Bridge Helper (Alaska Railroad)

State of Alaska; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Alaska is seeking a Bridge Helper to assist with repair, maintenance, and inspection of ARRC bridges and related structures. Under supervision you will support Bridge Workers, Welders, and Operators on site, performing construction tasks and material handling across diverse locations along the Railbelt.

Ideal candidates have at least 6 months of heavy manual labor experience, ability to lift up to 50–100 pounds, and a valid driver’s license.

Job description

Purpose of Position

To provide assistance in the repair, maintenance, replacement, and inspection of ARRC bridges, culverts, docks, tunnels, retaining walls, ramps, and related structures while under the direct supervision of the Bridge Foreman.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the direct supervision of the Bridge Foreman or Bridge Leader, the incumbent aids Bridge Workers, Welders, and Operators in the performance of their work to include the repair, maintenance, and construction of assigned bridge, culvert, tunnel, dock, ramp, retaining wall, and related structures.
• Activities may include, but are not limited to, assembly of parts by fitting, gluing, nailing, bolting, or screwing together sections according to instructions and markings; cutting materials to dimension; manually excavating soils in preparation for installation of foundations, underground wiring, piping, or conduits; driving pickup truck to haul/transport materials, supplies, etc.
• Under the direct supervision of the Bridge Inspector, Bridge Engineer, and/or Bridge Supervisor, the incumbent may be called upon to support inspection of bridges, culverts, tunnels, docks and related structures.
• Participates in and completes required safety and training programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Factor 1: Knowledge

Six (6) months of heavy manual labor experience is required (i.e., construction work, warehouse work). Requires general knowledge of duties performed in various construction trades. Requires basic skill in the use of tools and equipment, including saws, hammers, and power tools related to construction. Requires the ability to read, write, and communicate effectively with others. Must have the ability to follow instructions and assist skilled crafts in their duties. Requires the ability to operate and drive a vehicle, such as a pickup truck.

Factor 2: Responsibilities

Incumbent works under close supervision of the work leader and/or foreman. Detailed instructions are provided on new assignments along with detailed reviews while work is in progress and when it is finished. The helper is required to learn the common and most typical tasks of the trade in order to provide assistance as instructed. Work is performed in accordance with the Alaska Railroad Safety Rules and Regulations Manual.

Factor 3: Physical Effort

Requires the ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds; works on ladders, scaffolding, and in confined areas on and under bridge structures requiring overhead, stretched or cramped positions to perform duties.

Must be capable of safely climbing structures including bridge sub- and super-structures, hillside slopes, and drainage channel banks.

Must be able to safely and efficiently use hand and power tools such as mauls, chainsaws, wrenches, jacks, etc.

Factor 4: Work Conditions

Requires travel throughout the Railbelt and work for extended periods at various locations along the Railbelt.

Incumbent must use all safety equipment required for the operations involved with the performance of assigned duties, more specifically:

Work is performed outdoors in all weather and lighting conditions. Protective clothing must be worn, or other appropriate measures taken, to protect against hypothermia, frostbite, sunburn, insect bites, etc.

Exposure to smoke, dust, noise, and fumes is common. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and must be utilized to protect against hazards.

Work is performed at height. Fall protection equipment is provided and must be employed to guard against falling.

Work is performed over or adjacent to water and often requires accessing areas from scaffolding, skip boxes, man lifts and boats. Flotation devices and rescue equipment are provided and must be utilized to guard against drowning.

Work is performed using a variety of manual and power tools. Incumbent must protect against injury from misuse of tools.

• High school diploma or GED. (Significant related work experience may substitute for the education requirement.)
• Six (6) months of heavy manual labor experience is required (i.e., construction work, warehouse work).
• Ability to work safely with heavy tools and equipment including saws, hammers, and power tools related to construction.
• Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions in English.
• Ability to exert very heavy physical effort in doing tasks such as frequently lifting and moving objects weighing up to 100 pounds, driving spikes, pulling ties, removing rocks, mud, snow, and ice from rail bed, and operating jack hammer and other impact tools.
• Have a valid driver's license and skill to operate/drive a vehicle, i.e., pickup truck. To be considered a valid driver's license, an employee must maintain a continuous three-year period free of any Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Operating Under the Influence (OUI) convictions.

Preferred

• A solid work history is a plus.

The above reflects only the more significant details for the performance of the job and is not intended to be all inclusive.

The State of Alaska DMV Driving Records are available online: https://online.dmv.alaska.gov/onlinedrivingrecords