Mechanical Laborer- Birmingham, AL 2026

About the role

This hands-on, field-based position prepares individuals for a career in mechanical operations through structured classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Trainees learn to service locomotives, transport supplies, and perform essential support activities that keep our operations running safely and efficiently.

Job Responsibilities

• Fuel locomotives and check/replenish oil levels.
• Clean locomotive cabs, including restroom facilities.
• Sand and wash locomotives.
• Operate forklifts and other equipment.
• Operate various vehicles; may be required to obtain CDL for Locomotive Service truck.
• Operate locomotives within shop limits.
• Clean and maintain related railroad facilities.
• Transport supplies and materials between work and storage locations.
• Complete other tasks as needed to ensure safe and efficient locomotive operations.
• Work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries.
• Wear required protective equipment such as hard hat, hearing protection, and safety-toe boots.
• Complete annual safety training and pass safety rules examinations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and physical standards.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform heavy physical labor.
• Must pass a post-offer medical examination, including a drug test.

Skills and Abilities

• Understand oral and written communication.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting ability.
• Time management and organizational skills.

Physical and Mental Job Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Maintain alertness and concentration while working around heavy, moving equipment.
• Meet FRA medical requirements: Visual acuity, hearing, and ability to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, and walk long distances over uneven terrain.

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay Progression: First 12 months: $26.43/hr (75% of full rate); Second 12 months: $28.20/hr (80%); After 24 months in any shop craft position: $35.25/hr.
• Benefits Include Medical coverage begins the first day of the second month after hire; Health insurance (80/20 or 85/15 plan), $20,000 life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility from day one; Dental and vision coverage after one year of service.

Company Overview

Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country’s population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.