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Railroad Shop Laborer  (Full-Time)
Location: Erskine, MN
Job Type: Mechanic

Job Title: Carman/Railcar Repair Mechanic 1

Department: Mechanical Car

Division: Northern Plains Rail Services

Reports to: Facility Manager Car Repair

Job Status: Full Time

Schedule: Varies. M-TH 6 AM - 4:30 PM with additional hours as necessary

Travel: 10% or less

* we are willing to train*

Summary:

The Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR) d.b.a. Northern Plains Rail Services (NPRS) and other affiliated companies Carman/Railcar Repair Mechanic Level 1 position will be working under the supervision of a Level 2 employee or Shop Lead/Supervisor to acquire the knowledge and skills outlined below in the Essential Duties and Responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities but are not limited to:

• Stencil letters and numbers on cars.
• Fasten parts of car using impact wrench or hydraulic bolt fastener for riveting.
• Remove and replace brake assemblies and brake shoes.
• Remove and replace uncoupling lever.
• Repair or replace steel sections such as side posts, rafters, crossties, panels, under framing, and piping using welding torch, electric welder, power wrench, and hand tools.
• Replace and/or repair gaskets, air hose, train line, etc., as required.
• Straighten and/or replace grab irons, handholds, still steps on cars.
• Maintain, repair or replace air brake pipes, valves, fitting, or other appurtenances.
• Remove and replace couplers, draft gears, and yokes.
• Clean and prepare surfaces of railroad cars or cabooses to be painted.
• Repair freight car sides, ends, doors and floors by burning, straightening or patching.
• Pull, push, and position heavy equipment or car components when making or completing repairs.
• Other duties as assigned by foreman/manager.
• Ability to throw/align a switch.
• Ability to be trained as track mobile operator and/or groundman.

Competencies:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Good mechanical background will be required to become conversant with the General Code of Operating Rules, Safety Rules, AAR Rules and regulations, and FRA requirements.
• Welding and machine experience preferred.
• Apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Be able to read and understand safety rules, instructions in the use and maintenance of shop tools and equipment, and methods and procedures in mechanical drawing and layout work.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below:

Frequent: Bending, balancing, walking, standing & sitting. Lift & carry less than 20 lbs.

Occasional: Push / pull up to 50 lbs., entraining, detraining railway equipment, kneeling, squatting, working in restricted areas, climb 12 feet or above, work indoors & outdoors, exposed to heat & cold, welding & torch cutting. Be able to lift 25-50 pounds when necessary. Climb ladders/steps stand on a high structure, be in a confined space, walk on uneven ground.

Environmental:

Continuous: Standing on concrete.

Occasional: Vibration, noise, hot or cold temperature extremes, work at heights, uneven surfaces, shift work, paperwork, travel, smoke & dust, paint, cramped quarters & moving machinery.

Wash rail cars outside in all weather conditions.

Must wear correct PPE and masks for identified jobs and painting.

Education and Training:

• GED or higher.
• Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPR driver provisions.

Requirements of Joining Our Team:

Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to:

1. Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing may also be required throughout employment.
2. Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.
3. Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.
4. Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position.

We value transparency and the safety of our employees and customers, and these steps are essential in upholding our commitment to excellence.

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.

NPR is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation.