Mechanical Shop Laborer (Hostler Helper) - (CDL/DOT) - Lincoln, NE

Be part of a team that values safety, inclusion, and excellence. We are one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting the nation’s freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. As a member of our team, you will play a role in supporting the movement of essential products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world. We are committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong, and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Job Location: Lincoln
Anticipated Start Date: 09/14/2026
Number of Positions: 2

About the role

Embark on a fulfilling career at BNSF Railway where joining the Mechanical Department offers you the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team focused on safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement. The Mechanical Shop Laborer (Hostler/Helper) position plays a critical role in ensuring efficient operation and maintenance of locomotives and equipment within the mechanical facility. This is a full-time (40 hrs/wk) position, seniority-based and governed by union agreement. Mechanical shops operate 24 hours/day, 7 days/week with three 8-hour shifts. Travel is minimal. Training for this position is company-paid on-the-job training.

Responsibilities

• Operating locomotives, fuel trucks, shop tractors, and power hand tools, including driving fuel tanker trucks on roadways and BNSF property to refuel locomotives as needed.
• Keeping work areas clean and orderly and operating industrial maintenance equipment.
• Sand, fueling, and cleaning locomotives as well as cleaning and organizing shop work areas (sweeping and cleaning, storing parts, emptying, and discarding garbage).
• Operating power-driven equipment (vacuum cleaner, electric broom, or steam cleaning gun).
• Daily work is conducted in a safety-sensitive environment with working conditions that can include diverse and extreme weather (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet), walking and performing work on uneven surfaces, and working around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery.
• Adhering 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.
• 21 years of age or older.
• Have a valid CDL with test endorsements for combination vehicle, air brake, and HAZMAT, or able to obtain one within 60 days of employment.
• Available to work in the geographic area indicated.
• Able to read, write, and communicate (speak, hear, and understand) English.
• Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet).
• Work a 40-hour work week; shifts are governed by union agreement and subject to seniority. Available to work weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds with or without assistance.
• Able to visually distinguish among red, blue, green, and yellow colors, hear, and distinguish auditory signals with training.
• Able to use hands to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning, and pulling.
• Able to perform work on uneven surfaces, frequently climb ladders and on/off equipment, and work from various heights.
• Able to work in conditions that include loud noise and fumes, work on and around heavy and moving machinery, bend, walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time, and use hand tools.
• Follow safety policies and procedures and wear required personal protective equipment.
• Union membership is with the National Conference of Fireman and Oilers; union dues are required per union agreement.

Pay

Entry rate $32.70–$39.99/hr with approximate annual pay of $68,020 – $83,179.

Schedule

• Full-time (40 hrs/wk), seniority-based, governed by union agreement.
• Subject to overtime, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Mechanical shops operate 24 hours/day, 7 days/week with three 8-hour shifts.

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.
• Benefits vary by union collective bargaining agreement.