Locomotive/Railcar Technician 2

Position Purpose: 

The Locomotive/Railcar Technician 2 performs scheduled and on demand maintenance, repair and inspection of GATX-owned locomotives and Railcars in the Western Alberta territory. Ensures that all necessary invoicing, inspection, and work order information is complete in order to facilitate correct and timely customer billing. Must understand and follow GATX and industry safety rules, practices, and procedures. Must demonstrate good teamwork skills and knowledge of FRA and AAR regulations.

The Locomotive/Railcar Technician 2 partners with the manager and other site personnel to ensure certifications, customer suitability requirements and other job requirements remain current. Works toward obtaining the skills necessary to advance to Locomotive/Railcar Technician 3.

Key Activities

1. Locomotive Service and Repairs: Performs scheduled and on demand maintenance, repair and inspection of GATX-owned locomotives as required to meet regulatory, quality and customer production needs. To include, but not limited to, the following:

• Performs both mechanical and electrical running repairs and scheduled maintenance, including:
  • repairing air compressors;
  • repairing control pockets
  • machining wheels; and
  • performing non-structural welds.
• Understands and follows company and industry safety rules, practices, and procedures; wears prescribed personal protective equipment; operates GATX vehicles safely and responsibly; takes appropriate action when conditions threaten safety of self or coworkers; ensures equipment and work area are in safe operating condition before starting work.
• Conducts locomotive inspections to insure each unit complies with regulatory, industry and customer-specific requirements, and to detect evidence of wear or needed fuel, oil and other consumables.
• Reads and interprets blueprints; schematics; GATX policies, procedures, and engineering instructions; and FRA and DOT regulations.
• Safely and effectively operates the following; acetylene torches, non-power tools (pliers, wrenches, hammers), power tools (drills, power saws, grinders); electric and gas welding equipment.
• Communicates, verbally and in writing, technical information, job procedure recommendations, and other work-related information.

2.Performs all aspects of Railcar Inspection and Repair as required to meet Regulatory, Quality and Customer production needs. To include, but not limited to the following:

• Follows all company safety rules and procedures.
• Jacks car to remove/replace/disassemble/assemble trucks to repair or gain access to parts needing repair.
• Performs Railcar inbound, in-process and outbound Inspections as per QAI 404.
• Lays out, measures, cuts, bores, burns and shapes parts as required to obtain proper fit.
• Prepares equipment and surfaces, welds, burns, fits, tacks as necessary to complete repairs (splices, patches, shims cracks, etc.).
• Sets up and operates bending, threading and cutting equipment to shape and fabricate pipe for installation. Applies air to brake sections, valves, levers, rods and similar equipment that is installed in conjunction with car piping.
• Performs NDT functions as required for inspection and repair.
• Installs, tests, repairs or renews interior or exterior coils, cradles, brackets and such tank fittings as outlet caps, safety vents, high pressure manway bonnets, safety valves, high and low pressure valves, etc.
• Tests air brakes using single car tester. Replaces/repairs defective piping, valves, air brake piston, etc. as required.
• Performs repairs and maintenance as required by GATX Engineering and Quality instructions, Field Manual of the AAR Interchange Rules and applicable Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices as well as DOT regulations.
• Welds ferrous materials in multiple positions for fillet welds (required); weld ferrous materials in multiple positions for groove (preferred).
• Finishes welding operations by removing slag and grinding when necessary.
• Performs Oxy-Fuel and Plasma cutting processes.
• Removes, replaces, straightens, renews or repairs various car parts such as couplers, gears, center-sills, safety appliances, insulation, jackets, running boards, etc. as required to achieve proper repairs.
• Maintains work area in a clean and orderly manner.
• Complies with the established safety policies and awareness for safety of self and others, and when possible recommends specific changes and improvements to health and safety policies and programs.
• Prepares surfaces of railcars to spray and/or decal according to GATX requirements.
• Applies exterior coating to specification.
• Applies exterior decals/stencils according to specification.
• Prepares estimates for repairs; obtains appropriate approvals, secures material, ensures appropriate car file processing.
• Ensures quality of work performed meets all Regulatory, GATX and customer requirements.
• Performs minor preventative maintenance on tools and equipment used and other tasks as assigned.

3. Clerical: Ensures that all necessary invoicing, inspection, and work order information is complete in order to facilitate correct and timely customer billing. Monitors and audits completed repair work orders, systems and forms. Maintains all certifications, including TWIC cards, Houston area safety council, and site-specific safety training requirements at various locations in the Alberta region. Demonstrates strong familiarity with FRA and AAR rules and regulations. Partners with manager and other site personnel to ensure certifications, customer suitability requirements and other job requirements remain current. Works toward obtaining the skills necessary to advance to Locomotive/Railcar Technician 3.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience Required (including certifications):

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver’s license required; commercial driver’s license preferred.
• Ability to pass a DOT mandated physical required.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, in English required.
• Minimum of 2 years of locomotive and railcar repair experience or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Background in EMD locomotive repair required.
• Must have knowledge of AAR requirements for Railcar repair
• Possess strong locomotive mechanical and electrical systems knowledge, including the ability to:
• repair air compressors;
• repair control pockets;
• machine wheels; and
• perform non-structural welds. Class C Welding Certification required.

• Ability to perform non-structural welds required, ability to perform structural welds and visually inspect welds preferred.
• Possess ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems, along with problem-solving abilities to make sound decisions required.
• Possess a strong understanding of FRA rules and regulations, GATX Rail Policies, and Safety and Quality procedures required.
• Demonstrated skill with inventory and supply management required.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, required.
• Ability and willingness to meet all customer suitability requirements required.
• Sensitivity to customer demands and be flexible in work hours, including weekends, required.

Key Competencies

• Supportive of a respectful and inclusive work environment.
• Effective interpersonal and communications skills
• Results Driven and Self Starter
• Ability to problem-solve and use sound judgment required.
• Detail Oriented
• Planning and Organizational Skills
• Customer Service Skills and Focus
• Team Player  
• Decision-making Ability

Other (i.e., physical requirements, travel, etc. that is not covered above):

• Must be able to travel within 150 to 400 miles of the work location, as necessary.
• Must be able to work on call hours.
• Must be able to work both Monday – Friday
• Occasional overnight stays away from home.
• Must be able to lift up to 90 pounds.
• Must be able to stoop, climb ladders and safely perform work tasks.
• Must work in all types of weather conditions.

NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.