Apprentice Freight Car Repairperson - Pine Bluff, AR

Union Pacific • Pine Bluff, AR

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position involves conducting thorough inspections of freight cars to identify defects, wear, and damages. Responsibilities include performing maintenance tasks such as initial terminal air brake tests and pre-trip inspections. The role requires repairing structural components by fabricating or performing finish operations on metal and wood parts, and assembling car parts through riveting, bolting, or welding. Additionally, the job entails removing and replacing faulty components, preparing surfaces for painting, welding, and fabrication, and safely operating various tools and equipment. Effective communication with colleagues and supervisors, fostering positive working relationships, and ensuring strict compliance with railroad rules and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) guidelines are essential. Additional assigned duties may also be required.

Requirements

• Basic mathematic skills
• Valid driver's license
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to deliver information to coworker(s) and supervisor(s)
• Experience reading and understanding instructions (examples may include: operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents)
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship.
• Successfully complete an assessment in English before proceeding to the interview stage.

Nice To Haves

• Proficient in operating heavy equipment, including but not limited to construction machinery, farm equipment, etc. (Consider professional, personal, and volunteer experience)
• Experience working in an environment that necessitates the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection.
• Demonstrated ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, drawing from professional, personal, or volunteer experience.
• Proficient in welding or possessing a welding certificate, backed by professional, personal, or volunteer experience.
• Skilled in effectively operating a range of tools required for repairing freight/passenger cars, such as 100-ton jacks, air tools, compressors, generators, welders, hydraulic equipment, or torches.
• Flexibility to work on-call, overtime, various shifts, including weekends, holidays, and potentially 7 days a week.
• Willingness and capability to work in confined and/or small spaces.
• Ability to work safely around large equipment, such as railcars, locomotives, and cranes.
• The ability to remain standing for more than half of the workday, with occasional opportunities to change positions for comfort.
• Being capable of frequent walking and maintaining balance on various surfaces.
• Candidates should also exhibit coordinated hand movements to grasp, place, or move objects.
• The capacity to push and pull objects weighing up to 93 lbs and lift items weighing up to 85 lbs.
• Candidates should be able to occasionally bend, stoop, and kneel as necessary.
• Occasional climbing is required to access cars and work vehicles.
• Perform tasks at elevated heights of 18 feet or above.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough inspections to identify defects, wear, and damages resulting from derailments or collisions.
• Carry out maintenance tasks, including conducting initial terminal air brake tests and pre-trip inspections.
• Repair structural components of rolling stock, involving tasks such as fabricating, cutting, or performing rough finish operations on metal and wood replacement parts.
• Fasten or assemble car parts through riveting, bolting, or welding.
• Remove and replace faulty components, such as trucks, shoes, coupler assemblies, or air brake systems.
• Prepare surfaces for painting, welding, and fabrication by cleaning and ensuring proper readiness.
• Operate various tools and equipment safely and effectively, such as acetylene torches, non-power hand tools, power tools, electric and gas welding equipment, and other shop machines, vehicles, and tools.
• Communicate technical information, job procedure recommendations, and other work-related information verbally and in writing to colleagues, supervisors, contractors, and customers.
• Foster positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, and customers, and skillfully resolve any arising situations.
• Ensure strict compliance with all railroad rules and regulations pertaining to safety, operations, and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) guidelines.
• Perform additional assigned duties as required.

Benefits

• Ongoing learning, development, and Educational Assistance (including little to no out-of-pocket cost for online and in-person courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Metropolitan Community College)
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 20% match up to 5%
• Medical, dental and vision insurance, which are collectively bargained for through union membership
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed