Signal Apprentice -Jacksonville, IL

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Signal Apprentice to join our Engineering Department. This full-time position involves on-call, overtime, night, alternating shifts, weekends, and holidays. Shifts may vary, and travel is required up to 90% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Perform construction, reconditioning, installation, maintenance, repair, inspection, and testing of wayside signal devices.
• Loading and unloading supplies, installing underground and overhead cables including trenching and hand digging.
• Working on or around highway grade crossings, climbing signal masts, bridges, and ladders, and handling cables and wires for electrical connections.
• Using various power and non-power tools, including shovels, picks, axes, sledgehammers, micrometers, voltmeters, amp meters, computer-based systems, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, tape measures, drills, and power saws.
• Operating equipment such as backhoes, trenchers, boom trucks, and directional boring machines.
• Daily work is conducted in a safety-sensitive environment where the working conditions can include diverse and extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet), walking and performing work on uneven surfaces, working around loud noises, fumes, and heavy/moving machinery.

Requirements

• Able to work in the US without company sponsorship now AND in the future.
• At least 18 years of age or will be by the anticipated start date listed above.
• Possess a valid state-issued driver's license.
• Ability to report for duty at the designated work location.
• Ability to travel for extended periods of time (Fly, Drive, or Ride).
• Able to work safely in the above working conditions.
• Able to work the above shift/hours.
• Able to meet the above travel requirements.
• Able to read, write and communicate (speak, hear, and understand) English language.
• Able to lift and carry up to 60 lbs occasionally and 15 to 30 lbs frequently.
• Able to visually distinguish colors - red, blue, green, yellow, and lunar (clear light).
• Able to discriminate and differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) in the work environment.
• Able to use hands and hand tools to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning, pushing, and pulling.
• Frequently climb ladders; get on/off equipment; climb signal poles/platforms to perform installations and maintenance.
• Bend, walk, stand, or sit for periods of time.
• Learn, comprehend, and follow safety policies and procedures; wear the required personal protective equipment.
• Able to perform work on various terrain types (Uneven, Snow, Mud, Rock, sand, etc.).

Qualifications

• Union membership is with the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen and union dues are required per union agreement.
• Signal positions are based on seniority and collective bargaining agreements.
• Seniority district transfers are handled per union agreement, are seniority based, and are permitted once during the apprenticeship period with seniority forfeited upon transfer.

Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

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.
• You will also have life insurance, provided at no cost to you.
• Railroad Retirement program and competitive 401(k) plan to help you meet your 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.

Pay

Entry rate is approx. $36.44/hr; avg annual pay 85K-95K with 3-5 years seniority.

Schedule

This is a full-time (40hrs/wk) position that is subject to on-call (24/7), overtime, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, and holidays. Shifts may vary (5 – 8/hr days followed by 2 days off; 4 – 10/hr days followed by 3 days off; 8 – 10/hr days followed by 6 days off).

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package including health care options, life insurance, railroad retirement program, 401(k) plan, family benefits, and discounts.
• Pre-employment background verification, medical review, and pre-employment drug screen required.
• TWIC requirement for certain positions requiring unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities.

Company Information

• We are one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting the nation’s freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces.
• We are committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong, and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential.
• We prioritize safety as a core value of how we do business.
• We provide resources and tools to help you reach your full potential, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.