Freight Car Repairer - Louisville, KY 2024

Job Description

Work shall consist of rail car repairing, inspection, and maintenance in accordance with federal and AAR regulations. 

Primary Responsibilities
-Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety and operations
-Inspect car components for compliance with AAR and FRA standards.
-Obtain information from computer regarding car components, destination, lading, and repair records and/or to file data such as repair information, bad orders, and car releases.
-Able to proficiently use cutting torch in all positions.
-Must qualify in SMAW and FCAW welding processes that include 2F, 3F and 4F positions.
-Operate forklifts, light cranes, and car moving equipment.
-Operate various vehicles, maybe required to obtain CDL for operation of Locomotive Service truck.
-Rerail cars and locomotives by using rerailing equipment and perform other work associated with wreck service on the railroad.
-Straighten, fabricate, and replace steel parts such as: grab irons, handholds, ladders, ladder brackets, and sill steps.
-Repair, remove, or replace defective components such as wheels, safety appliances, truck and brake equipment, couplers, yokes, draft gears, and air brake valves, weld broken parts or secure new parts.

Job Requirements
-Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
-Wear protective equipment such as hard hat, hearing protection, or safety-toe boots
-Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations
-Federal regulations require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol
-Must pass all required assessments
-Must pass a background screening
-This position is governed by a union agreement and membership is required
-Must pass a post-offer medical examination, including a drug test

Additional Information

Physical Requirements
-Heavy work, lifting to 50 pounds occasionally
-Stoop/bend/kneel/crouch/crawl/balance/climb
-Walk long distances over uneven terrain
-Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection
-Exposure to equipment that intensifies the heat factor on an occasional basis

Skills and Abilities
-Understand oral and written communication
-Problem solving and troubleshooting skills
-Provide clear instructions and directions
-Mechanical aptitude 

Minimum Qualifications
-18 years of age or older
-High school diploma or GED
-Mechanical experience

Preferred Qualifications
-One or more years of welding and fabrication experience
-Carman apprenticeship
-Veterans and transitioning service members are encouraged to apply. Military roles that often transition well to this position (but not limited to): 2141, 91B, 91H and heavy equipment mechanics are encouraged to apply.

Training
Travel for paid training to McDonough, GA. Freight Car Repairers will complete 1 week of Mechanical Safety Orientation and 6 weeks of craft specific training concerning welding and fabrication. Norfolk Southern will reimburse travel and pay for lodging as required per union agreement. 

Compensation Data

Benefits
-Company Benefits - Eligible 1st day of second month after hire (during training)
-80/20 plan for employee, spouse, and eligible dependents
-Union Benefits
-Medical (Managed or 85/15 Plan)
-$20K Life Insurance
-401 (K) First Day of Employment
-After 1st year of service: Eligible for Dental / Vision

Rate of Pay
-1st 40 Working Days: $18.81 (50% of Full rate)     
-Next 204 Working Days: $28.21 (75% of Full rate)     
-Next 244 Working Days: $30.09 (80% of Full rate)     
-After 2 Years/488 Working Days: $37.62 (100% of Full Rate)

Work Conditions

Working hours will include shift work over all 3 shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts are assigned/awarded by seniority. The work environment is a shop and outdoor work.