So you want to work for the railroad?

[jjlamkin]

Found this job posting on the UP website for a Track Laborer:
(And I thought my job was rough answering the phone all day here at our Help Desk helping people with their computers!!!)
Duties:


A track laborer’s job consists of repairing and rebuilding railroad track, using hand tools to do so. Specific duties will include, but are not limited to, removing and replacing ties, pulling and driving spikes, shoveling rock ballast, loading and unloading equipment and material, and various other tasks, as assigned.
OBSERVE THE CONDITION OF TRACK, TRACKBED, AND TRACK RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR PROBLEMS OR DEFECTS. Make quick visual inspections for broken rails, defective switches and signals, deteriorating trackbed, track obstructions and weather related problems; check switch points; observe right-of-way and passing trains for shifted loads and spillage.
PERFORM TRACK MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND INSTALLATION. Drive spikes into ties and spike maul; pull spikes with claw bar; install and remove rail anchors; slide, place, and aliqn tie plates under rails; cut in rails; plug spike holes; with assistance, lift rails using manual track jack; broom off dust and snow from movable track parts or switches; set up switch heaters.
HANDLE AND MOVE TRACK MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT. With assistance, load/unload equipment weighing 85- to 100 lbs. (air hammer, rail drill) from back of cart or truck and carry to work site; without assistance, load/unload equipment weighing 50 to 75 lbs. (track jack, rail saw, jitterbug); with assistance, remove and install rail using rail tongs, with assistance, remove ties and slide new ties into place using two-man tie tongs; with assistance, move debris away from work site (spike cans, anchors).
MAINTAIN TRACKBED. Remove and replace ballast; tamp ballast; unload or assist in unloading ballast from cart or truck.
WORK WITH EQUIPMENT. Safely and effectively operate the following: an air hammer to drive spikes; air or gas powered wrenches to loosen or tighten track bolts; rail drill to drill holes in rail; portable abrasive rail saw to cut rails.
PRACTICE SAFE WORK HABITS. Understand and follow company and industry safety rules, practices, and procedures, wear prescribed safety apparel; take appropriate action when conditions threaten safety of self or coworkers; ensure equipment and work area are in safe operating condition before starting work; monitor for emergency situations by identifying visual signals and warning sounds.

[Randy Stahl]

Those HR people make it sound so easy !
What they didn't tell you is about hand shoveling snow from several miles of track after a derailment, running from lightning and tornadoes, having much of your blood sucked by various insects, it's just not as glamorous as the UP H.R. description.
Randy

[TH&B]

You get big arms and a dark tan, the "chicks" will dig you physicaly.

[Anonymous]

I agree with Randy. Track work is VERY HARD work. I have done a limited amount (as limited as possible) and it will tire you out cause you to twist, turn, sprain, strain, hurt and abuse your body to limits you can only imagine in your darkest nightmares. Also, lets not forget wearing heavy protective clothing all the time (particularly bad in the summer), being around all sorts of things that can and will burn you (welding crucibles, torches, grinders, rope match, switch heaters, etc) shock you (generators, live wires, etc), cut you (chain saws, track equipment, motors, drills, track saws, etc), pinch you (rail, hand tools, switch points, frogs, switch stands and machines), and lets not forget freeze you (plows, jordan spreaders, switchstands, shovels and anything metal in the winter).

Darn, almost forgot about the danger of working on or near live tracks. Even with working limits and flagmen it is not fullproof. I still remember the day when I was running west near the site of a new highway bridge over the tracks and the river parallelling the double track. I reached the flagman a MOW foreman on the radio and received permission through the work area and was advised "come on through, make some noise, everybody is in the clear", only to round the curve at 40 with my three widebodies (Dash9s) and see the boom of a track hoe swing across the tracks about 100 yards in front of me. Next thing I heard was a thud as my conductor hit the floor and the rush of air from my full service application on the 80 car mixed freight coupled with the blast of the horn I was holding down with my other hand from my kneeling position on the floor of the cab. Luckily the idiot operator saw us about the same time we saw him and kept the boom moving. We cleared it by inches as we sailed by at about 35 mph...whew. Time for an underwear stop after that...and you wondered what we keep in those grips...lol...

In short, it is still a miracle to me that anyone volunteers to do it. I love giving track guys cab rides just to see the pride in their faces riding over "their" track. We couldn't do it without them...

LC

[CSXrules4eva]

Man and I thought my job being a diesel mechinest was difficult. I do agree w/ most of the people here track work isn't easy, some people think it is because they think " the MOW machines do all the work for ya" Well, that doesn't happen. Than again any job you get on the railroad isn't easy. I wander what the position of lococmotive engineer has in store for me???////

[Dough]

Also, if anybody is interested in serving partime in the army and in a railroad capacity then the Transportation Railway Operating Battalion and Company are for you! Click to view available jobs and it appears that they are looking for just about any experience level. They are even after junior officers.

http://www.usarc.army.mil/1205thtrans/index.htm

Just realize that while the weekends may be fun for most of us on this forum, these are still soldiers, and understand that it is not the same as working part time at a rail muesum. That said it looks like a great place for anybody on here that is interested in trains and wishes to serve![:D]

Oh, and they have some pretty interesting pictures that you guys should checkout.

[Randy Stahl]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CSXrules4eva

Man and I thought my job being a diesel mechinest was difficult. I do agree w/ most of the people here track work isn't easy, some people think it is because they think " the MOW machines do all the work for ya" Well, that doesn't happen. Than again any job you get on the railroad isn't easy. I wander what the position of lococmotive engineer has in store for me???////

Your job as a machinist is difficult, alot of injurys and fatalitys have happened even in the safety of the engine house or car shop, the SOFA report for Oct included a locomotive shop fatality.
Randy

[dinwitty]

if you have a large strong build, you can do this work, but it is laborious.

I do all that for HO layout construction, I read it and say, yeh, I can do it, but its the heavy labor that makes me say..well, hold on a sec.

I could not drive spikes all day. never, not the prototype.

[Anonymous]

Wow!! That is a really cool unit of the Army. If I were ever drafted or it looked like I was going to be I'd try to run over there and join. I've always been interested in working on a locomotive in the mechanical aspect, as well as learning about track maintenance, etc. It's funny to watch at my terminal, but there is a respect that the rail operations crews have for the maintenance crews and vice versa.

[CSXrules4eva]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Randy Stahl

QUOTE: Originally posted by CSXrules4eva

Man and I thought my job being a diesel mechinest was difficult. I do agree w/ most of the people here track work isn't easy, some people think it is because they think " the MOW machines do all the work for ya" Well, that doesn't happen. Than again any job you get on the railroad isn't easy. I wander what the position of lococmotive engineer has in store for me???////

Your job as a machinist is difficult, alot of injurys and fatalitys have happened even in the safety of the engine house or car shop, the SOFA report for Oct included a locomotive shop fatality.
Randy

I guess u could say my job is difficult. I mean I've had many of times were I had to climb on engines and pressure test them and burn myself on the coolant resivors. Just doing a simple oil change (well not that simple) I've burn myself. Exhaust manifolds I've been burnt. You can't win. Today for instance I had to figure out why this 4 stroker diesel I was working on didn't have any compression thus wouldn't turn over. Sometimes I stop sit and stare at the engine and think the ultamite question "WUT IS WRONG????"

[Anonymous]

Well, the only job I'd take nowadays is that of President of the line, and even that has drawbacks.

No chance for advancement.

Old Timer

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Old Timer

Well, the only job I'd take nowadays is that of President of the line, and even that has drawbacks.

No chance for advancement.

Old Timer

Acquire more lines...

LC

[daveklepper]

President of the line has to be good at motivating other people.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by daveklepper

President of the line has to be good at motivating other people.

Characteristics desireable in good RR President/CEO:

1. Good grasp on RR accounting;

2. Good knowledge of RR operations;

3. Some understanding of MOW;

4. Must give good (conference) call.

5. Able to speak with Power Point.

6. Must be able to hire good help.

7. Fearless.

8. Must know good lobbyists.

9. Must be capable of drinking heavily when required.

10. Some grasp of RR history pertinent to their line.

11. Must appear gruff at relevant times.

12. Must be stern with employees.

LC

[Junctionfan]

I could do that. I try to be nice to the employees though unless they try to take me for a fool than I play hardass with them. One moment I'm Santa with the elves and than they go to far and I'm Rockefellar with the employees of Standard Oil.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Junctionfan

I could do that. I try to be nice to the employees though unless they try to take me for a fool than I play hardass with them. One moment I'm Santa with the elves and than they go to far and I'm Rockefellar with the employees of Standard Oil.

My son, you have much to learn about managing RR employees...

LC

[Junctionfan]

You're likely right L.C....... At least I have the right mentality; now all I need is the knowledge.

[Anonymous]

And then you can get a job which offers the ultimate experiance... The shortline railroad. Where you will be the engineer, conductor, machinist, carman, track laborer, and manager all at the same time.

The only benefit to this kind of work is you get to do something different all the time.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rgemd

And then you can get a job which offers the ultimate experiance... The shortline railroad. Where you will be the engineer, conductor, machinist, carman, track laborer, and manager all at the same time.

The only benefit to this kind of work is you get to do something different all the time.

And you eventually get good at it too!

Don't forget that you need to handle the car accounting, accounts payable and receivable, purchasing, employee relations and benefits (assuming you want things like health insurance) and all the other functions needed to keep the short line running...

LC

[Anonymous]

LC,

we are lucky enough to have managers to handle HR and pay the bills. But my official title is Manager of Operations, and that entails everything from odering the part to installing it, to running the locomotive I put the part on. I am also responsible for all of the FRA records and paperwork, and also do the training.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rgemd

LC,

we are lucky enough to have managers to handle HR and pay the bills. But my official title is Manager of Operations, and that entails everything from odering the part to installing it, to running the locomotive I put the part on. I am also responsible for all of the FRA records and paperwork, and also do the training.

Hmmm. So effectively, Ops Mgr and DSLE, plus mechanical. Or is there MOW too?

LC

[Junctionfan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rgemd

And then you can get a job which offers the ultimate experiance... The shortline railroad. Where you will be the engineer, conductor, machinist, carman, track laborer, and manager all at the same time.

The only benefit to this kind of work is you get to do something different all the time.

Too bad you can't get payed 6 paychecks[:D]; that's alot of hats to wear.

On a related note; does anybody know if E.Hunter Harrison gets a CEO and a COO salary or does he just get a CEO one?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Junctionfan

QUOTE: Originally posted by rgemd

And then you can get a job which offers the ultimate experiance... The shortline railroad. Where you will be the engineer, conductor, machinist, carman, track laborer, and manager all at the same time.

The only benefit to this kind of work is you get to do something different all the time.

Too bad you can't get payed 6 paychecks[:D]; that's alot of hats to wear.

On a related note; does anybody know if E.Hunter Harrison gets a CEO and a COO salary or does he just get a CEO one?

Nope, one check...

LC

[Randy Stahl]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Limitedclear

QUOTE: Originally posted by Junctionfan

QUOTE: Originally posted by rgemd

And then you can get a job which offers the ultimate experiance... The shortline railroad. Where you will be the engineer, conductor, machinist, carman, track laborer, and manager all at the same time.

The only benefit to this kind of work is you get to do something different all the time.

Too bad you can't get payed 6 paychecks[:D]; that's alot of hats to wear.

On a related note; does anybody know if E.Hunter Harrison gets a CEO and a COO salary or does he just get a CEO one?

Nope, one check...

LC

One really really big one.
Randy

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Randy Stahl

QUOTE: Originally posted by Limitedclear

QUOTE: Originally posted by Junctionfan

QUOTE: Originally posted by rgemd

And then you can get a job which offers the ultimate experiance... The shortline railroad. Where you will be the engineer, conductor, machinist, carman, track laborer, and manager all at the same time.

The only benefit to this kind of work is you get to do something different all the time.

Too bad you can't get payed 6 paychecks[:D]; that's alot of hats to wear.

On a related note; does anybody know if E.Hunter Harrison gets a CEO and a COO salary or does he just get a CEO one?

Nope, one check...

LC

One really really big one.
Randy

Actually, I misspoke. Actually two checks, one as salary and one year end bonus check...

LC

[CliqueofOne]

Whatever HH is paid is way, way too much. Signal Mechanic. Signal Department. Canadian National Railways.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CliqueofOne

Whatever HH is paid is way, way too much. Signal Mechanic. Signal Department. Canadian National Railways.

Easy for you to say. You obviously have no idea what he does or how much he is paid to do it. Managing isn't an easy job, even in a small organization. Whether Mr. Harrison is paid what he is worth is a matter for determination by the Board of Directors...

LC

[Anonymous]

LC, excellent write up page 1(Posted: 18 Nov 2004, 18:32:27). You got lucky that day, but some aren't as fortunate as you. I did see a railfan videographer set up for some action along a mainline in Indiana. What he video taped would eventually be sent to "You Gotta See This". As his camera was facing the 4 lane highway, an 18 wheeler crossed over the tracks but had to stop just short of clearing the 2nd track. Cars ahead prevented this, so he had about an eighth still in the path of anything wanting to come through. Sure enough here comes a train. The men in the cab were seen ducking for cover moments before it collided with the trailer obliterating the back half end of it. I could see too the lead locomotive take a hard lean to the right looking like it was gonna jump the tracks, but it didn't.

The car ahead somehow ended upside down on the hood of the rig and the videographer had ringing in his ears that persisted for two weeks. Thankfully nobody was seriously injured. Just watching it even though I was out of harm's way still brought the anticipation an impending collision all the while praying to God nobody gets hurt. Train vehicle collision videos are frightening. They give me an uncomfortable adrenaline rush. I can only imagine what stress engineers encounter daily.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by chessking

LC, excellent write up page 1(Posted: 18 Nov 2004, 18:32:27). You got lucky that day, but some aren't as fortunate as you. I did see a railfan videographer set up for some action along a mainline in Indiana. What he video taped would eventually be sent to "You Gotta See This". As his camera was facing the 4 lane highway, an 18 wheeler crossed over the tracks but had to stop just short of clearing the 2nd track. Cars ahead prevented this, so he had about an eighth still in the path of anything wanting to come through. Sure enough here comes a train. The men in the cab were seen ducking for cover moments before it collided with the trailer obliterating the back half end of it. I could see too the lead locomotive take a hard lean to the right looking like it was gonna jump the tracks, but it didn't.

The car ahead somehow ended upside down on the hood of the rig and the videographer had ringing in his ears that persisted for two weeks. Thankfully nobody was seriously injured. Just watching it even though I was out of harm's way still brought the anticipation an impending collision all the while praying to God nobody gets hurt. Train vehicle collision videos are frightening. They give me an uncomfortable adrenaline rush. I can only imagine what stress engineers encounter daily.

Thanks. It was quite a day and far from the only such...

LC

[CliqueofOne]

"Easy for you to say. You obviously have no idea what he does or how much he is paid to do it. Managing isn't an easy job, even in a small organization. Whether Mr. Harrison is paid what he is worth is a matter for determination by the Board of Directors..."

LC


You are right on this one LC. It is easy for me to say. This Hillbilly and his gang of of other non-Canadian thugs and goons are destroying the company I work for. Been here for over 34 years LC, so it sure looks like I know what I'm talking about. I'm not going to apologise about the fact either. At least my *** isn't sucking air as some of the patronising bunch on this forum do. If anyone down in the US of A thinks this clown [:o)] is doing a great job running our Canadian railway the way he is, well you can have him and his cronies back. We've had quite enough of his terrorist tactics on the CNR. Good thing he's finding out the hard way that he can't get away with some of the stunts he's tried to pull in our country. Anyone that thinks HH is worth what he's paid is dead [xx(] from the neck up. Like I said a year ago on this forum. Contract negotiations on the CN are really going to knock Hillbilly down a peg or two. He got away by the skin of his teeth last winter when the CAW guys were on strike. If it had gone on just one more week it would would have been curtains for HH. The scabs and foreign replacements were running on empty after the month long walkout. Hillbilly got away with scab replacements during that strike. He won't get away with it during the next one. [8]

Signal Mechanic. Signal Department. Canadian National Railways.