Carman Trainee (Alaska Railroad)

State of Alaska•Anchorage, AK

12d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is a training program designed to enable the incumbent to achieve Journeyman Carmen status. Upon completion, the individual will be capable of performing the full range of inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, servicing, and repair activities for freight and passenger cars, various standard equipment, and components used throughout the railroad industry and maintenance shop environments. The work adheres to the standards set by the Association of American Railroads, APTA, Federal Railroad Administration, OSHA, and the Alaska Railroad Corporation.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent (significant work-related experience may be substituted).
One year of practical work experience in a mechanical shop, equipment maintenance, equipment or building repair, or construction environment.
Completion of NIT or AVTEC (or similar) training in welding or heavy equipment or closely related field OR Associate’s degree in welding technology, heavy equipment or closely related field.
Sufficient skill to work without more than normal supervision.
Sufficient skill to assemble, install, repair, troubleshoot.
Sufficient skill to use measuring instruments.
Sufficient skill to operate vehicles/equipment.
Must be capable of using a respirator.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Must be capable of lifting 60 pounds.
Ability to learn to perform the full range of repair, maintenance and overhaul to railroad equipment.
Basic knowledge of mathematics.
Practical knowledge of the principles underlying the work.
Ability to read, write and communicate.
Ability to learn to interpret blueprints, work instructions, and other technical guides.
Good judgment in decision making.
Ability to improvise as required by circumstances.
Ability to maintain alertness and concentrated attention on several ongoing projects simultaneously.
Must submit a copy of a current driver's record reflecting the past three (3) years of driving history if selected for an interview.

Nice To Haves

Practical experience performing railroad rolling stock maintenance work.
Experience in machine shop, sheet metal work, welding fabrication, carpentry, pipefitting, or a heavy equipment shop.
Previous experience operating overhead cranes.
Thorough and comprehensive knowledge of re-railing procedures.

Responsibilities

Participate in a training program combining self-study correspondence courses and on-the-job practical instruction from Journeyman Carmen.
Learn and apply trade practices including proper use of tools and equipment, assembly procedures, blueprint interpretation, troubleshooting, repair techniques, and part rebuilding/manufacturing.
Perform operational functions and maintain the working area in accordance with ARRC Manual of Safety Rules and Regulations.
Drive an ARRC vehicle as required.
Perform routine inspection, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and repairs on freight and passenger cars and related equipment.
Document and certify all repairs performed in detail and in accordance with applicable rules, regulations, and laws.
Utilize reference materials, manuals, specifications, regulations, gauges, hand tools, and drawings during inspections to ensure compliance.
Inspect railroad rolling stock for defective conditions according to Federal Railroad Administration Regulations (Part 231, Part 215, Part 238).
Remove defective equipment from service based on applicable guidelines.
Perform component inspections on all aspects of freight and passenger car anatomy.
Document and sign applicable Federal Railroad Administration Regulation inspection forms.
Perform repairs to freight and passenger car rolling stock (foreign and system) using various trade tools, adhering to Field Manual of the Association of American Railroads Interchange Rules and AAR Manual of Standards.
Document and sign ARRC Quality Assurance inspection forms for specific repairs (e.g., tank car valves) in accordance with Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 179.
Perform tank repairs in permit and non-permit confined spaces.
Conduct individual freight car and train consist air brake tests in compliance with Title 49, Transportation, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 232.
Provide guidance to shippers on proper placement and securement of lading using AAR Open Top Loading Rules and ARRC interline procedures.
Perform load inspection to ensure lading securement and loading compliance.
Respond to derailment situations and participate in re-railing activities.
Provide Blue Signal Protection per Title 49, Transportation, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 218.
Participate in training activities for apprentices and other Care Department employees as required.