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Locomotive Electrician Trainee

Northern Plains Railroad, Inc.
Fordville, ND Full Time
POSTED ON 8/28/2025 CLOSED ON 12/2/2025

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Locomotive Electrician Trainee position at Northern Plains Railroad, Inc.?


Company: Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. 

Business Unit: AGZ

Department: Locomotive Repair                                                                                                                 

Travel may also be required as needed 30%.

Schedule: Varies. M-F and may include holidays and/or weekends. 07:00-16:00 with additional hours as necessary.

Summary:

The Locomotive Electrician Trainee position involves the installation and upkeep of electrical wiring and equipment within railroad locomotives, including motors, generators, air-conditioning units, electrical outlets, and lighting fixtures. We are committed to hiring an individual eager to learn and grow in the electrical field & railroad industry, offering comprehensive on-the-job training and resources to transition into the Locomotive Electrician position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:

  • Conduct inspections on locomotive electrical components.
  • Perform scheduled electrical inspections in compliance with Company, Industry, and Federal standards.
  • Inspect various small (relays, voltage regulators) and large components (traction motors generators).
  • Inspect and test circuitry with electrical testing equipment.
  • Troubleshoot malfunctions.
  • Diagnose electrical malfunctions in locomotive or diesel engine components; assess nature of problems and determine needed corrective action; includes both high and low voltage equipment.
  • Perform maintenance and repairs.
  • Replace electrical components in the locomotive cab or diesel electrical compartments (junction boxes, voltage regulators, traction motors) as needed.
  • Disassemble and clean electrical parts.
  • Assemble components.
  • Provide maintenance for miscellaneous equipment and facilities using blueprints, schematics, and location circuit plans.
  • Understand and follow company and industry safety rules, practices, and procedures.
  • Must wear prescribed safety apparel.
  • Take appropriate action when conditions threaten safety of self or coworkers.
  • Ensure equipment and work area are in safe operating condition before starting work.
  • Read and comply with all train orders, signals, railroad rules, and regulations.
  • Monitor and assist Manager with inventory control. 
  • Will perform work on Northern Plains Railroad as directed.

Competencies:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Must be willing to work flexible schedules/hours.
  • High integrity, ethics, and a positive work attitude
  • Problem solving, oral & written communications, organizational and interpersonal skills, perception, creativity.
  • Possess analytical and calculating ability.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to meet the physical demands listed below:

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform on uneven or slippery surfaces, platforms, ladders, and equipment in all weather and temperature conditions. Most of the day could be spent standing on foot. Eye/hand coordination, hand/feet dexterity and grasping hand tools, materials & equipment is required. The employee is frequently required to perform manual labor & physical activities that require considerable use of the whole body, such as standing and lifting from various levels.
  • Additional physical demands are listed in the chart below.
  • May require travel to various facilities and provide additional services.

Environmental:

  • Continuous: Exposure to electrical hazards, stand on concrete, works with others, concentration, eye/hand coordination.
  • Frequent: Works in cramped quarters, exposure to dust & smoke, fumes, odors, grease, oil, works in hot & cold temperatures, travel required & on-call, works inside & outside, noise, wet conditions, working with interruptions, works on feet-foot pedals, dexterity with fingering-picking, pinching, calculator, and handling, holding & grasping.
  • Occasional: Exposure to chemicals, vibration, walk on uneven or slippery surface, works alone, works with moving machinery, repetitive flexion/rotation wrist motion.
  • Rare: Exposure to toxic materials, shift work & money handling.

Education and Training:

  • GED or Higher
  • Prior Mechanical or electrical experience preferred.
  • Basic knowledge of hand tools preferred.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills a plus.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPRS driver provisions.

Requirements of Joining Our Team: 

Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to: 

 

       1.    Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing may also be required throughout employment. 

    2.    Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.

    3.    Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.

    4.    Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position. 

We value transparency and the safety of our employees and customers, and these steps are essential in upholding our commitment to excellence.

LIFT 2 - Physical Demands Checklist 

* Never (N) = Not at all * Rarely (R) = 1-5% * Occasionally (O) = 6-33% * Frequently (F) = 34-66% * Continuously (C) = 67-100%

 

TASKS

N 0%

R 1-5%

O

6-33%

F

34-66%

C 67-100%

Essential

Comments

Sitting

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

Standing

 

 

 

 

X

X

 

Walking Distance: 600 ft

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

Bending/Stooping: 2 min

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

Sitting while twisting & reaching above shoulder level

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

Crawling 10 ft

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

Squatting: 10 reps

 

 

 

X

 

X

 

TASKS  continued                                                                                     

N    0%

R      1-5%

O        6-33%

F        34-66%

C           67-100%

Essential

Comments

Climbing Stairs: YMCA Step Test

 

 

X

 

 

X

NOT Pass or Fail

Climbing Ladder: 30 rungs

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

Balancing CTSIB-M test

 

 

 

 

X

X

 

Reaching- Forward

 

 

 

X

 

X

 

Reaching- Overhead arm’s length

 

 

 

X

 

X

 

Reaching Low Level

 

 

 

X

 

X

 

Static Push/Pull: Static push force 50# at shoulder level

 

 

 

X

 

X

 

Push/Pull: 90# force at waist level, simulate throw a switch

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

Shoveling

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

Grip Strength min. 50#

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

Gross & Fine coordination

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

Lift / Carry

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floor to Waist & Bilateral Carry

<10#

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

            11-24 #

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

               25-34 #

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

             35-50 #

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

Lift 50 # Waist to Crown

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working around moving machinery, parts & equipment

 

 

 

X

 

X

 

Working outside & extreme weather conditions

 

 

 

 

X

X

 

Exposure to heat /humidity

 

 

 

 

X

X

 

Exposure to cold

 

 

 

 

X

X

 

Using power equipment

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

Slippery surfaces

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

Noise

 

 

 

X

 

X

 

Works with others, alone, paperwork

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

Dust, Smoke, Odors, Fumes, Grease, Oil

 

 

 

 

X

X

 

Hearing

 

 

 

 

X

X

Hearing acuity-MEC/Medical Examiner's Certificate DOT vs FRA-DOT vs OSHA

TASKS  continued                                                                                     

N    0%

R      1-5%

O        6-33%

F        34-66%

C           67-100%

Essential

Comments

Speech

 

 

 

 

X

X

 

Vision

 

 

 

 

X

X

Vision acuity-MEC/Medical Examiner's Certificate DOT vs FRA-DOT vs Standard

Standard Vision

 

 

 

 

X

X

Standard Vision-Snellen/Ishihara/Perimetry

Works at heights

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

Electrical hazards

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

Uneven surfaces

 

 

 

 

X

X

 

Inhalation Exposure

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

Cramped quarters

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

Hazardous Material

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

Chemical Exposure

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

Vibration

 

 

X

 

 

X

 

 

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned. This Job Description may change at any time declared by Management.

 

NPRS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation. NPRS is a tradename used by Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR), Northern Plains Services, Inc. (NPS), and All Rail, Inc. (All Rail).


Salary : $25 - $29

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