Locomotive Mechanic - Nampa, ID

Boise Valley RR, LLC; Nampa (ID); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Watco is seeking a Locomotive Mechanic in Nampa, ID to inspect, repair, and maintain locomotives in full compliance with FRA regulations and company policies. The role requires hands-on mechanical work, documentation for FRA reports, and the ability to pursue FRA-related Service Engineer certification.

On-the-job training and development are provided. You will perform bearing checks, air brake tests, use gauges and testing equipment, and contribute to reliable locomotive operations with

Qualifications

• Must pass and/or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications required for this position (motors, generators, transformers)
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the company
• 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

Responsibilities

• Provide customer service level in line with company expectations
• Obtain working knowledge and proper use of gauges and testing equipment
• Complete FRA reports pertaining to mechanist duties
• Become qualified Service Engineer per FRA inspections and regulations
• Interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Observe mechanical devices to identify issues
• Dismantle devices using hoists, cranes, hand tools, and power tools to repair or replace parts
• Record hour meter readings for inspections and preventative maintenance
• Check locomotives for air-fuel, oil, water, leaks; 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 per standards
• Perform main bearing checks and air brake tests
• Perform emergency repairs and re-railing of railroad rolling stock
• Inspect wheels according to wheel inspection report
• Have basic knowledge of welders, torches, hammers, jacks, pneumatic tools, forklifts and cranes

Skills

Customer service

Hands-on mechanical aptitude

Reading gauges and testing equipment

Interpreting instructions

Welding and power tools knowledge

Education

Railroad Apprenticeship (3 years)

Tools

Welders

Torch

Hammers

Jacks

Pneumatic tools

Forklifts and cranes

Job description

Career Opportunities: Locomotive Mechanic - Nampa, ID (34001)

Requisition ID34001-Posted10/12/2026-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

The Locomotive Mechanic inspects, repairs, and maintains locomotives consistent with company policies and FRA regulations, and perform mechanical related maintenance as required.

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