Railway Car Technician

Role:

The Car Mechanic Apprentice (Carman) inspects, maintains, builds, repairs and rebuilds railway freight cars and equipment in accordance with federal and company regulations. Newly hired Carmen will be considered a Carman Apprentice until they have graduated to a journeyman Carman (refer to training description below).

Critical performance areas include the following but may vary depending on the location and circumstances:

Inspect cars and components in accordance with railroad associations, Federal Railroad Administration regulations and company operating standards
Perform all scheduled, on demand and preventive maintenance and repair on rail cars, under frames, on structures, safety appliances, draft systems and any associated tests.
Repair and install railway car parts such as compressors, air valves, bearings, couplings, air cylinders and piping.
Use hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, cutting torches and measuring instruments
Operate transport vehicles including cranes, trucks, track mobile and shop equipment. Prepare inspection, maintenance and work reports, and record details on prescribed forms in accordance with established procedures.

Working Conditions: 

Irregular shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime
Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, performing overhead work, lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 85 pounds Frequent climbing, balancing, grasping, and good eye-hand coordination

Work Location:

Employees will be hired for a specific terminal. Occasionally, car mechanics may be required to work away from their assigned terminal.

Training:

Newly hired Car Mechanics (Carman) will be considered a Carman Apprentice until they have graduated to a journeyman Carman, which takes an average of 3 years, unless they have previous experience or formal training in the Carman craft which has been accepted by the Organization. Car Mechanics will take part in training which includes classroom instructions and field training during their first months of service. The training guides the new Car Mechanic through the critical safety skills required to work on the railroad. Once the classroom training is complete, the Car Mechanic will complete on the job training to enhance his/her knowledge and skills. Successful completion of the training course is mandatory in order to work as a Car Mechanic. During the first 120 days of employment, if an apprentice does not show the aptitude or desire to learn the trade, their application for employment may be rejected at that time.

Union:

The Car Mechanic is a unionized position requiring membership in the Organization as well as payment of initiation fees and monthly dues as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement; payroll deduction is available.

Minimum Requirements: 

Must be 18 years of age
High School diploma or GED
Valid driver’s license
Must meet all medical fitness for duty requirements for the position, including requirements for Safety Critical Positions established by the FRA regulation. Ability to pass a background investigation pertaining to federal and state criminal history, including driver history

The ideal candidate profile:

Previous welding experience gained through formal training or work experience
Vocational/technical training and/or knowledge of Railroad Operating Rules
Familiarity with electrical and electronic tools and instruments
Ability to work autonomously, adapt to different situations and manage stress
Demonstrate good teamwork and maintain positive interactions with others
Good verbal, reading comprehension and writing skills
Ability to determine the condition of objects/parts for wear and/or defects
Dedicated to getting the job done while meeting established standards of quality, safety and client satisfaction
Basic computer skills

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