Job Description
At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT values—Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork—which guides how we work, lead, and grow together. If you're ready to launch a career in mechanical support and contribute to the reliability of our locomotive fleet, we invite you to explore the Mechanical Shop Laborer Trainee 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.
What Should You Know
This is a seniority-based union position.
You must be available to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Extensive travel for training may be required.
Union membership is required within 60 days of establishing seniority.
Training
Training includes both classroom and field instruction:
Classroom Training: Mechanical Safety Orientation during the first week of employment.
Field Training: Hands-on experience in locomotive service and shop operations.
Norfolk Southern provides lodging and reimburses travel per union agreement.
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.
May operate locomotives within shop limits.
Clean and maintain related railroad facilities.
Perform other tasks as needed to ensure safe and efficient locomotive operations.
Transport supplies and materials between work and storage locations.
Complete other tasks as needed to ensure the proper and safe functioning of the locomotive.
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 – Required
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.
Qualifications – Preferred
Mechanical aptitude and basic computer skills.
Ability to obtain a Locomotive Service Engineer license through NS-provided training.
Veterans and transitioning service members encouraged to apply (roles such as 2T3X1, AE, AMT, 2141, 88U).
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.
Must maintain alertness and concentration while working around heavy, moving equipment.
Ability to meet FRA medical requirements:
Visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together with or without corrective lenses).
Hearing—no hearing loss greater than 40B average, at 500, 1000, and 2000 in better ear (can be met with hearing aid).
Frequently climbing on/off locomotives inside and outside the shop in all weather conditions.
Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, and walk long distances over uneven terrain.
Work Conditions
Shop and outdoor environments.
Shift work across all three shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Union membership required.
This is a safety-sensitive position requiring constant alertness while working around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines.
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...