur when searching for new career opportunities. Please review our FAQ for more information and awareness.

All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen. You can find more information by reviewing the Hiring Process. Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a TWIC. More information is available at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic

BNSF Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.