Diesel Mechanic

Genesee-; Dawson (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Insurance

Flexible Spending & Health Savings

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

On the Job Training

Job summary

Georgia Southwestern Railroad, Inc. (GSWR) is seeking a Diesel Mechanic to keep locomotives safe and reliable. You will inspect, service, and repair diesel engines, use tools to diagnose issues, and follow federal and company guidelines in a shop environment.

The role offers on‑the‑job training, growth opportunities, and requires willingness to work 24/7 shifts outdoors. Candidates with related experience and strong teamwork will fit well within our maintenance team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Must be at least 18 years old.

Responsibilities

• Comply with all federal, state, and other applicable railroad safety and operational regulations.
• Follow instructions when working with a certified trainer, mentor, or supervisor.
• Perform daily inspections, servicing, and maintenance on diesel‑electric locomotives.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions in diesel engines, air equipment, trucks, or other components; repair or replace as necessary.
• Perform locomotive car-body repairs including metal fabrication and welding.
• Operate forklifts, light cranes, power tools, and hydraulic tools in varied conditions.
• Keep accurate records in compliance with FRA regulations and company policy.
• Collaborate with others on repair strategies and project planning.

Skills

Diesel engines

Maintenance & repair

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Driver's license

18+ years old

Tools

Welding certification

FRA regulations knowledge

Locomotive Servicing Engineer certification

Railroad environmental requirements

Job description

Georgia Southwestern Railroad, Inc. (GSWR)
Dawson, GA 39842, USA

Description

Company / Benefits Overview

Are you ready to build a rewarding career in the railroad industry? Join the Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) team — part of a legacy that is over 125 years old. With a network of 100+ individual freight railroads and 4,000 employees across North America, we provide transportation and logistics services to more than 2,000 customers.

At G&W, we live by our Core Values: Safety, Service, Integrity, Respect, Transparency, Accountability, Innovation and Excellence. We offer competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, and paid training to help you succeed. Check out some of our great benefits below:

• Life Insurance
• Optional benefit coverages for Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital, ID Theft & Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings account plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• On the Job Training
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• And more!

* Benefits are subject to change and may vary by labor agreement

Explore your future with G&W today and learn more about the opportunities to grow across our organization!

Job Summary

As a Diesel Mechanic, you’ll play a key role in keeping our locomotives running safely and efficiently. In this hands‑on position, you’ll inspect, service, and maintain diesel engines while following important safety and company guidelines. You’ll work with tools and instruments to diagnose mechanical issues and make repairs. Over time, you may qualify to operate specialized equipment including locomotives in a shop setting, following federal standards. This physically active role offers on‑the‑job training and real opportunities for growth.

• Comply with all federal, state, and other applicable railroad safety and operational regulations
• Follow instructions when working with a certified trainer, mentor, or supervisor
• Perform daily inspections, servicing, and maintenance on diesel‑electric locomotives
• Troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions in diesel engines, air equipment, trucks, or other components; repair or replace as necessary
• Perform locomotive car‑body repairs as necessary, including performing metal fabrication and welding
• Operate forklifts, light cranes, power tools, and hydraulic tools while working outside in all weather conditions, in confined spaces, and/or at elevated heights
• Keep accurate records and reports in compliance with FRA regulations and company policy
• Collaborate with others on repair strategies and project planning
• Interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, and repair instructions

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Full‑time (40 plus hours weekly)
• Varying schedule in a 24/7 work environment that includes nights, holidays, weekends, and on‑call as needed
• Outdoor work in all weather conditions
• Walking on uneven surfaces and climbing ladders and equipment always ensuring three points of contact in varying environmental conditions
• Working at elevated heights of 18 feet or greater while adhering to fall protection safety guidelines
• Frequent lifting of equipment and tools that could be up to 75 pounds
• Must be able to stoop, kneel, squat and twist as necessary while working on equipment
• Travel may be required and vary based on operational needs

Skills and Experience

• 2 years of relevant work experience as a heavy mechanic is a plus
• 4‑year journeyman locomotive machinist / mechanic is a plus
• Knowledge of FRA regulations pertaining to locomotive maintenance and inspection is a plus
• Knowledge of railroad environmental requirements a plus
• Locomotive Servicing Engineer certification is a plus depending on location
• Welding certification is a plus
• Basic computer skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate via radio or in person

Required Education and Credentials

• High school diploma or GED; or an equivalent combination of education and/or work experience
• Valid driver’s license
• At least 18 years of age

Employment Requirements

• Pre‑employment physical, hearing, and vision medical review
• May be subject to federally mandated drug and alcohol testing including pre‑employment drug screening
• Background screening including criminal and motor vehicle driving history

Relocation

Must live within 50 miles of assigned location or be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.

This position is employed by the specific entity set forth in the job posting.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.