Job Description

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Foster positive relationships with colleagues, supervisors, contractors, and customers.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety rules, operational guidelines, and regulations set by the Federal Railroad Administration.

Requirements

  • Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
  • Have a valid driver's license.
  • Have an acceptable driving record per your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
  • Acquire your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) if operating a vehicle(s) with a GVWR of 26,000 lbs or greater.
  • Must meet the medical requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers as specified by the US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
  • Minimum of 1 year experience in Railroad Maintenance of Way work.
  • Demonstrated experience working outdoors in diverse weather conditions.
  • Proficiency in working within a construction-type environment.
  • Skilled in operating heavy equipment such as construction or farm machinery.
  • Proficiency in welding or possession of a welding certificate.
  • Flexibility and willingness to work on-call, overtime, various shifts, and up to 7 days a week.
  • Must successfully pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT).
  • Must possess manual dexterity with eye-hand coordination.
  • Occasionally lift and carry objects weighing up to 65 lbs.
  • Ability to walk frequently and maintain balance on various surfaces.

Benefits

  • 401k
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental
  • Vision

Additional Information

  • Most communications will be done electronically.
  • Preference given to candidates who are willing to reside and work in specific locations.
  • Candidates should be prepared for extensive travel across Union Pacific's 23-state system.

Benefits

401k
Health Insurance
Dental
Vision

How this job compares in Tucson, AZ

Pay in context

At roughly $33/hr, this posting sits about 19% above the $28/hr median for welding jobs across Arizona — toward the top of a $24–$36/hr middle band drawn from 158 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 68% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. Pay that far above local median usually comes attached to something: a harder cert requirement, travel, night shift, or overtime that isn't really optional. Worth establishing which before you accept.

The local market in Tucson, AZ

We're tracking 14 other active welding openings in Tucson, AZ right now, from 9 different employers. 1 of them was added in the last week. Across Arizona as a whole we're tracking 394 other active welding openings from 180 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Tucson, or widen the search to Arizona.

The most active employers in Arizona at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Sundt Construction (29), Welding Shop in Phoenix, AZ (22), and EZARC (16). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Arizona, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Tolleson at $38/hr, Tempe at $32/hr, and Phoenix at $29/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

What you'll be running

This posting calls for TIG. TIG (GTAW) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode with filler added by hand, giving the operator the most control of any process. It is slow, demanding, and the standard for stainless, aluminum, and anything where the bead has to look as good as it holds.

See all welder helper openings if you want to compare this against similar roles.

Similar openings near Tucson, AZ

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Welder Helper - Tucson, AZ figures were last recalculated when this page was built.