Meet The Pro: Jasmine Fregoso, Locomotive Service Operator
By Arkansas Next on Monday, October 21, 2024
Hometown: Bryant
Age: 21
Where I Trained: Bryant High School
Job Title: Locomotive Service Operator
Employer: Union Pacific
Jasmine Fregoso says she was first introduced to workforce opportunities for those who don’t want to pursue a college degree through Arkansas Next: Pros magazine (which she received in high school, just like you!).
“When I got out of high school, I was looking for a job with opportunities for growth and a job where I didn’t necessarily have to go to college to get a good paycheck,” she says.
After trying college for one semester, Jasmine ultimately decided learning on the job (rather than in a classroom) was a better fit.
Jasmine grew up surrounded by family and friends involved in the railroad industry, and quickly learned her way around heavy machinery at a young age. This background inspired her to pursue a profession with locomotives (powerful vehicles that pull train cars on the railway).
Her daily responsibilities at Union Pacific include operating locomotives in the facility, moving the locomotives between tracks for maintenance and preparing the machines for the next train crew. Jasmine is also responsible for inspecting and cleaning the locomotives—checking the oil, water levels, air filters and windows.
“Good listening skills and the ability to work closely with others is essential in this job,” Jasmine says. “We are constantly communicating with each other through our radios and it’s important for my safety and for my fellow workers that we listen carefully and understand the directions we’re being given.”
Jasmine says she enjoys the fact that her job isn’t a typical 9-to-5 day—”it’s a lifestyle.” She adds that a big perk of the job is the financial stability. Not only does Jasmine earn money for travel and living expenses, but she’s already started saving for her
retirement at just 20 years old.
“There is a lot of pressure in today’s world to get a college degree but don’t let that stop you from choosing a career that makes you happy and that may be better suited for your skills,” Jasmine said. “You don’t need a college degree to have a successful career or financial stability.”
MORE ABOUT THE JOB
Education Needed:
High school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training
You'll Be Great At This Job Too If...
- You can't wait to get your driver's license
- You don't mind doing some heavy lifting
- You're not interested in a typical 9-to-5 job
- You are precise and detail-oriented
Related Jobs
Only A High School Diploma And On-The-Job Training Required For The Following:
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Mean Salary: $67,660
Rail Car Repairers
Mean Salary: $55,020
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
Mean Salary: $50,020
Job Demand
► Employment is projected to have over 60 job openings each year.
High-end earners (top 10%) make
$65,520 Annual
Median wages in Arkansas
$45,000-$63,000 Annual
Sources: careeronestop.org, bls.gov, asvabprogram.com, raise.me, Union Pacific wage data for Arkansas
