If you have a hankering to work in the rail industry, this may be a good time to be looking.

Amtrak, which has three national trains that run through New Mexico, wants to fill 4,000 positions.

According to the announcement, Amtrak is looking to hire people in project management, finance, technology, onboard services, electrical, customer service and other openings.

The railway company is hosting hiring events and career fairs — many are virtual — across the country. Areas of highest need include Los Angeles, Seattle, New Orleans, New York, Washington, D.D., Oakland, Philadelphia, Miami and Wilmington, Del.

However, Amtrak operates three National Network trains through New Mexico:
• The Southwest Chief (daily Chicago-Kansas City-Albuquerque-Flagstaff-Los Angeles)
• The Sunset Limited (three weekly trips New Orleans-Houston-San Antonio-DemingTucson-Los Angeles)
• The Texas Eagle (daily Chicago-Dallas-San Antonio, tri-weekly through car service via
the Sunset Limited to Los Angeles, via Deming and Lordsburg),

Amtrak is planning over 54 hiring events in FY23, including the following virtual events:

At Amtrak, the starting pay rate for all onboard service crafts is $21 per hour. On the mechanical side, journeyman electricians start at $34.07 per hour and Amtrak offers hiring bonuses and relocation packages to fill critical positions.

In addition to actively hiring for 4,000 regular, full-time positions, the company also has programs for paid internships and co-ops for both undergrad and graduate students as well as Apprenticeship Programs for those looking for entry level, skilled labor learning opportunities. Offering competitive wages, Amtrak aims to convert 50% of all eligible interns to full-time roles. This includes early career rotational programs in finance, human resources, IT, marketing, safety and engineering.

Along with offering well-paying, rewarding work that has already led to more than 2,800 new employees this year, Amtrak provides a competitive benefits program that supports employees. This includes rail pass travel privileges where employees and their eligible dependents are entitled to free and reduced-rate rail transportation; a generous amount of paid time away from work each year; educational assistance; comprehensive health and wellness benefits; and much more.

As Amtrak expands its workforce, the company remains committed to fostering an environment where diverse ideas, backgrounds and perspectives thrive. Whether starting a career, looking for new opportunities or an experienced career professional, Amtrak’s goal is to connect talented people to career opportunities, including rebuilding and expanding passenger rail. Entering a new era of growth and modernization in markets across America, historic levels of funding received from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress and enacted by the Biden Administration changed what is possible, including comprehensive modernization for aged assets, infrastructure improvements, and advancing the Amtrak Connects US vision.

To stay up to date on career opportunities and upcoming hiring events, please visit the Amtrak career site at careers.Amtrak.com.