This position is responsible for the inspection, repair and maintenance of rail cars and components.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
- Inspect car components for compliance with FRA, Association of American Railroads (AAR) and QRS standards.
- Identify or analyze defective components and indicate the necessary corrective action.
- Inspect the securement of lading in open top or flat cars for compliance with AAR rules and measure high/wide loads to ensure railway line clearance.
- Inspect and salvage parts from dismantled and/or scrapped cars.
- Inspect and apply end-of-train device and perform airbrake tests.
- Clean, lubricate and maintain tie-down devices and other special equipment on railroad cars.
- Weld and paint cars, locomotives and components.
- Cut metal, sandblast, replace doors and general car construction.
- Remove and replace couplers, draft gears and yokes.
- Inspect, replace and/or repair gaskets, air hose, train line, bulkhead and other interior load restraining equipment, steel sections such as side sheets, cross bearers, crossties and underframing.
- Build and/or repair components such as freight doors, wooden floors or interior walls.
- Fabricate large jigs and fixtures and use them to assemble parts on car.
- Straighten or fabricate, then replace steel parts such as grab irons, handholds, ladders, brackets, steps and patching components.
- Operate light and heavy cranes, forklifts, and other car moving shop equipment.
- Operate various vehicles to the job site.
- Operation of acetylene torches, non-power handheld tools, power hand-held tools and electric and gas welding equipment and other tools/equipment as needed.
- Rerail cars and locomotives by using rerailing equipment and perform other work associated with wreck service on the railroad.
- Comply with company and federal safety rules, policies and procedures to include wearing required safety equipment, responding to safety concerns and taking appropriate action.
- Complete annual training and pass the safety and Carmen work rules examination. Must pass required welding qualification test.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- 18 years of age or older.
- Valid Driver's License.
- Able to read, write and communicate in English.
- Mechanical Experience.
- Verbal comprehension (Understand oral and written communications-both general and technical).
- Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions).
- Reasoning skills (problem solving and troubleshooting skills).
- Mechanical aptitude.
Physical Requirements
- Heavy work, lifting to 85 pounds.
- Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection.
- Stooping/bending/kneeling/crouch/balance/climbing.
- Walking on uneven surfaces.
- Exposure to equipment that intensifies the heat factor.
Education & Experience
- High School diploma / GED.
- One or more years of welding and fabrication experience.
- Journeyman Carman.