GSMR Coach Maintenance -Welder I

American Heritage Companies; Bryson City (NC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401K with match

Tuition reimbursement

PTO

Train passes

Job summary

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, NC is seeking a Welder 1 to join the Coach Maintenance team. This role focuses on welding and fabrication to repair, restore and rebuild railroad cars, with willingness to learn carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting and HVAC tasks.

Responsibilities include welding MIG/TIG, reading blueprints, fabricating parts, and performing routine maintenance. The job is non-exempt, hourly, in varied environments, with safety as a priority.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to weld MIG and TIG.
• Structural welding knowledge (6010/7018) in all positions.
• Weld stainless steel tanks and perform fabrication.
• Heat, cut and braze with oxy‑acetylene or oxy‑propane torches.
• Operate heavy equipment (loaders, forklifts, tractors).
• Use a basic variety of shop and mechanical tools.
• Willingness to learn and earn certifications.
• Experience in woodworking, plumbing, electrical, painting, HVAC, demolition.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Stand up to 12 hours, lift 50 lbs, climb and crawl as needed.

Responsibilities

• Repair and restore railroad car rolling stock.
• Fabricate parts from scratch for various projects.
• Read and interpret blueprints and instructions.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and maintenance.
• Assist HVAC installation on railcars.
• Follow GSMR safety rules and procedures.

Skills

MIG welding

TIG welding

Structural welding

Oxy-fuel brazing

Heavy equipment

Shop tools

English proficiency

Physical stamina

Railcar maintenance

Job description

Job Title

Welder 1

Job Details

Job Location: BRYSON CITY, NC 28713

Position Type: Regular

Salary Range: $18.00 - $24.00 Hourly

Division/Department: Coach Maintenance

Reports To: Coach and Property Maintenance Manager, and Coach Maintenance Foreman

Type of Position: Non-Exempt / Hourly

Employee Classification: Regular

Job Summary

Participates in the repair, restoration and rebuilding of railroad rolling stock (train cars) in accordance with Federal and Company regulations and specifications. This position would specialize in welding and fabrication but have the willingness to learn and perform carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, and HVAC. This role provides maintenance and rebuilds train cars from the wheelsets up.

Benefits Offered

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a comprehensive Medical/Rx, dental and vision package with company-funded H.S.A. (for qualified employees), Parental Leave, Life/AD&D Insurance, Long/Short Term Disability coverage, Tuition Reimbursement, Train passes, a 401K with company‑match and a generous PTO plan. Southern Highlands Attraction Pass and Pass Exchange program for complimentary admission to area attractions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Repair, restore, construct railroad car rolling stock including but not limited to windows, walls, HVAC, water and waste systems, woodworking, metal fabrication, electrical, masking/painting, and plumbing.
• Provide routine maintenance to generator railcars.
• Manufacturing and repairing all necessary parts and components relating to historic railroad passenger and railroad freight cars while working in a dynamic environment with shifting projects and teammates.
• Fabricate parts and components from scratch, as needed, for a variety of applications and projects.
• Interpret verbal/written instructions and specifications to include reading blueprints while planning and laying out scope of work.
• Perform daily and periodic equipment inspections to identify repairs and maintenance needed.
• Assist in the repair and installation of HVAC air conditioning and heat systems on railcars.
• Compliance with GSMR procedures, safety, and operating rules.
• Work with other departments as part of a team to provide passengers/guests with positive memories.
• Other duties as requested.

Work Environment

• Work on and off the train in varied terrain and various locations including all weather conditions during both daylight and dark hours.
• Work within various shop settings including the railyard.

Qualifications, Education, Skill & Work Experience Requirements

• Proven ability to weld MIG and TIG.
• Knowledge of structural welding, specifically running 6010 and 7018 in all positions.
• Ability to weld stainless steel holding tanks and utilize metal fabrication skills.
• Ability to heat, cut, and braze using oxy‑acetylene or oxy‑propane torches.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment such as loaders, forklifts, and tractors.
• Ability to use a basic variety of shops and mechanical tools.
• Ideal candidates must have a willingness to learn and gain additional experience and/or certifications.
• Additional skills will include woodworking, basic plumbing, basic electrical, painting, HVAC, and demolition.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English.
• Ability to be on your feet working for up to 12 hours.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to ascend/descend train steps/ladders and crawl on, under and around locomotive and passenger cars while performing needed maintenance functions.
• Good balance/equilibrium: walk on moving trains, graveled, uneven and/or sloped surfaces that may be wet/slippery while carrying items such as a flashlight, tools, and/or parts.
• Must possess organizational skills with the ability to multi‑task while prioritizing workload with a practical, flexible and innovative approach to work.
• Ability to communicate successfully with a variety of personalities and function effectively as a member of a team.
• Must have physical ability/agility to climb, crawl, stoop, and bend in the performance of assigned tasks.
• Must have the ability to work in confined spaces.
• Pre‑Employment & Random Drug Testing program in compliance with company policy.
• Valid Driver License and the ability to pass DMV checks.
• Must be able to successfully complete and achieve a passing score on a WorkSTEPS physical test and respiratory FIT test.
• Must be able to complete and pass an internal skills test.