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Union Pacific Railroad has topped G.I. Jobs magazine’s list of America’s top military friendly employers for the second-consecutive year.

The magazine — which changed its top-25 list to a top-50 list this year — recognized UP’s efforts to hire former officers and enlisted personnel to fill operating positions, including locomotive engineers, conductors and switching crews. Many technical jobs, such as diesel locomotive mechanics/electricians and rail-car mechanics, are well suited for former military members because of similar skill sets, UP said.

The Class I’s recruiters attend military job fairs and visit major military installations. Recently, UP boosted recruiting efforts through a partnership with the United States Army’s Partnership for Youth Success program, which helps young people obtain a civilian job after leaving the military, the Class I said.

In addition to UP, GI Jobs’ list includes BNSF Railway Co. at No. 4, JB Hunt Transport Inc. at No. 11, Schneider National Inc. at No. 17, Norfolk Southern Corp. at No. 30 and CSX Transportation at No. 45.

BNSF employs a hiring program aimed at people transitioning from military to civilian life, the Class I said. The railroad expects to hire more than 1,000 veterans this year, up from about 750 in 2005. BNSF also offers enhanced and extended benefits to employees called to active duty, and 15 days of pay to workers who fulfill annual training and drill duty requirements.

The magazine ranks the top 50 military friendly companies based on military recruiting efforts, percentage of new hires with prior military service, and policies toward National Guard and reserve service.