Diesel Mechanic Apprentice - Wichita, KS

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world’s supply chain moving. That’s what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs.

Whether you’re at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there’s one thread that ties everyone together. We’re all on the same team. One Watco.

Here’s what you can expect from Watco:

• Award-winning culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Operations training at the Safe Performance Center in Birmingham, Alabama
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Description

The Diesel Mechanic Apprentice inspects, repairs and maintains locomotives consistent with company polices. Team member will be required to perform mechanical related maintenance as required. The ability to work with others to be productive is essential to the success of this position, the company, and all employees. All team members in the entire organization are to treat each other in the same manner that they would expect to be treated themselves.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Implementation of and compliance with the company safety plan.
• Tolerate no less than a respectful work place.
• Develop and sustain an environment where all obstacles of success are constantly communicated to everyone affected.
• Communications between all parties are absolutely clear.
• Constantly searching for both safe and productive ways of performance.
• Compliance with confidentiality policy as stated in company employee manual.
• Coordinate locomotive mechanical department functions with all other departments.
• Comply with the guidelines set forth by the FRA on Personal Blue Signal Protection of Workers.
• Work with customers to assure a level of customer service consistent with company goals.
• Work with connecting railroads to assure efficient interchange of cars and locomotives.
• Perform air tests, inspect and repair locomotives or components for structural defects and wear according to FRA and manufacturing guidelines.
• Rules compliance with all rules, regulations and programs including drug and alcohol.
• Be proficient and knowledgeable on the interchange rules as they pertain to locomotives.
• Possess working knowledge of the proper use of various wear limit gauges and testing equipment.
• Must possess the ability to complete written forms and reports as well as necessary Federal Railroad Administration reports pertaining to machinist position responsibilities.
• Must possess the ability to become a qualified locomotive inspector according to the FRA regulations.
• Familiar with state and federal regulations as it relates to the railroad industry.
• Must be able to perform emergency repairs and re-railing of railroad rolling stock.
• Must have the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Must have a working knowledge of and be familiar with various types of tools and equipment such as, but not limited to, welders, torches, hammers, jacks, and various types of other mechanical, pneumatic, and hand tools pertaining to the construction and maintenance of locomotives.
• Develop the skills of subordinate employee(s) to assure highly qualified successors are in place
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must have completed a three year Railroad Apprenticeship or have four years railroad related experience or five years experience in some other mechanical field.

Reading & Language Skills

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and federal and state regulations.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of this organization.
• Ability to write and update rules and manuals to assure continuous compliance with all federal regulations.

Certificates and Licenses

• Must possess valid driver’s license and be insurable by company insurance provider to drive and operate company vehicles and equipment as necessary. 
• Must have the ability to become a qualified Service Engineer according to Federal Railroad Administration regulations and will be required to perform electrical duties as required.

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• The team member is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions and elements, noise, and fumes from gas, oil, and grease.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by team members assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.