General Questions
I saw an advertisement in the newspaper but cannot find the position online. At what locations is Union Pacific currently hiring?
The railroad hires for train crew, trade, field management and professional positions at a number of locations throughout the Union Pacific system. The best way to find out which locations have vacancies is to review the individual job descriptions or view a list of all open positions. If you saw an ad for a particular position but it is no longer posted, it might have been closed before the expiration date due to changes in our workforce or business requirements.
Does Union Pacific currently pay for travel expenses, offer relocation money or pay hiring bonuses for various union positions?
No. At this time, Union Pacific does not pay for travel expenses, pay for relocation, or offer a hiring bonus of any kind.
Does Union Pacific have an Equal Opportunity hiring policy?
Yes, Union Pacific is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy actually exceeds state and federal requirements to provide a work environment free from discrimination – at all terms and conditions of employment. Read more about Union Pacific's Equal Employment Opportunity policy.
Are there any circumstances or conditions which would exclude me from employment with Union Pacific?
It is against Union Pacific policy to hire people who have:
- Been dismissed (fired, terminated, "let go," etc.) from either Union Pacific or any railroad now owned by Union Pacific (Southern Pacific, Missouri Pacific, Western Pacific, MKT, Chicago and Northwestern, etc.).
- Taken a buyout or other compensated severance package from either Union Pacific or any railroad now owned by Union Pacific (Southern Pacific, Missouri Pacific, Western Pacific, MKT, Chicago and Northwestern, etc.).
In addition, employment candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must be either U.S. citizens or authorized to work in the United States.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug test and physical exam.
- Must pass a thorough background investigation, which includes past employment, education, drug and criminal history; as well as any other job-related activities.
It's my dream to become a Locomotive Engineer. How do I go about it?
Union agreements require hiring of Locomotive Engineers from promoted Conductors or other members of the Train Crew who already work for Union Pacific. Licensed class 1 engineers must first work for Union Pacific as a Switchperson or Brakeperson before being promoted. Read more about becoming a part of the Union Pacific Train Crew.
How do I apply for a job as a Special Agent or Railroad Police Officer? What qualifications are needed for this type of position?
Special Agents are hired throughout the Union Pacific system on an as-needed basis. To be considered, you must:
- Be 21 years old, a citizen of the United States and possess a valid driver's license.
- Possess a degree from an accredited college or have related/relevant work experience in law enforcement. Preference will be given to bachelor's degrees in criminal justice, police science or public administration but related fields such as psychology or sociology may also be considered.
- Be a graduate of an accredited law enforcement academy.
- Possess three years prior law enforcement experience.
- Have the ability to be commissioned in the state in which you would be employed.
- Successfully complete the interview process and a physical fitness test. Background, psychological, medical and drug screenings are also required.
I am currently a Union Pacific employee and would like to transfer. What is the process?
Information about the transfer process can be found on the Internal Openings page of the Union Pacific Jobs website. To read more about Union Pacific's transfer policies, click here.
