Locomotive Field Mechanic

ASLRRA; Centerville (IA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Locomotive Field Mechanic position at Northern Plains Services, Inc. is a full-time role based in Centerville, IA. The job involves inspections, maintenance, and locomotive operator services across multi-state Midwest facilities.

You will troubleshoot electrical and mechanical systems, perform scheduled inspections, and ensure safety standards are met. Travel 80-90% overnight in the Midwest region is required.

Qualifications

• GED or higher education.
• 2-3 years railroad/mechanic experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to obtain Class B CDL & DOT Medical Card.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, repair, and maintain diesel and electric locomotives.
• Perform electrical inspections and test circuits.
• Conduct locomotive inspections and maintenance per standards.
• Read and follow signals, orders, and schedules.
• Operate and troubleshoot locomotives safely and in compliance with FRA/OSHA rules.

Skills

Mechanical maintenance

Electrical systems

Railroad experience

Safety compliance

Troubleshooting

Education

GED or Higher

2-3 years railroad experience

Valid driver’s license required

CDL & DOT Medical Card preferred

Tools

Welding equipment

Hydraulic tools

Pneumatic tools

Measuring instruments

Electrical test equipment

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Locomotive Field Mechanic

Full Time Manual Labor Centerville IA, Centerville, IA, US

10 days ago Requisition ID: 1284

Salary Range: $32.00 To $33.00 Hourly

Company: Northern Plains Services, Inc.

Business Unit:AGZ

Schedule: Varies. M-F and may include holidays and/or weekends. 07:00-16:00 with additional hours as necessary.

Travel: Required within the multi-state Midwest region. 80-90% overnight

Summary:

The Locomotive Field Mechanic position will assist with Locomotive inspections, Mechanical Maintenance & Locomotive operator services at customers facilities in the Midwest regions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:

Related to Locomotive Inspection & Maintenance

• responsible for the inspection,repair,and maintenance of theelectrical and mechanical components ondieselelectric locomotives.
• Conduct inspectionsonlocomotiveelectricalandLocomotive Engine components.
• Performscheduledelectricalinspectionsincompliance with Company, Industry, customer and Federalstandards.
• Inspect varioussmall (relays, voltage regulators) and largecomponents(traction motors generators).
• Inspect and testcircuitrywithelectrical testing equipment.
• Inspect wheels, trucks, cab,andinternaldiesel engine parts,inspect for usual smells, overheating, and small changes in the visual appearanceofobjects/materials.
• Troubleshootmalfunctions.
• Diagnose electricalmalfunctions in locomotiveordieselenginecomponents; assess nature ofproblems and determineneeded corrective action; includes both high and low voltage equipment.
• Performmaintenanceand repairs.
• Replaceelectricalcomponentsin the locomotive cabordieselelectrical compartments (junctionboxes, voltage regulators,traction motors) asneeded.
• Disassemble andcleanelectricalparts.
• Assemble components.
• Providemaintenance for miscellaneous equipmentandfacilitiesusing blueprints, schematics, and location circuit plans.
• Replacelocomotiveanddiesel engine component (wheels,traction motors, and worn or cracked engine components).
• Safelyand effectivelyoperatethe following: high and low precision measuring instruments (micrometers, tape measures, dialcalipers);precision machines (drill and punch presses,bench lathes); electric,pneumatic,and hydraulic tools (drills, wrenches, grinders); material handling equipment (forklifts, cranes, overhead hoists); acetylene torches and electric welders.
• Understandandfollowcompanyandindustrysafetyrules,practices, and procedures.
• Must wear prescribedsafetyapparel.
• Takeappropriateactionwhen conditionsthreatenthe safety of selfor coworkers.
• Ensure equipment andworkareaarein safe operatingconditionbefore starting work.
• Read and complywithalltrainorders, signals, railroad rules, and regulations.

Related to Operating

• Knows and understands the requirements of FRA & OSHA/MSHA Rules and Regulations.
• Oral communication via train radio with Operations Manager and train crews.
• Will ensure Daily Track Reports are accurate and both shifts are working as a team to compile information needed for the following report.
• Accountable for compliance of all operating rules, policies, and guidelines.
• Must be capable of obtaining and keeping current conductor certification (FRA requirement-site specific).
• Read and interpret orders, schedules, and other written instructions received from the train dispatcher and discuss their contents with other crew members.
• Perform switching, assembling, and disassembling of trains.
• Perform safe operations of the locomotive.
• Properly and safely engage/release hand brakes and operate rail yard switches.
• Inspects couplings and air hoses to ensure they are securely fastened.
• Attend rules and safety classes and ensure all rules are followed as directed by the Company, FRA, and other governing agencies.
• Inspects locomotives, and other equipment to ensure compliance with FRA and Company rules.
• Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
• Observe tracks to detect and report obstructions.
• Utilizes/understand hand signals, two-way radios, and cell phones for communication with other train crew members and dispatchers.
• Inspect locomotives before, during, and after each run to check fuel levels, supplies, and mechanical problems.
• Prepares accurate reports as required by the Company, FRA, and other governing agencies.

Toperform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Good mechanical background will be required to become conversant with the General Code of Operating Rules, Safety Rules, AAR Rules and regulations, and FRA requirements.
• Strong MechanicalandElectrical Background. Railroad experiencea plus.
• Experience with bothACandDC voltage systems.
• Must be willing to work flexible schedules/hours.
• High integrity, ethics, and a positive work attitude
• Problem solving, oral & written communications, organizational and interpersonal skills, perception, creativity.
• Possess analytical and calculating ability.

Physical Demands:

Reasonableaccommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform on uneven or slippery surfaces, platforms, ladders, and equipment in all weather and temperature conditions. Most of the day could be spent standing on foot. Eye/hand coordination, hand/feet dexterity and grasping hand tools, materials & equipment is required. The employee is frequently required to perform manual labor & physical activities that require considerable use of the whole body, such as standing and lifting from various levels.
• Additional physical demands are listed in the chart below.
• Continuous: Exposure toelectricalhazards, standonconcrete, works with others, concentration, eye/hand coordination.
• Frequent: Worksincramped quarters, exposure to dust & smoke, fumes, odors, grease, oil, works in hot &cold temperatures, travel required &on-call, works inside&outside, noise, wet conditions, working with interruptions, works on feet-footpedals,dexterity with fingering-picking, pinching,calculator, and handling, holding & grasping. Prepare reports.
• Occasional: Exposuretochemicals,vibration, walkon uneven orslippery surface, work alone, works with moving machinery, repetitiveflexion/rotation wrist motion.
• Rare: Exposure to toxic materials, shift work & money handling.

Educationand Training:

• GEDorHigher, with2–3 years’ experience working asa mechanic.
• 2-3 years' experience in the Railroad industry is highly preferred.
• Experience spotting or operating with a locomotive, track mobile or the like is highly preferred
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to obtain a Class B CDL & DOT Medical Card preferred.
• Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPRS driver provisions.

Requirements of Joining Our Team:

Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to:

1.Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing may also be required throughout employment.

2.Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.

3.Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.

4.Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position.

We value transparency and the safety of our employees and customers, and these steps are essential in upholding our commitment to excellence.

LIFT 2 - Physical Demands Checklist

* Never (N) = Not at all * Rarely (R) = 1-5% * Occasionally (O) = 6-33% * Frequently (F) = 34-66% * Continuously (C) = 67-100%

TASKS

N 0%

R 1-5%

O

6- 33%

F

34-

66%

X

Standing

X

X

WalkingDistance:600 ft

X

X

X

X

Sittingwhiletwisting & reachingaboveshoulder level

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

NOTPassor Fail

X

X

X

X

Reaching- Forward

X

X

Reaching-Overheadarm’slength

X

X

ReachingLow Level

X

X

StaticPush/Pull:Static push force50#atshoulder level

X

X

Push/Pull:90#forceat waist level,simulatethrow a switch

X

X

Shoveling

X

X

GripStrengthmin. 50#

X

X

X

X

Lift/Carry

FloortoWaist&Bilateral Carry

<10#

X

X

11-24 #

X

X

25-34 #

X

X

35-50 #

X

X

…

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned. This Job Description may change at any time declared by Management.

NPRS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation. NPRS is a tradename used by Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR), Northern Plains Services, Inc. (NPS), and All Rail, Inc. (All Rail).