Apprentice Diesel Mechanic

Overview

In this entry-level position, you will learn from a journeyperson how to inspect, repair and maintain the engine and mechanical parts of diesel electric locomotives.

Our Diesel Mechanics maintain our fleet of more than 8,000 locomotives. Just to put that in perspective, America's largest airline has only 981 planes. As an Apprentice Diesel Mechanic, you will inspect and repair the engine and mechanical parts on diesel electric locomotives, using machine tools and welding equipment. We take pride in the efficiency of our diesel locomotives. We get 400 ton-miles per gallon of diesel fuel. If your automobile was that efficient, you could drive from Seattle to Miami and back on a single tank of gas.

 

Requirements

All employees must be at least 18 years old. We prefer you have a two-year technical degree in diesel mechanics or at least one year of work experience in this field. Large motor-generator or large diesel engine experience is a plus. You must pass a Skilled-Craft Battery exam (see sample) to be considered for an interview.

If You Are Offered a Job

We will conduct a thorough background investigation. This will include your Social Security number, criminal and drug history, past employment, education, professional licenses and certifications, military history, driving record, credit history and any other information relevant to the job.

You must complete a medical history questionnaire, a urine drug test and a medical screening to judge whether you are able to perform the essential tasks of the position.

You must also be able to prove that you are a U.S. citizen or that you are authorized to work in the United States.

Pay

As a newly hired Apprentice Diesel Mechanic, you can expect to make about $17.64 an hour, with actual pay depending on union-negotiated agreements.

Benefits

You'll receive a competitive benefits package designed to complement your lifestyle. Generally, the agreement benefits package includes health and wellness, retirement and work/life-related benefits.

Health and wellness benefits include:

• Medical, prescription, vision and dental insurance
• Free wellness programs
• Life insurance
• For some crafts, a Supplemental Sickness Benefit Plan

Retirement benefits include:

• 401(k) thrift plan
• Railroad Retirement, a program similar to Social Security

Work/life benefits include:

• Paid vacation and holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee discounts

Potential Career Path

Training

As an Apprentice Diesel Mechanic (Machinist), you'll receive formal classroom and hands-on training as part of a three-year apprenticeship. You'll learn primarily by performing specific tasks under the guidance of a journeyperson.

Application Process

To apply for a position at Union Pacific, select View Open Positions from any page on this site. You will then be able to view a list of open positions by location or by the type of career you're looking for.

If you select "See Open Positions" from a specific job description page – Apprentice Diesel Mechanic, for example – you will see locations where the job is available. Click on the position that you would like to apply for to see the official job description. When you select "Apply online" from this page, your application has officially begun.

Be prepared to spend 20 to 30 minutes completing your application. Have the following information ready:

• Social Security number.
• Employment history, including employer addresses, supervisor names and titles, and salary history.
• Education and training history, including school names and addresses, years completed, and degrees, certificates and licenses received.
• Military history.
• Three professional references.

You will be asked general questions about your background and qualifications for the job. And, if you have a resume in a word processing document, you will have a chance to cut and paste the text of your resume into your application.

After you apply

You can check the status of your application at any time by selecting Application Status on the Career site homepage. Enter your user ID and password, and you will see the status of any applications you have submitted. If your status is "Currently Being Reviewed," you can click on those words to see more details.

When your status is "Currently Being Reviewed," it means that your application has been successfully submitted and now is in consideration with other people who have applied for the same position. Depending on how many applications we receive and the scheduling of hiring sessions, applications could remain at this status for 60 to 90 days, so please be patient and check back often.

If your status immediately says "Thank You," this means that you are not currently eligible for employment at Union Pacific, based on the information you have provided. Several situations can disqualify you from working at Union Pacific:

• You are not at least 18 years old.
• You have a disqualifying condition.
• You have not met a requirement specific to the job or location.

Changing your application

Once an online application is submitted, the only information that can be changed or updated is your contact information (name, address, phone number). If you need to update your contact information please click here.  If you are invited to a hiring session, you will be given an opportunity to make other updates to your application before your interview.

Interviewing with Union Pacific

If you have applied for a union position, there are two ways you will be contacted for an interview. First, your web status will be updated to "Invited to Hiring Session." When you click on those words, you will receive the time and location of your interview. Second, you will receive a phone call informing you of the update. When we call you, we use the phone number you supplied on your application. So please make sure it’s a number where you can readily be reached.

If you have applied for a non-union position, you will receive a phone call.

Skill Test

You must pass a Skilled Craft Battery test to be considered for an interview.

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