Railcar Repairman (Carman) Tacoma, WA

Job Title

Railcar Repairman (Carman)

Job Description

Repairs, modifies, and upgrades rail cars.

Rebuilds car components: bolsters, side framers, hitch heads, and box car doors.

Welds (30% of time), fabricates, and uses a cutting torch.

Performs mechanical labor (frequently - 95% of time).

Repairs and maintains railcars, according to blueprints and other specifications, using hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments. Inspects machines and equipment visually by touch, special knowledge, and training, to locate causes of trouble.

Operates forklift to move, align, and set in place parts in place.

Measures, cuts, and threads pipes and replaces air lines using hand tools.

Assembles subassemblies, major components, and equipment. Checks the function to test for proper operation.

Repairs broken parts using hand tools and welding equipment.

Enters car repair information via electronic keyboard system.

Marginal Functions

Maintains a clean work environment.

May set up and operate metalworking tools, such as a welder or grinder.

All other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Performance Standards

Must perform each job to specified time standards.

Work must be done to the customer's requirements (AAR, FMO, FRA, TTX, etc., standards).

Must comply with all work rules.

Must work safely and not cause a threat to the health and safety of oneself and others.

Machine/Equipment/Tools Used

Circular saw.

Air impacts 1/2", 3/4", 1"; Air grinders 4", 7", 9"; Air or hydraulic portable power pump and ram used regularly.

Various hand tools are used frequently.

Cutting torch used for cutting frequently; heating torch used while bending regularly; side grinder used for grinding regularly; hoist used for lifting regularly; winch used for pulling regularly.

Safety Equipment

Steel-toe shoes, hard hat, earplugs, safety glasses, welding shield, burning goggles, grinding shield, and proper clothing (long-sleeved shirts and long pants while welding).

Physical Requirements

Physical abilities (approximate times - vary slightly by location): standing, hearing, and seeing for 8 or 10 hours; handling for 6 hours; walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and fingering for 5 hours; reaching below waist, twisting, and feeling for 2 hours; sitting, climbing, balancing, crawling, reaching over head, and talking for 1 hour. Frequently: standing, kneeling, stretching, reaching, gripping tools or objects, and bending at the waist.

Regularly: walking, crouching, and twisting while standing. Occasionally: sitting, crawling, and twisting while sitting for 1 hour or less.

Lifting: car parts from 1-80 lbs. throughout the day (lifting 10-25 lbs. frequently; 25-50 lbs. regularly; over 50 lbs. occasionally).

Wrenches weighing up to 10 lbs. to tighten bolts (occasionally - 4 hours). 4. Pulling: 10-25 lbs. frequently; 25-50 lbs. regularly; over 50 lbs. occasionally; carrying 50-75 lbs.

Qualifications

Knowledge: mechanical skills.

Skills: welding and cutting.

Mental factors: decision-making and reasoning; intermediate (such as determining when parts should be repaired); planning and scheduling - limited; compiling/classifying/gathering information - intermediate; short-term memory - intermediate.

Working Conditions

Working environment: Requires outdoor work (8 or 10 hours/day; exposure to heat, cold/humidity; working at heights regularly; working around moving machinery occasionally.

Environmental Conditions: Exposure to welding and burning fumes, odors, dust, gases, and uncomfortable noises from welding and burning (10 hours/day); working in hot temperatures regularly; working in cold temperatures occasionally; driving automotive equipment occasionally; working with oil and grease regularly; working with vibrations regularly; and working alone occasionally.

Hazard Exposure: Mechanical from tools; electrical from welders; and radiant energy from torches frequently (10 hours/day).

Working Schedule

8 to 10-hour shifts; work hours and rest days may change regularly.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to the line supervisor or work group supervisor.

Pay Rate

The pay rate for the Railcar Repairman position begins at $28/hour. Pay rate is determined based on Carman/Journeyman status.

Disclaimer

Management reserves the right to modify or adjust duties and essential functions at any time based on operational needs.

The frequency of essential and marginal functions, use of equipment/tools, physical requirements, and working conditions may vary depending on railcar type, weather, and location-specific restrictions. However, all Maintenance Specialists are expected to perform the same core responsibilities.