Carman Trainee (Alaska Railroad)

State of Alaska•Fairbanks, AK

1d•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 Regulations, OSHA regulations, and Alaska Railroad Corporation regulations and specifications.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent (Significant work-related experience may be substituted for the education requirement).
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.
Must have sufficient skill to perform the following: work without more than normal supervision, assemble, install, repair, troubleshoot, use measuring instruments, and operate vehicles/equipment.
Must be capable of using a respirator.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
To be considered a valid driver’s license, an employee must always maintain at least a three-year continuous period free of any Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Operating Under the Influence (OUI) convictions.
Must be capable of lifting 60 pounds.
Ability to learn to perform the full range of repair, maintenance, and overhaul to railroad equipment.
A basic knowledge of mathematics is required.
A practical knowledge of the principles underlying the work is required.
The ability to read, write, and communicate is required.
The ability to learn to interpret blueprints, work instructions, and other technical guides of varying degrees of complexity is required.
Must show good judgment in decision making and be able to improvise as required by the circumstances.
Must be able to maintain alertness and concentrated attention on several ongoing projects simultaneously.
Must use initiative and sound judgment in the application of applicable rules and guidelines.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide a training program that enables the incumbent to attain Journeyman Carmen status.
Perform the full range of inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, servicing, and repair activities of freight and passenger cars, various standard equipment, and components.
Learn and apply trade practices and skills, including the proper usage of tools and equipment.
Read blueprints, sketches, and technical manuals to understand part and system functions.
Plan and lay out work, and troubleshoot parts, systems, and components.
Perform repair techniques, including methods for achieving fits or tolerances, making adjustments, and calibrations.
Rebuild and manufacture parts.
Perform operational functions and maintain the working area in accordance with safety rules and regulations.
Drive an ARRC vehicle at times.
Perform routine inspection, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and repairs to freight and passenger cars and related equipment.
Document and certify all repairs performed in detail and in accordance with applicable rules, regulations, and laws.
Use reference materials, manuals, specifications, regulations, gauges, hand tools, and drawings during inspections.
Inspect railroad rolling stock for defective conditions in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration Regulations (Part 231, Part 215, Part 238).
Remove defective equipment from service based on applicable guidelines.
Perform component inspection 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 tools.
Perform repairs in accordance with Field Manual of the Association of American Railroads Interchange Rules and AAR Manual of Standards.
Document and sign ARRC Quality Assurance inspection forms for tank car valves repair in accordance with Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 179.
Perform tank repairs in permit and non-permit confined spaces.
Perform 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 the proper placement and securement of lading.
Perform load inspection to ensure lading securement and loading compliance.
Respond to derailment situations and participate in re-railing activities.
Provide necessary Blue Signal Protection per Title 49, Transportation, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 218.
Participate in various aspects of training, including apprentices and other Care Department employees.