150 Union Pacific jobs opening in S.A.

Union Pacific Railroad plans to hire at least 150 people in San Antonio this year as part of a nationwide effort to hire several thousand new employees in all areas of the company.

The Omaha, Neb.-based company, which has significant operations in Houston, El Paso, Fort Worth and San Antonio, expects 40 percent of its work force to retire within five years. The Railroad Retirement Board in 2002 gave railroad workers with 30 years of service the option to retire with full benefits at age 60.

"With that there are a lot of opportunities for people both within and outside the industry because we're going to have a strong need to hire to replace those who are retiring," said James Barnes, Union Pacific's director for media information.

Texas, California and Nebraska are where the company is seeking new employees most aggressively, he said.

Union Pacific's lines serve all major Texas cities and ports, its trains hauling such items as grain, gravel, cars, car parts and household items. The company, whose rails link 23 states, also provides Texas' primary rail link to Mexico. City Public Service is among its largest customers.

The company is especially interested in hiring military veterans; last year it was named the country's most military-friendly employer by G.I. Jobs magazine.

Military experience can be handy because the skills developed in the service are sometimes similar to those required by the railroad.

"It's the discipline and the training that can really be beneficial in our industry," Barnes said. "Also, military personnel are experienced at working in various environments and during nontraditional hours."

Union Pacific started its hiring push in 2003 and has already begun accepting applications for the local positions. "San Antonio is a significant hub in our Western region, so you're probably going to see a lot of jobs in San Antonio," Barnes said.

Job postings are online at www.uprr.com/employment/index.shtml The company cites a first-year salary of up to $40,000.

Statewide, Union Pacific had about 40 job openings posted on its Web site Friday.