Railcar Estimator & Oubound Inspector

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC; Victoria (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Matching

Paid Time Off & Holidays

Job summary

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC is seeking a Rail Car Inspector to assess inbound rail cars, identify needed repairs, and prepare accurate shop work orders and estimates. The role ensures compliance with AAR, FRA, customer, and VLS standards while supporting QA through inspections.

Ideal candidates have at least 2 years in rail car inspection, proficiency with inspection tools, and a valid driver’s license for yard travel.

Qualifications

• Must identify mechanical problems and use inspection tools effectively.
• Strong attention to detail to identify safety hazards.
• Familiarity with AAR and FRA safety guidelines and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Inspect inbound rail cars to identify repairs, modifications, or maintenance required.
• Prepare shop work orders and customer estimates outlining required work.
• Ensure repairs meet AAR, FRA, customer, and VLS specifications.
• Conduct in-process and outbound inspections to verify quality and compliance.
• Read and interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and relevant guidelines.
• Communicate with customers regarding rail car condition and timelines.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Valid driver’s license

Regulatory knowledge (AAR/FRA)

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

About VLS!

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC, is a recognized leader in providing sustainability solutions, with three divisions providing industry-leading services. With a mission to innovate solutions to meet clients' sustainability goals, VLS has over 1,200 employees in 40+ locations across North America.

Waste Services

VLS Waste Services provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion and sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration.

Railcar Services

VLS Railcar Cleaning and Repair Services division provides specialty cleaning services for difficult-to-clean products, including chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases, and comprehensive repair services for certified full-service repairs, tank car qualifications, and maintenance.

Marine Services

VLS Marine Services division offers state-of-the-art barge cleaning, repair, and gas-free facilities for various chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products.

Job Summary

Summary

The Rail Car Inspection is responsible for inspecting inbound rail cars and ensuring repairs, modifications, and maintenance meet AAR, FRA, customer, and VLS standards. This role prepares shop work orders and repair estimates, supports quality assurance through in-process and outbound inspections, and serves as a technical resource for rail car repair operations.

In addition to inspection responsibilities, the Inspection Advisor supports special projects and new business opportunities by assisting with project scoping, estimating, and technical evaluations for future client work. This position works closely with operations, sales, and management to review potential projects, evaluate rail car repair requirements, and develop accurate cost estimates and work plans.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Responsible for the safety of themself and others in the shop.
• Inspect inbound rail cars to identify repairs, modifications, or maintenance required.
• Prepare shop work orders and customer estimate sheets outlining required repairs or modifications.
• Ensure work meets AAR, FRA, customer, and VLS requirements.
• Conduct random in-process inspections to verify quality standards are being met.
• Review completed work and perform outbound inspections to confirm repairs, modifications, or coatings meet specifications.
• Utilize the VLS estimating system to prepare accurate repair and modification estimates.
• Assist in evaluating and estimating special projects and potential future customer work.
• Support operations and leadership with technical assessments related to new project opportunities.
• Communicate with customers regarding rail car condition, repair needs, and estimated completion timelines.
• Read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Interpret VLS procedures, customer specifications, and AAR/FRA Field Manual guidelines.
• Identify opportunities to improve shop efficiency, repair processes, and inspection procedures.
• Assist with training and mentoring employees in inspection and repair processes.
• Notify supervisors of issues affecting repair estimates, timelines, or project completion.
• Maintain proper housekeeping and organization of inspection tools and gauges.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED: A minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Rail Car Inspector Certification: Must possess valid certification in rail car inspection or be willing to obtain certification within the specified time frame.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Proficiency in identifying mechanical problems and using inspection tools effectively.
• Knowledge of Regulations: Familiarity with safety standards and regulations related to rail car inspection, including AAR (Association of American Railroads) and FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) guidelines.
• Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in rail car inspection or a related field.
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail in identifying potential issues or safety hazards.
• Valid Driver's License: Must possess a valid driver's license to travel to various rail yards.

Preferred Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid rail car inspection certification or willingness to obtain certification within the required timeframe.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in rail car inspection, repair, or related rail industry work.
• Strong understanding of AAR and FRA regulations related to rail car inspection and repair.
• Experience identifying mechanical issues and using inspection tools and gauges.
• Ability to prepare and review rail car repair estimates.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify potential safety hazards.
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to travel to rail yards when needed.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with operations, customers, and management.
• Computer proficiency with estimating systems, inspection software, and reporting tools.

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• Must pass a pre-employment background check, physical, and drug screening
• Able to stand for long periods of time with limited breaks
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Work in extreme temperatures and elements for an extended period of time
• Must be able to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and smell
• Must be able to work in confined spaces
• Must be able to work at elevated heights
• May encounter fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; risk of radiation and vibration
• Work near moving mechanical parts and in a loud environment
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

What's in it for you!

At VLS our employees are the core of our business. As such, we value our employees' physical, mental, and financial wellbeing by providing first class, high value benefits and resources that are centered around a proper work-life balance.

Physical and Mental Wellbeing

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance - Based on each employee's need, we offer various high quality, low-premium medical, dental and vision plans, which include our first-in-class concierge service (available in Spanish) and 2nd MD Offering.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Healthcare Saving Accounts (HSA) -- Set aside pre-tax money to use toward your health care spending. VLS provides an employer contribution to all HSA accounts.
• Time Off - We offer 11 (eleven) company-paid holidays, in addition to our paid time off and voluntary time off plans.
• Employee Assistance Program -- 24/7 assistance and counseling services that are 100% confidential and free to all employees and their dependents.
• Telemedicine -- All employees and dependents receive free virtual visits by licensed practitioners any time, any day...including holidays!

Financial and Retirement Planning

• 401(k) - Generous 401(k) matching program after 90 days of employment. VLS will match up to 5% of your pay every pay period. Matching contributions are 100% vested immediately.
• Life and Disability Insurance -- Employer-paid life insurance, along with short-term and long-term disability coverage provided to all full-time employees.
• Voluntary Life Protection Plans -- Employees and their dependents can elect coverage in our voluntary life/add, critical illness, hospital indemnity and accident plans.
• Rewards and Recognition Programs -- We celebrate our employees! From birthdays to anniversaries and other various milestones/achievements, we have programs in place to recognize our employees.
• Financial Planning - Free One on One financial planning with a certified Financial Planner/Coach.
• Employee Discount - Employee Discount Program for savings on everyday goods and services at various retailers throughout the US.