Without knowing the details of the case, I can't comment on the validity of the DQ. But overindulging in alcohol and overindulging in alcohol and getting behind the wheel are entirely different.
Careers with Amtrak
- Thread starter Stockd15b
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The FRA drug testing requirements do include OBS so it's likely the DUI disqualification does as well. And recently mechanical was also added into the drug testing requirements. T&E, OBS, mechanical, track department/signaling, and dispatchers are the big ones with more strict requirements and disqualifications if memory serves me correctly - someone please add in any I might have missed. Railroad police I'm sure as well.
I like trains and I especially like operating them. Operating subway trains and thundering through the tunnels under Boston was fun. One thing I realized though over a couple of months is that I really don't enjoy the stop and go of rapid transit. Going up and down 11 miles of track and stopping every 2-4 minutes then rushing to turn around at the end to do it all over again several times a day gets boring and kind of unfulfilling to me.
Combine that with having 1 man trains and having to deal with the passengers directly while operating the train and it kind of feels like a really long bus on rails. (No offense to bus operators, but that kind of thing isn't really something I see myself doing long term.) And don't let me get started on working for the T. You may be able to guess my thoughts based on how times they've popped on the news recently. That said, I left. With no job lined up.
Not the smartest move, but I've seen people there who are burnt out and feel like they're stuck because of their higher seniority and age. They all wished they jump ship years ago. They stay because the pay rate they earned by staying so long will be hard to find somewhere else at this point in their lives/career. While there are people who enjoy the job, I didn't want to be in shoes of someone that didn't, so I turned in my badge.
I used to detail cars for a large dealership for 4 years, so I applied for coach cleaner here in Boston at Amtrak just to get my foot in the door and actually got a formal offer. I hope to learn what I can from who I can about the company and about high speed railroading from the inside. So that hopefully one day I can hop back in the cab, operate a train on the NEC and fly past my old stomping ground (Orange Line) at 150mph. Well- technically the speed limit over there is 120ish I think, but you get my point.
I've had 3 interviews with Amtrak over the last year, so I've experienced first hand the tedium that is the hiring process there. This is the first time I've gotten this far. Does anyone know how long it takes after you clear the background check, vaccination status and drug test to hear back about a start date? The drug test was the last thing I did about 3 weeks ago and I haven't heard anything since. Reading though some of the threads it sounds like I would've heard something by now.
Combine that with having 1 man trains and having to deal with the passengers directly while operating the train and it kind of feels like a really long bus on rails. (No offense to bus operators, but that kind of thing isn't really something I see myself doing long term.) And don't let me get started on working for the T. You may be able to guess my thoughts based on how times they've popped on the news recently. That said, I left. With no job lined up.
Not the smartest move, but I've seen people there who are burnt out and feel like they're stuck because of their higher seniority and age. They all wished they jump ship years ago. They stay because the pay rate they earned by staying so long will be hard to find somewhere else at this point in their lives/career. While there are people who enjoy the job, I didn't want to be in shoes of someone that didn't, so I turned in my badge.
I used to detail cars for a large dealership for 4 years, so I applied for coach cleaner here in Boston at Amtrak just to get my foot in the door and actually got a formal offer. I hope to learn what I can from who I can about the company and about high speed railroading from the inside. So that hopefully one day I can hop back in the cab, operate a train on the NEC and fly past my old stomping ground (Orange Line) at 150mph. Well- technically the speed limit over there is 120ish I think, but you get my point.
I've had 3 interviews with Amtrak over the last year, so I've experienced first hand the tedium that is the hiring process there. This is the first time I've gotten this far. Does anyone know how long it takes after you clear the background check, vaccination status and drug test to hear back about a start date? The drug test was the last thing I did about 3 weeks ago and I haven't heard anything since. Reading though some of the threads it sounds like I would've heard something by now.
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user 31218
Train Attendant
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2022
- Messages
- 16
As a bus driver, you’re experiences sound very similar to what I’ve been through and what a lot of my more senior coworkers are going through. The coworkers have the “golden handcuffs”- stuck in a job they don’t like, but the pay/benefits/seniority make them to stay. I’ve made the decision to move on and start over at a commuter railroad because I also don’t want to find myself in that situation.
As for Amtrak’s speed at moving the hiring process forward, I’ve heard many different things. 3 weeks between emails in railroad hiring terms is not uncommon. The commuter railroad I applied for took 9 months from when I applied to finally getting an offer.
Since you made it to the drug testing phase, I would just be patient and maybe send them an email to ask about when to expect to hear from them.
Hopefully you hear from them soon, and good luck
Thank you. It's nice to hear that my experience isn't a rare thing.
Acela150
Super Buff
Folks just a friendly heads up. Amtrak is having a virtual career fair of sorts. I'll include a link for those interested. It'll be on the 14th from 1pm-3pm Eastern Time. Registration Required!
https://app.brazenconnect.com/event...edin&utm_content=event&utm_campaign=walkinwed
https://app.brazenconnect.com/event...edin&utm_content=event&utm_campaign=walkinwed
Why is it called "Walk-In" when it's online?
Why do we call online chats chats? Should they be called live typing?
Actually walk-in sounds like you shouldn’t have to register.
Yep.
Acela150
Super Buff
Don’t shoot the messenger. It should also be noted that these events are a great way to get in touch with a department that can be hard to get in touch with.
It should also be noted that these events are a great way to get in touch with a department that can be hard to get in touch with.Whether its 3 weeks or 9 months to get back to a candidate - that is way too long in the current environment. Totally inefficient and waste of both Amtrak and applicant's time no less. If you have a labor shortage, not for nothing, but one must be holding these candidates hands nearly. Am I saying it's necessarily right or wrong? Just saying that's the market right now and behavior. The 3 weeks to 9 months may have worked at one time - but it doesn't work in today's environment for trying to fill positions. Yes, companies need to go through the processes of tests, background checks, etc., - not saying to ignore that - but it is so critical to keep in touch with the candidate these days. Yes, from personal and first-hand business experience. Businesses are going under or curtailing major activities due to labor shortages. Other companies have looked at "out of the box" alternatives. Amtrak operates across the nation to many stations and areas. Yes, they hire for crew bases. I get it. But can't they hire from, and look for other places right along the LD train route to get candidates. I know of at least two OBS members (one an LSA and one SCA) who actually live near the Glacier National Park area - and clearly not a local OBS crew base. They've been assigned to the Empire Builder and Coast Starlight over the years. The traditional format of hiring has evolved, and can certainly evolve when looking at Amtrak with its LD staffing - one would think.
Acela150
Super Buff
Please enlighten me on your hiring experiance with ANY railroad then.. And how at the drop of the dime they magically offered you a job in less then 3 weeks and had you in a new hire class.
I'm personally well aware of the LSA that lives in Montana. How is it any diffrenet then me? I lived in Philadelphia when I hired for Seattle. Their is also an LSA that lives in Montgomery, AL who works the builder.
Arson451
Train Attendant
I still get notices from Amtrak for OBS positions and they are now offering $12.5k bonuses for new LSAs.
Man thats a spicy bonus.
Almost enough to come out of retirement!
Mardies Parchman
Train Attendant
How long can apps be under review do the expire they expire? Also can applying for more than one position cut down your chances of getting hired ?
The answer to your second question is "No"
Mardies Parchman
Train Attendant
Ok so they said they would be sending n offer for December training class. How long before training should i hear from hr the class is setup for December 5th. Just a Lil anxious that the offer won't change . I have wanted this for so long excited and nervous...lol
Acela150
Super Buff
Less then a week before the start of the class.
MODERATOR NOTE: Several posts that were either off topic, political and/or responses to removed posts have been removed. Please try to keep posts in this thread on the topic of Careers with Amtrak (generally to assist those members hoping for a career with Amtrak).
Thank you for your cooperation (and constructive responses to members seeking Amtrak employment) and understanding.
Thank you for your cooperation (and constructive responses to members seeking Amtrak employment) and understanding.
Kbyrdleroydogg
Service Attendant
I've ridden Amtrak for six years, always in sleeper cars. I've gotten a lot of good ones, one or two great ones, and ones who just hide in their rooms.
What are the requirements? Wait for Amtrak job posts on the website? What are the full duties? How long away from home are you? What makes a good attendant?
What are the requirements? Wait for Amtrak job posts on the website? What are the full duties? How long away from home are you? What makes a good attendant?
You can't apply for just sleeper attendant. You will be applying for Train Attendant, which means you will be working both Coach and Sleeping Cars ( as well as working as waiter in Dining Car in some Crew Bases) until you have enough time to hold a regular Sleeper position. You will be away from home anywhere from 3 to 6 days, including most weekends and Holidays. The Sleeper attendant is responsible for setting up the car (making sure the rooms have towels, soap, etc. as well as checking to make sure beds are made) You assist passengers with boarding and detraining, including assisting passengers with their luggage. You serve passengers meals in their rooms if requested, you scrub toilets, You set up beds for sleep in evening, and change sheets and remake beds for passengers in morning. This gives you a rough idea. You need to be organized and like working with the public, including under stressful conditions ie train is 8 hours late, A/c quit working, closest working toilet is 3 cars away, etc.
This gives you a rough outline....
This gives you a rough outline....
Mardies Parchman
Train Attendant
How soon after medical will I know if amtrak will clear me to start I am nervous.
