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Jobs in the Industry
Railroads Are Hiring!
America’s freight railroads are hiring – and in 2012 expect to hire more than 15,000 people. These are well paying jobs in locations all across the country, that often lead to long careers in railroading. To read what rail employees have to say about working in the industry, visit our Faces of Freight Rail gallery.
Railroads and Veterans
The nation’s freight railroads have more than a century-long commitment to the nation’s service men and women, and this year continue to hire veterans at a robust pace. Between 20-25 percent of current employees, and one in five of the more than 15,000 new employees freight railroads expect to hire in 2012, will likely have served in our nation’s military. There is common sense overlap in personal traits and skill sets of railroad employees with military servicemen and women. Our nation’s veterans have a disciplined background, with special capabilities and qualities that are uniquely suited to help keep freight railroads efficient and safe.
Recruit and Support
The industry’s commitment to veterans is well-known, as freight railroads are consistently honored for their military recruiting efforts and enhanced benefit programs for employees called to active duty. Freight railroads engage in programs with the military that identify talented service men and women and work with the armed forces to transition from military service to private-sector employment.
Joining Forces
The Association of American Railroads (AAR), in collaboration with the nation’s major freight, intercity passenger, commuter railroads and rail supply companies, are part of the White House Joining Forces initiative, a nation-wide effort to recognize, honor and support America’s veterans and military families. As part of this effort, the rail industry is committed to hire more than 5,000 veterans in 2012. Read more about the AAR/Joining Forces Partnership.
ESGR
America’s Class I freight railroads have been recognized by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for their long standing commitment to support and hire guardsmen and women and reservists. On June 21, 2012, the Association of American Railroads signed an official Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve on behalf of the association and freight rail industry and pledged to continue the industry’s tradition of extending veterans and service members competitive wage and benefits packages.
Finding a Railroad Career After Military Service
From experience working with machinery, to a dedication and focus on safety of operations, to conducting shifts in changing conditions, veterans are uniquely suited for long and successful careers in the railroad industry. In fact, experience gained while on military duty directly relates to virtually all kinds of jobs at railroads. Learn about how you can translate your military experience into railroad employment opportunities.
Learn about special military recruiting programs at some of the nation’s freight railroads:
BNSF Railway: http://www.bnsf.com/careers/military/index.html
CSX: http://www.csx.com/index.cfm/working-at-csx/military-friendly-employer/
Norfolk Southern: http://www.nscorp.com/nscportal/nscorp/Job_Seekers/
Union Pacific: http://www.unionpacific.jobs/careers/explore/military/index.shtml
A Tribute to Railroad Employees with Military Service
To celebrate the connection between railroads and veterans, AAR has developed a special online tribute to freight rail employees with service in the military, profiling individual former-military employees in a variety of rail jobs. (http://www.aar.org/military-faces.aspx)