Welder Helper

Company: Union Pacific
Location: Portland
Posted on: February 6, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Reference Number: 4009 Department: Engineering Closing Date: Apply early as this job may be filled at any time. Rate of Pay: $32.21/hourly Most communications will be done electronically. Please check email, including spam folders, daily. If you wish to solicit an employee referral for this position, please ensure the employee submits the referral prior to submitting your application. Description Become part of a dedicated group of Welder Helpers who have been instrumental in maintaining Union Pacific's railroad tracks for over 150 years! As a Welder Helper, you will actively contribute to the repair, tempering, and cutting of rails, frogs, switches, and other essential welding tasks. Your efforts in repairing or replacing tracks will play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of trains, enabling Union Pacific to serve its customers across North America. We are powered by our people, will you join our team? Required Certifications:For this position, you will be required to become a Union Pacific certified driver during your probationary period. To become certified, you must meet the following Motor Vehicle and Medical Requirements: 1. Must be a minimum of 21 years of age 2. Have valid driver's license 3. Have an acceptable driving record per your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) 4. Acquire your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) if you will be operating a vehicle(s) with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs or greater. If this is required, you will need to obtain your CDL during your probationary period. Medical Requirements:Must meet the medical requirements (also called physical qualifications) for commercial motor vehicle drivers as 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 - Perform track maintenance activities such as repairs, installations, and component removals as required. - Utilize load/unload devices to handle and transport track materials and equipment. - Monitor track conditions for any issues or defects, while also observing the right-of-way and passing trains for any shifted loads or spillages. - Operate equipment safely and efficiently to drive spikes, tighten or loosen track bolts, and utilize pullers to remove spikes. - Maintain the trackbed by replacing and compacting ballast, as well as assisting in unloading ballast from ballast cars. - Foster positive relationships with colleagues, supervisors, contractors, and customers, and effectively manage conflicts when they arise. - Ensure compliance with all safety rules, operational guidelines, and regulations set by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). - Carry out additional assigned duties as necessary. Qualifications - Required - Possess a current and valid driver's license. - Hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) of either Class A or Class B, or have the ability to obtain one during the probationary period. - Capable of comprehending and interpreting regulations and instructions. - Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information to colleagues and supervisors. - 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. - Minimum of 1 year experience in Railroad Maintenance of Way work. - Demonstrated experience working outdoors in diverse weather conditions, including professional, personal, or volunteer work. - Proficiency in working within a construction-type environment, gained through professional, personal, or volunteer experience. - Skilled in operating heavy equipment such as construction or farm machinery, with relevant experience in professional, personal, or volunteer capacities. - Proficiency in welding or possession of a welding certificate, gained through professional, personal, or volunteer experience. - Flexibility and willingness to work on-call, overtime, various shifts (including weekends and holidays), and up to 7 days a week. Physical and Mental Job Requirements - To be considered for employment, candidates must successfully pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT). Please note that this test is separate from the medical exam. For additional details, refer to the FAQs on UP.jobs. - Physical Stamina: Capable of performing physically strenuous work continuously. Occasionally, bending, stooping, and kneeling may be necessary. - Manual Dexterity: Must possess manual dexterity with eye-hand coordination, allowing for precise and coordinated movements. - Lifting and Carrying: Occasionally, there is a need to lift and carry objects weighing up to 65 lbs. Additionally, pushing and pulling objects weighing up to 119 lbs may be required. - Balance and Mobility: There may be occasions when climbing ladders is necessary to access truck storage. The ability to walk frequently and maintain balance on various surfaces is essential. - Prolonged Standing: The job requires the ability to remain standing for more than half of each workday. There will be periodic opportunities to change positions for comfort. Work Conditions - Minimum age requirement: Applicants must be at least 21 years old. - Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship. - Comfortable working in close proximity to large equipment, including railcars, locomotives, and cranes. - Preference given to candidates who are willing to reside and work in specific locations indicated in the job listing. - Strong commitment to practicing and maintaining safe work practices. - Flexibility in terms of travel: Candidates should be prepared for extensive travel across Union Pacific's 23-state system, which may be required at short notice. 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

Keywords: Union Pacific, Vancouver , Welder Helper, Engineering , Portland, Washington