DJ SCHWARTZ
Owatonna,MN
Summary
Dedicated and safety-conscious railroad industry professional with extensive experience in train car operations, maintenance, and logistics. Proven track record of ensuring compliance with federal regulations, optimizing railcar performance, and contributing to efficient rail yard operations. Known for strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and commitment to team collaboration.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Railcar Technician
Midwest Rail Services
03.2018 - Current
- Conduct detailed inspections of freight cars for structural integrity, brake systems, and couplers.
- Perform repairs and replacements on wheels, bearings, and air brake components.
- Document maintenance activities in compliance with FRA and AAR standards.
- Collaborate with engineers and yard crews to ensure timely train assembly and dispatch.
- Train new hires on safety procedures and mechanical systems.
Railcar Technician
Midwest Rail Services
03.2018 - Current
- Conduct detailed inspections of freight cars for structural integrity, brake systems, and couplers.
- Perform repairs and replacements on wheels, bearings, and air brake components.
- Document maintenance activities in compliance with FRA and AAR standards.
- Collaborate with engineers and yard crews to ensure timely train assembly and dispatch.
- Train new hires on safety procedures and mechanical systems.
Supervisor / Field Operations
UTLX – Union Tank Car Company
10.2022 - 10.2025
- Oversaw daily operations across multiple sites, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with company standards.
- Consistently ranked among the top two site supervisors for revenue generation and operational excellence.
- Led teams in executing high-volume projects with precision and timeliness.
- Maintained strong communication with site leadership and corporate HR to support workforce needs and strategic goals.
- Site Manager: Derrick Knode – (507) 740-0844
- Human Relations Department: (832) 405-2598
Supervisor / Field Operations
UTLX – Union Tank Car Company
10.2022 - 10.2025
- Oversaw daily operations across multiple sites, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with company standards.
- Consistently ranked among the top two site supervisors for revenue generation and operational excellence.
- Led teams in executing high-volume projects with precision and timeliness.
- Maintained strong communication with site leadership and corporate HR to support workforce needs and strategic goals.
- Site Manager: Derrick Knode – (507) 740-0844
- Human Relations Department: (832) 405-2598
Supervisor
Direct Stat USA
06.2019 - 10.2019
- Ensured accuracy of all locate work performed by technicians and provided hands-on assistance with complex locating jobs.
- Monitored team performance and quality assurance metrics to ensure timely and precise completion of assigned tasks.
- Certified and trained new locate technicians, conducted performance reviews, and mentored team members to support skill development and improvement.
- Managed emergency and after-hours calls, dispatching technicians efficiently to meet urgent service needs.
Supervisor
Direct Stat USA
06.2019 - 10.2019
- Ensured accuracy of all locate work performed by technicians and provided hands-on assistance with complex locating jobs.
- Monitored team performance and quality assurance metrics to ensure timely and precise completion of assigned tasks.
- Certified and trained new locate technicians, conducted performance reviews, and mentored team members to support skill development and improvement.
- Managed emergency and after-hours calls, dispatching technicians efficiently to meet urgent service needs.
Supervisor / Lead Utility Locator
Premier Locating LLC
10.2016 - 06.2019
- Ensured accuracy of all utility locates and completed detailed damage reports and vehicle maintenance documentation.
- Maintained accountability for the accuracy and completion of all daily locating records and work-related documentation.
- Worked directly with utility providers to coordinate locate services.
- Responded to all emergency and after-hours locate requests, ensuring timely and safe resolution of utility issues.
Supervisor / Lead Utility Locator
Premier Locating LLC
10.2016 - 06.2019
- Ensured accuracy of all utility locates and completed detailed damage reports and vehicle maintenance documentation.
- Maintained accountability for the accuracy and completion of all daily locating records and work-related documentation.
- Worked directly with utility providers to coordinate locate services.
- Responded to all emergency and after-hours locate requests, ensuring timely and safe resolution of utility issues.
Train Yard Operator
Union Pacific Railroad
06.2013 - 02.2018
- Managed switching operations to assemble outbound trains based on cargo and destination.
- Operated locomotives and yard equipment to move railcars efficiently.
- Monitored track conditions and coordinated with dispatch for safe routing.
- Assisted in emergency response drills and derailment recovery procedures.
Train Yard Operator
Union Pacific Railroad
06.2013 - 02.2018
- Managed switching operations to assemble outbound trains based on cargo and destination.
- Operated locomotives and yard equipment to move railcars efficiently.
- Monitored track conditions and coordinated with dispatch for safe routing.
- Assisted in emergency response drills and derailment recovery procedures.
Underground Utility Locator
USIC
10.2015 - 10.2016
- Completed and ensured accuracy of all utility locates, maintaining high standards of safety and precision.
- Documented daily locate activities and damage reports, ensuring thorough and compliant recordkeeping.
- Maintained direct communication with contractors to support strong working relationships and resolve inquiries.
- Responded to emergency and after-hours locate requests, providing reliable service during critical situations.
Underground Utility Locator
USIC
10.2015 - 10.2016
- Completed and ensured accuracy of all utility locates, maintaining high standards of safety and precision.
- Documented daily locate activities and damage reports, ensuring thorough and compliant recordkeeping.
- Maintained direct communication with contractors to support strong working relationships and resolve inquiries.
- Responded to emergency and after-hours locate requests, providing reliable service during critical situations.
Mechanic & Equipment Operator / General Laborer
Sikora Asphalt
09.2010 - 10.2015
- Performed mechanical repairs and preventative maintenance on asphalt equipment and machinery to ensure safe and efficient operation.
- Operated heavy equipment and vehicles for asphalt installation, site preparation, and material transport.
- Prepped surfaces and installed new asphalt, including applying crack sealants and patching existing pavement.
- Worked independently and as part of a team to complete projects on schedule and to quality standards.
Mechanic & Equipment Operator / General Laborer
Sikora Asphalt
09.2010 - 10.2015
- Performed mechanical repairs and preventative maintenance on asphalt equipment and machinery to ensure safe and efficient operation.
- Operated heavy equipment and vehicles for asphalt installation, site preparation, and material transport.
- Prepped surfaces and installed new asphalt, including applying crack sealants and patching existing pavement.
- Worked independently and as part of a team to complete projects on schedule and to quality standards.
Apprentice Railcar Mechanic
North Star Rail
01.2011 - 05.2013
- Supported senior mechanics in routine inspections and minor repairs.
- Learned welding techniques and brake system diagnostics.
- Maintained clean and organized workspaces to support safety and efficiency.
Apprentice Railcar Mechanic
North Star Rail
01.2011 - 05.2013
- Supported senior mechanics in routine inspections and minor repairs.
- Learned welding techniques and brake system diagnostics.
- Maintained clean and organized workspaces to support safety and efficiency.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Industrial Maintenance Technology
South Central College
North Mankato, MN01.2010
Certificate - Automotive Technology
DMACC
Ankeny, IA05.2000
High School Diploma - undefined
Lincoln Hills High School
01.1995
Skills
- Railcar Inspection & Maintenance
- FRA & AAR Compliance
- Mechanical Troubleshooting
- Safety Protocols & Hazard Awareness
- Welding & Fabrication
- Yard Switching & Train Assembly
- Inventory & Parts Management
- Heavy Equipment Operation (Forklift, Loader, etc)
- Preventive Maintenance Scheduling
- Team Leadership & Training
Certification
- FRA Railcar Inspection Certification
- OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Safety
- Certified Welder – MIG & Stick
- Forklift Operator License
- RT5 Certification – Railcar Technician Level 5
Timeline
Supervisor / Field Operations
UTLX – Union Tank Car Company
10.2022 - 10.2025
Supervisor / Field Operations
UTLX – Union Tank Car Company
10.2022 - 10.2025
Supervisor
Direct Stat USA
06.2019 - 10.2019
Supervisor
Direct Stat USA
06.2019 - 10.2019
Railcar Technician
Midwest Rail Services
03.2018 - Current
Railcar Technician
Midwest Rail Services
03.2018 - Current
Supervisor / Lead Utility Locator
Premier Locating LLC
10.2016 - 06.2019
Supervisor / Lead Utility Locator
Premier Locating LLC
10.2016 - 06.2019
Underground Utility Locator
USIC
10.2015 - 10.2016
Underground Utility Locator
USIC
10.2015 - 10.2016
Train Yard Operator
Union Pacific Railroad
06.2013 - 02.2018
Train Yard Operator
Union Pacific Railroad
06.2013 - 02.2018
Apprentice Railcar Mechanic
North Star Rail
01.2011 - 05.2013
Apprentice Railcar Mechanic
North Star Rail
01.2011 - 05.2013
Mechanic & Equipment Operator / General Laborer
Sikora Asphalt
09.2010 - 10.2015
Mechanic & Equipment Operator / General Laborer
Sikora Asphalt
09.2010 - 10.2015
Associate of Applied Science - Industrial Maintenance Technology
South Central College
Certificate - Automotive Technology
DMACC
High School Diploma - undefined
Lincoln Hills High School