Track Laborer Driver Eligible - Watsonville, CA

CSX • CA, US • 1d ago

Date: Feb 26, 2026

Location: WATSONVILL, CA, US, 90000

Reference Number: 3755
Department: Engineering
Closing Date: Apply early as this job may be filled at any time.

Rate of Pay: $32.01/hour

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Description

Join our dynamic team of experienced track laborers who have been dedicated to building and maintaining tracks for Union Pacific for over 150 years! As a Track Laborer - Driver Eligible, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of trains, serving customers across North America.

Required Certifications:

As part of your probationary period, you will be required to obtain certification as a Union Pacific driver. To be eligible for this certification, you must meet the following Motor Vehicle and Medical Requirements:

Minimum age requirement of 21 years.

Possession of a valid driver's license.

Maintaining an acceptable driving record as per your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) if you will be operating a vehicle(s) with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,000 lbs or greater. If this applies to your role, you will need to acquire your CDL during the probationary period.

Medical Requirements:

Must meet the medical requirements (also called physical qualifications) for commercial motor vehicle drivers are specified by the US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA physical qualifications for drivers can be found on the FMCSA homepage. Health and Medical Services at Union Pacific Railroad will make the final determination on whether or not an individual meets the FMCSA medical qualifications, and may add additional medical requirements to assure the person can safely perform job tasks, with or without accommodation.

Accountabilities

Handle, help unload and move track materials and equipment from rail cars, carts or trucks
Remove and replace rails, rail anchors, spikes, ballast, ties and other parts as needed
Work with equipment; dig holes and trenches, etc.
Observe the condition of the tracks (including beds and right-of-way) for problems or defects
Understand and follow company and industry safety rules, practices and procedures
Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors and/or customers and effectively resolve situations that arise
Drive company vehicles as the need arises
Maintain track beds by cutting vegetation and brush when needed, and sweeping, picking and digging dust or snow from movable track parts
Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications - Required

Applicants must have reached the age of 21 or above.
Conduct regular inspections of tracks, track beds, and right-of-way to identify any issues or defects.
Replace and repair rails, rail anchors, spikes, ballast, ties, and other track components as necessary.
Assist in the unloading, movement, and handling of track materials and equipment, including digging holes and trenches.
Maintain track beds by clearing vegetation and brush, as well as removing dust or snow from movable track parts.
Adhere to company and industry safety rules, practices, and procedures.
Operate company vehicles as required.
Perform track maintenance, repairs, and installations.
Ensure compliance with all railroad regulations, including safety standards and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) guidelines.
Foster positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, and customers, and effectively resolve any arising issues.
Carry out additional assigned duties as needed.
In order to be considered for this position, candidates are required to successfully complete an assessment in English before proceeding to the interview stage. For more information go to the FAQs on UP.jobs.

Qualifications - Preferred

Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) - Class A or Class B
Demonstrated experience working outdoors in diverse weather conditions (e.g., professional, personal, or volunteer experience)
Proficiency in welding or possession of a welding certificate (e.g., acquired through professional, personal, or volunteer experience)
Competence in operating heavy equipment, including construction and farm machinery (e.g., acquired through professional, personal, or volunteer experience)
Familiarity with working in construction-like environments (e.g., gained through professional, personal, or volunteer experience)
Minimum of one year experience in Railroad Maintenance of Way work
Flexibility to work on-call, overtime, and various shifts, including weekends, holidays, and 7 days a week

Physical and Mental Job Requirements

Candidates are required to successfully pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT) before being considered for employment. This is separate from the medical exam. For more information go to the FAQs on UP.jobs.
Physically Demanding Tasks: Must have the capacity to engage in physically demanding tasks, including occasional bending, stooping, and kneeling.
Lifting and Carrying: Must be able to occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 65 lbs, as well as push and pull objects up to 119 lbs.
Standing: Must be capable of standing for extended periods during the workday, with the flexibility to change positions periodically for comfort.
Walking: Safely walk and maintain balance on uneven surfaces.
Climbing: Must be able to climb ladders to access truck storage as necessary.

Work Conditions

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship.
Personal Protective Equipment: Candidates must agree to wear prescribed personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection as mandated by the company.
Location Flexibility: This position is applicable only to individuals who are willing to live and work in the specified locations.
Working around Large Equipment: Applicants must be willing and physically capable of working in close proximity to heavy machinery such as railcars, locomotives, and cranes.
Emphasis on Safety: Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to practicing safe work habits and following established safety protocols.
Travel Requirements: The role entails frequent travel, and applicants must be available to undertake such travel.
Transportation: Candidates must have their own reliable transportation.
Work Environment: Work will predominantly occur in rural and remote geographic areas.

What we offer:

A strengths-based, engagement-focused, and performance-oriented culture
Ongoing learning, development, and Educational Assistance (including little to no out-of-pocket cost for online and in-person courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha)
401(k) retirement plan
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 20% match up to 5%
Medical, dental and vision insurance, which are collectively bargained for through union membership
Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs

Background Check Investigation

Medical Review

Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation