Mechanical Shop Laborer (CDL Required) - Superior, WI

About the role

Join the Mechanical Department at BNSF Railway as a Mechanical Shop Laborer (Hostler/Helper) and be part of a team focused on safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement. This full-time position assists skilled mechanics with maintenance and repair work on locomotives and other equipment, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of trains. The role operates under a seniority-based union agreement, which governs shift assignments, overtime, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, and holidays. Mechanical shops operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with minimal travel required. Training for this position is company-paid and conducted on-the-job.

Responsibilities

• Keep work areas clean and orderly and operate industrial maintenance equipment within a shop environment.
• Operate locomotives, forklifts, mobile cranes, track mobiles, shop tractors, and power hand tools.
• Sand, fuel, and clean locomotives, as well as clean and organize shop work areas (sweeping, cleaning work surfaces, storing parts, emptying, and discarding garbage).
• Operate power-driven equipment such as vacuum cleaners, electric brooms, or steam cleaning guns.
• Work in a safety-sensitive environment with diverse and extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet), walking and performing work on uneven surfaces, and around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery.
• Adhere to safety rules, policies, and federal and state regulations, including wearing personal protective equipment, responding to concerns, and taking appropriate action in emergencies.

Requirements

• Able to work now and in the future without BNSF’s assistance in obtaining, maintaining, or extending employment authorization (including H-1B, STEM OPT/CPT, or TN nonimmigrant status).
• At least 18 years of age or will be by the anticipated start date (10/26/2026).
• Possess a valid state-issued driver's license.
• Ability to report for duty at the designated work location in Superior, WI (other potential locations: Superior, WI).
• Able to work safely in the described working conditions, including extreme weather, uneven surfaces, and loud environments.
• Able to work the required shift/hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 lbs without assistance.
• Ability to visually distinguish colors (red, blue, green, yellow).
• Ability to differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms) and comprehend verbal communication in the work environment.
• Ability to use hands and hand tools for activities involving holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
• Ability to climb ladders, get on/off equipment, and occasionally work from various heights.
• Ability to bend, walk, stand, and sit occasionally with breaks.
• Follow safety policies and procedures; wear required personal protective equipment.
• Union membership with the National Conference of Fireman and Oilers is required, with union dues per the union agreement.

Pay

Entry rate: $32.70–$39.99 per hour, with approximate annual pay of $68,020–$83,179.

Schedule

Full-time (40 hours per week), subject to seniority-based union agreement-governed shift assignments, including overtime, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, and holidays. Mechanical shops operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Benefits

• A range of health care options for you and your dependents, including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, wellness coaching, 2nd opinion services, and high-quality care network options.
• Life insurance provided at no cost to you.
• Railroad Retirement program and competitive 401(k) plan to help meet retirement goals.
• Family benefits, including parental and pediatric support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and spending accounts.
• Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships, and more.

Note: Benefits vary by union collective bargaining agreement. For more information, visit Benefits.