Welder (Railroad)

WELDER (Railroad)

Job Summary

Employees will complete repairs and maintain all aspects of rail including frogs, rail-ends, turn-outs, switch points, and use thermite welding processes to connect rails. This job is often more GRINDING (Surface Grinder) than welding, so please keep that in mind. THIS IS NOT A TRAVELING WELDER POSITION.

Primary Activities and Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
• Inspect all equipment daily to check for leaky cylinders, hoses, or connections.
• Perform grinding tasks using power and hand tools.
• Assist crews on job sites in other rail related repairs such as changing out rails, changing crossties, etc. including labor or machine operating.
• Replace rail anchors, drive spikes and tamp ballast as needed.
• Monitor and maintain flow of gases, light torch and adjust gas mixture and pressure to obtain desired flame when making field welds. Replace cylinders on work vehicle as needed.
• Repair or replace broken or cracked rail and build-up rail, trim weld, grind the surface of rail, and grind gauge sides.
• Complete thermite welds from start to finish.
• Inspect weld after grinding to check for hairline cracks or any visible defects.
• Operate torches, welding equipment and heavy equipment.
• Miscellaneous activities and responsibilities as assigned by manager.

Pay Rate: Hourly Pay Rate - $22.00 - $25.00 depending on past track-welding experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in thermite welding and other rail related maintenance processes
• Experience in new track construction processes
• One or more years of outside work exp (e.g. construction, heavy equipment op, etc.)
• Welding certification

Physical Requirements

• Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection.
• Able to lift heavy objects.
• Stoop/bend/kneel/crouch/crawl/balance/climb.
• Work in extreme heat
• Exposure to equipment that intensifies the heat factor on an occasional basis.

Basic Competencies

• Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions)
• Mechanical aptitude
• Reasoning skills (problem solving and troubleshooting skills)
• Verbal comprehension (Understand oral and written communications)
• Follow directions given by manager.

Job Requirements

• Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work.
• Complete annual training and pass safety exams
• Must pass all required assessments (pre-employment weld test at Shop)
• Must pass a background screening.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Wear protective equipment such as hard hat, hearing protection, 6” lace-up safety-toe boots with metatarsal protection, safety glasses, safety vests and other required (hot work) PPE.
• Work out-of-town for periods at a time.