Mechanical Laborer (Norfolk, VA) 2025

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Date: Jul 25, 2025

Location: Norfolk, VA, US, 23507

Company: Norfolk Southern Corp.

Requisition ID : 38866 

 

Job Description

Service and clean locomotives, transport supplies between work and storage sites, and perform a variety of support and clean-up activities in locomotive and car repair areas. 

Primary Responsibilities 

  • Fueling locomotives 
  • Check and replenishing oil level of locomotives
  • Cleaning cabs of locomotives, including restroom facilities
  • Sanding locomotives
  • Operate forklifts and other equipment 
  • Operate various vehicles, maybe required to obtain CDL for operation of Locomotive Service truck. 
  • May be required to operate locomotives within shop limits
  • Washing locomotives
  • Clean and maintain related railroad facilities
  • Complete other tasks as needed to ensure the proper and safe functioning of the locomotive 

 
Job Requirements

  • A Mechanical Shop Laborers holds a safety sensitive position in which he/she must maintain alertness and concentration while at work.  Safety sensitive tasks may include:
    • Constantly working around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines.
    • Frequently climbing on/off locomotives inside and outside the shop in all weather conditions.
    • Operating and moving a locomotive engine (some of these movements may fall under the Hours-of-Service act).
  • Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries.
  • Wear protective equipment such as hard hat, hearing protection, or safety-toe boots.
  • Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations.
  • Must pass all required assessments.
  • Must pass a background screening.
  • Must pass a post-offer medical examination, including a drug test.
  • This position is governed by a union position and membership is required.

Additional Information

Skills/Abilities

  • Understand oral and written communication 
  • Problem solving and troubleshooting skills 
  • Time Management 
  • Soft computer skills 
  • Mechanical aptitude 
  • Ability to obtain a license (Locomotive Service Engineer) through NS-provided training.  

 
Minimum Qualifications 

  • High school diploma or GED 
  • 18 years of age or older 
  • Valid Driver's License 
  • Veterans and transitioning service members are encouraged to apply. Military roles that often transition well to this position (but not limited to): 2T3X1, AE, AMT, 2141, 88U.  

 

Training
Mechanical Laborers will undergo 1 week of Mechanical Safety Orientation during their first week of employment at McDonough, GA. Norfolk Southern will pay reimburse travel and pay for lodging as required per union agreement.

 

Career Path
Predecessor Jobs: None
Future Jobs: Freight Car Repairer, Machinist (Locomotive Diesel Engine Mechanic), Locomotive Electrician

Compensation Data

Rate of Pay

  • 1st 12 calendar months – 75% of F&O rate
  • 2nd 12 calendar months- 80% of F&O rate
  • Completion of 24 months of service in any shop craft position (or combination) – $33.87

Benefits

  • Company Benefits - Eligible 1st day of second month after hire
  • 80/20 plan for employee, spouse, and eligible dependents
  • Union Benefits
  • Medical (Managed or 85/15 Plan)
  • $20K Life Insurance
  • 401 (K) First Day of Employment
  • After 1st year of service: Eligible for Dental / Vision

Work Conditions

Working hours will include shift work over all 3 shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts are assigned/awarded by seniority. The work environment is a shop and outdoor work.

 

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 the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.

 

At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization.

 

Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress.


Nearest Major Market: Hampton Roads