I know I'm new here to this board, and nobody here knows me from Adam, but I've been around other boards for years now. I just thought I'd post this for someone who may be in need for a good/better/new job. No, I don't work for the UP, just a little friendly info that I thought I'd pass along.

Follow this link, UPRR employment info.
Lots of entry level openings in the Western 2/3rds of the country.
Probably one of the better paying jobs you can get without a college education.
Preferential consideration is given to those who apply online.
Watch for job openings in your area apply for what you want. Train service is where most people start out at. As opposed to other positions, it tends to be more year round. Also, don't get discouraged if you don't hear back from the right away, I hear it can take a few months to be contacted.

I hope someone get something out of this.
Thanks,
Dan.
PS This is my first post. I own a 97 F250 4X4 for a tow rig.

 

Wish They had something near me !!!!

 

TRNDRVR,

I see your from Ogden UT well....so am I.

 

Try this link. It will take you to a page that lists all the nations class 1 railroads. You can search through them and look at their employment opportunities. Actually all railroads are hiring, it's just the UP is where I statred my railroad career and I'm most familiar with. Good luck!!

:edit: You'd look at Norfolk Southern, CSX, and Amtrak to name a few for your area.

North Ogden off of Mountain Rd.

 

I will be moving up there in about a month, just off of mtn road and north Ogden border, right now I live near Ben Lomond high school. Hey, while your here check out the Utah forum that we are setting up.

 

hey trndrvr, i have really been wanting to work for u.p. what all can you tell me about the train service position. from what i gather your work is not gauranteed? my brother already works for them, but he is track maintenance. right now i think he is operating cranes making the big bucks. i have already applied for a train service position, but is was back in june. still haven't heard anything, pretty much given up on that. anyway, should i re-apply or wait a while longer. i know they have job postings in my area. i live in oklahoma and i even live in the same town where one of the job listings is. what is your advice?

 

forgot to mention in the previous thread, not only do i have a high school education, i also have a bachelor's degree. they wouldn't think I'm over-qualified would they?

 

I I woke up 30 years younger, I would love to earn a living on a train, or working with a train, or even get paid to look at 'em.. I am railroad crazy - I used to drool at steam locomotives, when I was knee high to a possum.. been doing it ever since.

Unfortunately, I am too old to get into any new industry.

 

They might. Just leave it out and see what happens.
Dan.
PS I replied to your email.

 

It's a kick being the one that gets to toot the whistle.
But in the end it is just a job.
Dan.

 

How does one get into the conductor apprentice program?

 

Apply for a train service position. When you're done with their training, you'll be a qualified freight conductor. Stick it out, and they'll eventually force you into engine service too. That's providing you don't bid and get promotion before then.
Dan.

 

trndrvr, do you mean that i should leave out that i went to college? I guess I didn't get your reply to my e-mail. From what I understand, when you first start out, they can not gaurantee that you will get to work due to the whole seniority thing. I don't quite understand do you get to work at all or are you just out of luck if someone else wants to take your spot? Not having gauranteed income is a very frightening thing for me! already been there done that!

 

I don't know. It was just a suggestion. Your call.

How it works is this.
If you hold a regular job, you get paid for when you work. You lay off a trip, you don't get paid. If you're on any of the extra boards, you're guaranteed a wage whether you work or not. But I can guarantee you'll work more than you won't. As for the seniority thing, if someone senior to you is displaced by someone senior to them, they can bump you off of your position. With that though, you can bump someone that's not senior to you off of their position. The only way I cannot see you getting a wage is either you're not working regularly, or you're furloughed.

I hope this helps. It's hard to explain the railroad way of life. It's a unique way of life and you'll never really understand it unless you experience it. Some people hate it (not me). Some people tolerate it (that's me). Some people love it (not me).

Apply!! The worst anyone of you can say is "No"

Good luck!!
Dan.

 

Interesting. Im too far away though. Id love to work on trains. Thats always been my dream job.