Carman Trainee; Alaska Railroad

Overview

PURPOSE OF POSITION:
To provide a training program that enables the incumbent to attain Journeyman Carmen status and be able to perform the full range of inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, servicing and repair activities of freight and passenger cars, various standard equipment and components utilized throughout the railroad industry and maintenance shop environments. Work is performed in accordance with the Association of American Railroads Rules, APTA, Federal Railroad Administration Regulations, OSHA regulations and Alaska Railroad Corporation regulations and specifications.

• As An Entry Status Mechanical Carmen:
  The training program consists of a combination of self-study correspondence courses and on-the-job practical instruction provided by fully qualified Journeyman Carmen. Training is scheduled and phased. Assignments include learning trade practices and skills such as proper usage of tools and equipment, order of assembling parts and identifying tools and equipment, reading blueprints, sketches, and technical manuals to understand functions of parts or systems, planning and laying out work, troubleshooting parts, systems and components, and repair techniques including fits, tolerances, adjustments and calibrations, and rebuilding and manufacturing parts.
• The Trainee performs operational functions and maintains the work area in accordance with practices and procedures prescribed in the ARRC Manual of Safety Rules and Regulations for General Guidance and Protections of Railroad Personnel. Incumbent may be required to drive an ARRC vehicle. Performs routine inspection, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance and repairs to freight and passenger cars and related equipment and components.
  
  When applicable, inspection and repair forms are signed documenting that repairs were performed in detail and in accordance with applicable rules, regulations and laws. During inspections, use of reference materials, manuals, specifications, regulations, gauges, hand tools and drawings may be required to ensure compliance.
• As a Journeyman Carmen:
  Performs inspection of railroad rolling stock for defective conditions in accordance with applicable Federal Railroad Administration Regulations, Parts 231, 215, and 238. Defective equipment is removed from service based on guidelines. Component inspection includes all aspects of freight and passenger car anatomy and related inspection forms are documented and signed.
• Performs repairs to freight and passenger car rolling stock, both foreign and system, using various tools of the trade. Repairs follow the Field Manual of the Association of American Railroads Interchange Rules and AAR Manual of Standards, covering removal, replacement and restoration of car anatomy. Tank car valve repairs follow applicable ARRC QA inspection forms and Title 49 CFR Part 179.
  
  Incumbent may perform tank repairs in permit and non-permit confined spaces.
• Performs individual freight car and train consist air brake tests in compliance with 49 CFR Part 232 (Brake System Safety Standards).
• Provides guidance to shippers in proper placement and securement of lading using the Association of American Railroads Open Top Loading Rules and ARRC interline procedures; performs load inspection for securement and loading compliance.
• Responds to derailment situations and participates in re-railing activities to reestablish mainline and service track access.
• Provides necessary Blue Signal Protection per 49 CFR Part 218, Railroad Operating Practices.
• Participates in various aspects of training, including apprentices and other Care Department employees, as required.

Knowledge of safe work practices and maintenance of railroad equipment and work areas in accordance with ARR Manual of Safety Rules and Regulations. Ability to learn to perform the full range of repair, maintenance and overhaul to railroad equipment under the jurisdiction of the journeyman (e.g., freight and passenger cars). Basic mathematics knowledge is required along with the ability to read, write and interpret blueprints, work instructions, and other technical guides of varying complexity.

Must show good judgment and be able to improvise as required; maintain alertness and concentration on several ongoing projects.

The incumbent will be trained in multiple trades, including welding, sheet metal work, carpentry, pipe fitting, mechanical work and associated tooling. Trainees will learn to inspect equipment for defects and determine status. Examples of inspected components include safety appliances, air brake components, truck assemblies, underframe and draft attachment components, and superstructure assemblies.

Incumbent must use initiative and sound judgment in applying rules and guidelines. It is preferred that the incumbent have knowledge of re-railing procedures.

Incumbent works under supervision. The Mechanical Supervisor or Journeymen Carman provides precise…