Locomotive Operator Trainee

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At Freeport-Mc Mo Ran , we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career.

Where You Will Work

Our Miami smelter and rod plant is nestled just 90 miles east of Phoenix. The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company’s Arizona copper mines and is the most significant source of sulfuric acid for our North American leaching operations. Arizona ’ s Globe-Miami historic mining district offers natural beauty and a rich mining heritage. The Tri-Town of Globe, Claypool and Miami offers convenient shopping locales, including Walmart, Safeway, Fry ’ s and other local stores.

Here, our employees and their families can connect with the outdoors and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere. Visit  to learn more.

Performs duties related to the operation and minor maintenance of locomotive equipment and railroad tracks.

• In this role, you are responsible for the knowledge and safe performance of procedures for working on or near railroad tracks, including use and inspection of chains and slings, crossing from one side of a train to the other, Blue Stake procedures, reading blueprints for proper building of switches, and illustrating standard crane signals.
• As the Locomotive Operator Trainee, you may assist with track inspections, general track work, flagging trains, opening and closing boxcars, and re‑railing cars after train derailments, and may perform minor track maintenance such as oiling switches and using track wrenches and pneumatic tools to tighten nuts and bolts.
• You may load, unload, and cut bands from railroad tie bundles, transport materials, and demonstrate proper use of railroad track jacks, claw bars, spiking or spacing hammers, and related tools.
• You may assist with building track panels, handling and laying track sections, operating ballast regulators, ballast train dumping operations, spot tampers, track maintainers, and crane cars, and may operate track drills, track saws, truck‑mounted hoists, backhoes, hi‑rail trucks, boom trucks, forklifts, and hydraulic front‑end loaders.
• You communicate through computer dispatch systems or two‑way radios, perform pre‑shift inspections of equipment, support minor maintenance and operations activities, and perform other duties as required.

• No experience necessary.
• Must have completed academic and practical competencies required (
  including Line of Progression requirements for internal employees where LOP exists) and have experience demonstrating the required aptitude, with the ability to apply knowledge and skills while passing a written assessment where required.
• Ability to communicate in English with respect to job assignments, job procedures, and applicable safety standards.

• High school diploma or GED

What We Offer You

The estimated pay range for this role is currently$21.00 - $27.00/hour. This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job‑related factors. This role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance. More details will be shared during the hiring process.

• Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits
• Company‑paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match
• Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle
• Internal progression opportunities
• Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!

What We Require

• Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam.
• Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing.
• Employees may be required to work a non‑standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation.
• Freeport‑Mc Mo Ran  promotes a drug/alcohol‑free work environment using mandatory pre‑employment drug testing and on‑going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer