Locomotive Mechanic - Merryville, LA

Timber Rock RR, LLC; Merryville (LA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid on-the-job training

Safe Performance Center training

Career advancement

Job summary

Watco seeks a dedicated Locomotive Mechanic in Merryville, LA to inspect, maintain, and repair locomotives and rail equipment ensuring safe operation. You will perform inspections, troubleshoot, and execute preventive maintenance in line with FRA regulations and company standards.

The role includes on-the-job training, development through Watco University, and potential career advancement within our railway operations. Schedule is Mon-Fri, 7am–3pm, with competitive compensation and benefits.

Qualifications

• Must pass reporting, testing, and certifications for motors, generators, and transformers.
• Valid driver's license and be insurable by company insurance provider.
• Have or obtain Class B CDL.
• Able to become a qualified Service Engineer according to FRA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide a level of customer service consistent with company expectations.
• Obtain working knowledge and proper use of gauges and testing equipment.
• Complete written documents for FRA reports pertaining to mechanist duties.
• Able to become qualified service engineer certificate related to FRA inspections and regulations.
• Interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Observe mechanical devices in operation to identify issues.
• Dismantle devices using hoists, cranes, hand tools, and power tools to remove, repair or replace defective parts.
• Record hour meter readings for inspections and preventative maintenance repair.
• Check locomotives for air-fuel, oil, water, exhaust leaks, etc. and clean as needed.
• Inspect safety equipment, securing bolts and pins as required.
• Check locomotives for defects, damage, leaks, etc, in accordance with company standards.
• Perform main bearing checks and air brake tests according to specifications.
• Perform emergency repairs and re-railing of railroad rolling stock.
• Inspect wheels according to wheel inspection report.
• Basic knowledge of welders, torches, hammers, jacks, pneumatic tools, hand tools, forklifts and cranes.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Gauge reading

Education

Class B CDL

Railroad Apprenticeship

Job description

Career Opportunities: Locomotive Mechanic - Merryville, LA (33929)

Requisition ID33929-Posted09/18/2026-Mechanical - Railroad

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all on the same team. One Watco .

Here’s what you can expect from Watco:

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

Hourly Rate: $20 - $28

Schedule: Mon - Fri, 7am - 3pm

The Locomotive Mechanic inspects, maintains, and repairs locomotives and rail equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation. Performs inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and emergency repairs while meeting FRA regulations and company safety standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide a level of customer service consistent with company expectations
• Obtain working knowledge and proper use of gauges and testing equipment
• Complete written documents for any necessary FRA reports pertaining to mechanist job duties
• Able to become qualified service engineer certificate related to FRA inspections and regulations
• Interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Observe mechanical devices in operation to identify issues
• Dismantle devices using hoists, cranes, hand tools, and power tools to remove, repair or replace defective parts
• Record hour meter readings for inspections and preventative maintenance repair
• Check locomotives for air-fuel, oil, water, exhaust leaks, etc. clean as needed
• Inspect safety equipment, securing bolts and pins as required
• Clean and lube screens, strainers and traps
• Check locomotives for defects, damage, leaks, etc, in accordance with company standards
• Perform main bearing checks and air brake tests according to specifications
• Perform emergency repairs and re-railing of railroad rolling stock
• Inspect wheels according to wheel inspection report
• Basic knowledge of welders, torches, hammers, jacks, pneumatic, hand tools, forklifts and cranes

Qualifications

• Must be able to pass and or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications required for this position, such as troubleshooting and repair of motors, generators, and transformers
• Must possess valid driver’s license and be insurable by company insurance provider
• Have or be able to obtain Class B CDL
• Have the ability to become a qualified Service Engineer according to FRA regulations
• Able to complete a three-year Railroad Apprenticeship, if required