Mechanical Shop Laborer (Hostler Helper) - Everett, WA

BNSF Railway; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care options

Railroad Retirement program

401(k) plan

Family benefits

Job summary

BNSF Railway is seeking a Mechanical Shop Laborer (Hostler/Helper) in Everett, WA to assist mechanics with locomotive maintenance and repair, ensuring safe, reliable train operations. The role is full-time with a union-based shift structure, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and on-the-job training provided.

Travel is minimal, and relocation is not offered. The position emphasizes safety, teamwork, and adherence to regulations in a high-tempo shop environment.

Qualifications

• Able to work in the US without sponsorship now and in the future.
• At least 18 years of age or will be by the anticipated start date.
• Possess a valid state-issued driver’s license.
• Ability to report for duty at the designated work location.
• Able to work safely in the above working conditions.
• Ability to read, write and communicate English.

Responsibilities

• Keep work areas clean and orderly and operate maintenance equipment.
• Operate locomotives, forklift, mobile crane, track mobile, and shop tools.
• Sand, fueling, and cleaning locomotives and organize shop areas.
• Operate power-driven equipment such as vacuum cleaners or steam cleaning guns.
• Work in a safety-sensitive environment with diverse weather and noisy machinery.

Skills

English communication

Physical stamina

Lifting up to 60 lbs

Safety awareness

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Be part of a team that values safety, diversity, 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:

Everett
Other Potential Locations:Everett, WA
Anticipated Start Date:11/16/2026
Number of Positions:1
Salary Range:Entry rate $31.01-$37.88/hr with annual pay of $64,509.12 - $78,790.40 with 3 - 5 years seniority

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 assists skilled mechanics with maintenance and repair work on locomotives and other equipment, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of trains.

This is a full-time (40hrs/wk) position and is subject seniority-based union agreement-governed shift assignment, overtime, nights, alternatingshifts, weekends, and holidays. Mechanical shops operate 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Travel is minimal.

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

Key responsibilities may include:

• Keeping work areas clean and orderly and operating industrial maintenance equipment within a shop environment.
• Operating locomotives, forklift, mobile crane, track mobile, shop tractor, and power hand tools.
• Sand, fueling, and cleaning locomotives as well as cleaning and organizing shop work areas (sweeping and cleaning work surfaces, storing parts, emptying, and discarding garbage).
• Operating power-driven equipment such as a vacuum cleaner, electric broom, or steam cleaning gun.
• 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 unavailable, and there is a 120 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 not an 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 in the US without company sponsorship now AND in the future.
• At least 18 years of age or will be by the anticipated start date listed above.
• Possess a valid state-issued driver's license.
• Ability to report for duty at the designated work location.
• Able to work safely in the above working conditions.
• Able to work the above shift/hours.
• Ability to read, write and communicate (speak, hear and communicate) English.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 lbs without assistance.
• Ability to visually distinguish colors - red, blue, green, yellow.
• Ability to differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) and discriminate (comprehend) verbal communication in the work environment.
• Ability to use hands and use hand tools to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
• Ability to climb ladders, get on/off equipment.
• Ability to occasionally work from various heights.
• Ability to bend, walk, stand, and sit occasionally with breaks.
• Follow safety policies and procedures; wear the required personal protective equipment.

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

Here are some of the perks/benefits you can expect as a BNSF employee

At BNSF, you will have access to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that meets you where you are, a few of those benefits include:

• 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.

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.