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Re: Difficult getting a RR job.
Author: Dave at SERA
Date: 01-15-2013 - 07:10
It is not difficult to get a job at a shortline, but the problem is that most people are not willing to do what it takes to do the job. We have a hard time hiring. We are looking for the following:
1. Conductors and Engineers. The problem is that we have to train them from scratch. that takes months of training both in the classroom and on-the-job. The work is part-time, and particularly until you get trained, the pay is low. We run trains for the customers, not necessarily on any schedule. So the training goes accordingly. A green person will first learn the ground (conductor), and then if proven competent, we will train them also as an engineer. You have to work in all kinds of weather (many don't like that aspect). You have to work when called (nor that aspect). You have to be able to think (some fail that aspect). You have to be able to do the physical labor (some can't). With some time and experience, we also have positions that are full time, and we have just weekend work if you like to do just passenger trains.
2. Track workers. We are looking for people now. Work is hard and always outside in whatever weather. But it is steady work--we have people who have worked with us for years and a number of retirees. Pay is modest. If you can operate equipment, so much the better.
3. A signalman. Need to be reasonably smart to learn today's computer systems. Work can be demanding, as you can be on call at any time. Work is mostly outside, though occasionally you can get a little respite by working in the signal cabinet. We will train.
4. Customer service rep. Work mostly sedentary and in an office in front of a computer and telephone, but you do get outside some to check yards, etc. Need to be smart, personable, and know how to work with MS word and excel. We will teach the RMI system.
We have other jobs too--shop mechanics, shop foreman, etc. Our problem is finding people who will pass a drug test (no medical marijuana permitted). Pay is modest--no one here gets paid what they think they should, but if you work out, you will have a reasonably good living, and we have always had pretty steady work for our employees.
If anyone is interested in any of the above, send a resume to Sierra Northern Railway, 341 Industrial Way, Woodland, CA 95776. We have jobs in Woodland, Oakdale, West Sacramento, and Fort Bragg.
Dave
SERA
1. Conductors and Engineers. The problem is that we have to train them from scratch. that takes months of training both in the classroom and on-the-job. The work is part-time, and particularly until you get trained, the pay is low. We run trains for the customers, not necessarily on any schedule. So the training goes accordingly. A green person will first learn the ground (conductor), and then if proven competent, we will train them also as an engineer. You have to work in all kinds of weather (many don't like that aspect). You have to work when called (nor that aspect). You have to be able to think (some fail that aspect). You have to be able to do the physical labor (some can't). With some time and experience, we also have positions that are full time, and we have just weekend work if you like to do just passenger trains.
2. Track workers. We are looking for people now. Work is hard and always outside in whatever weather. But it is steady work--we have people who have worked with us for years and a number of retirees. Pay is modest. If you can operate equipment, so much the better.
3. A signalman. Need to be reasonably smart to learn today's computer systems. Work can be demanding, as you can be on call at any time. Work is mostly outside, though occasionally you can get a little respite by working in the signal cabinet. We will train.
4. Customer service rep. Work mostly sedentary and in an office in front of a computer and telephone, but you do get outside some to check yards, etc. Need to be smart, personable, and know how to work with MS word and excel. We will teach the RMI system.
We have other jobs too--shop mechanics, shop foreman, etc. Our problem is finding people who will pass a drug test (no medical marijuana permitted). Pay is modest--no one here gets paid what they think they should, but if you work out, you will have a reasonably good living, and we have always had pretty steady work for our employees.
If anyone is interested in any of the above, send a resume to Sierra Northern Railway, 341 Industrial Way, Woodland, CA 95776. We have jobs in Woodland, Oakdale, West Sacramento, and Fort Bragg.
Dave
SERA
