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Track Maintenance - Laborer-Dubuque IA

BNSF Railway, Dubuque, IA, United States


Company Overview
Be part of a team that values safety, inclusion, and excellence. We are one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces, supporting the movement of essential products and materials that feed, clothe, supply, and power communities worldwide.

Job Location and Start Date
Dubuque, IA. Anticipated start date: 05/04/2026.

Salary Range
Entry rate approximately $36.30 per hour.

Position Summary
Full‑time (40 hours per week) track maintenance role within the Engineering Department. The position requires on‑call, overtime, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, holidays, and travel to job sites for extended periods.

Travel & Residency Requirements

Travel is required to and remain at designated job sites, which may involve days or weeks at a time.

Residency requirement: maintain residency within the hired district or within 50 miles of a designated BNSF depot serving that district.

Notify BNSF and obtain written approval before any change of residence outside the hired district; failure may result in loss of travel pay benefits, repayment of travel expenses, or impact on employment status.

Training
Company‑paid on‑the‑job and classroom training, including travel to the BNSF Training Center.

Key Responsibilities

Repair and rebuild railroad track, including pulling spikes, cutting, welding, and drilling rail.

Maintain a clean right of way by removing hazards such as brush, trees, vegetation, litter, and cargo spillage.

Maintain trackbed by manually compressing ballast, removing/inserting ties, and adjusting rail.

Operate power hand tools (electric, pneumatic, hydraulic) and non‑powered hand tools and shovels, picks, saws, and grinders.

Work in a safety‑sensitive environment, handling extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, snow, sleet) and uneven surfaces.

Adhere to safety regulations, rules, and policies, wearing safety equipment and responding to emergencies.

Relocation & Probation
Relocation assistance is not available. The position includes a 60‑day probationary period.

Basic Qualifications

Authorized to work in the U.S. without employer assistance—including maintaining or extending employment authorization.

At least 18 years of age by the anticipated start date.

Valid state‑issued driver’s license and ability to report for duty at the designated work location.

Ability to work safely under the described conditions, including shift hours, travel requirements, and heavy lifting (up to 60 lbs occasionally).

Able to read, write, and communicate in English.

Ability to visually distinguish colors (red, blue, green, yellow, and clear light) and discriminate sounds in the work environment.

Ability to use hands for holding, grasping, turning, pulling, and occasional climbing of equipment.

Union
Union membership with the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees (BMWE) is required; union dues are paid per agreement.

Benefits

Health care options for you and dependents (medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, wellness coaching, 2nd opinion services, high‑quality care network).

Life insurance at no cost to you.

Railroad Retirement program and competitive 401(k) plan.

Family benefits including parental, pediatric support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and spending accounts.

Discounts on travel, gym memberships, and more (benefits vary by union agreement).

Pre‑employment Verification & Additional Requirements
All positions require background verification, medical review, and a pre‑employment drug screen. Employees whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas must obtain a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential). For more information, refer to the hiring process resources.

Equal Employment Opportunity
BNSF Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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