(The following story by Alec Rosenberg appeared on the Oakland Tribune website on January 10.)
OAKLAND, Calif. — All aboard the jobs train. Union Pacific Railroad said Friday that it is looking to hire about 1,000 new conductors around the country, including 35 in the Oakland area.
The railroad is going full steam ahead with plans to fill openings created by a high volume of retirements and increased business demands.
Salaries start at $30,000-$40,000 a year, depending on the position, Union Pacific spokesman Gene Hinkle said. Can’t you hear the whistle blowing?
The combination of many retirements and increased business is “an unusual situation,” Hinkle said. “That’s why we’re putting the call out.”
Applicants need to be at least 18 years old. They must first complete a 14-week training program and then pass a medical exam, drug test and background investigation.
“If the applicants successfully complete all of the tasks, they will be hired,” Hinkle said.
Conductors are responsible for the safe movement of freight trains and switching of cars in the yard. The jobs also offer chances for advancement at Nebraska-based Union Pacific, the largest railroad in North America, covering 23 states across the western two-thirds of the U.S.
“These positions provide both monetary and career growth opportunities, which could lead to positions as train engineers and potentially management,” said Bill Behrendt, Union Pacific assistant vice president of human resources.
Applicants should visit Union Pacific’s Web site at www.up.com and click on the “Jobs at UP” section and then click on “Union Pacific Railroad: View Positions.” Click on “Train Service” for the conductor positions.
Applications must be completed and submitted online for the job at the specific location of interest. Those without computers should visit their local job service, public library or copy center.
Union Pacific has about 47,000 employees. The company will release its fourth-quarter results Jan. 21. It posted record third-quarter revenue of $3 billion. Shares of Union Pacific fell 55 cents Friday to $66.53. Its 52-week range is $50.90 to $69.56.