Apprentice Freight Car Repair - Pocatello

Description

Join our team at one of North America’s leading railroad companies and embark on a comprehensive three-year training program to become a skilled Freight Car Repairer. As an apprentice in this role, you will gain in-depth knowledge and hands‑on experience in inspecting, repairing, and rebuilding freight cars. Every day you’ll be actively involved in conducting inspections, executing scheduled and on‑demand maintenance tasks, and skillfully repairing or replacing defective components on our rolling stock.

• Conduct thorough inspections to identify defects, wear, and damages resulting from derailments or collisions.
• Carry out maintenance tasks, including conducting initial terminal air brake tests and pre‑trip inspections.
• Repair structural components of rolling stock, involving tasks such as fabricating, cutting, or performing rough finish operations on metal and wood replacement parts, and fastening or assembling car parts through riveting, bolting, or welding.
• Remove and replace faulty components such as trucks, shoes, coupler assemblies, or air brake systems.
• Prepare surfaces for painting, welding, and fabrication by cleaning and ensuring proper readiness.
• Operate various tools and equipment safely and effectively, such as acetylene torches, non‑power hand tools, power tools, electric and gas welding equipment, and other shop machines, vehicles, and tools.
• Communicate technical information, job procedure recommendations, and other work‑related information verbally and in writing to colleagues, supervisors, contractors, and customers.
• Foster positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, and customers, and skillfully resolve any arising situations.
• Ensure strict compliance with all railroad rules and regulations pertaining to safety, operations, and Federal Railroad Administration guidelines.
• Perform additional assigned duties as required.

• Basic math skills.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to deliver information to coworkers and supervisors.
• Experience reading and understanding instructions (e.g., operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents).
• Must successfully complete an assessment in English before proceeding to interview stage.

• Proficient in operating heavy equipment, including construction machinery, farm equipment, etc.
• Experience working in an environment that requires the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection.
• Demonstrated ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Proficient in welding or possessing a welding certificate.
• Skilled in operating a range of tools required for repairing freight/passenger cars (e.g., 100‑ton jacks, air tools, compressors, generators, welders, hydraulic equipment, torches).
• Flexibility to work on‑call, overtime, various shifts, including weekends, holidays, and potentially 7 days a week.
• Willingness and capability to work in confined and/or small spaces.
• Ability to work safely around large equipment such as railcars, locomotives, and cranes.

• Candidates must successfully pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT).
• Standing: ability to remain standing for more than half of the workday with occasional opportunities to change positions for comfort.
• Walking and balance: ability to walk frequently and maintain balance on various surfaces, with coordinated hand movements to grasp, place, or move objects.
• Lifting and push/pull: ability to push and pull objects up to 93 lbs and lift items up to 85 lbs, and occasionally bend, stoop, or kneel as necessary.
• Climbing: occasional climbing required to access cars and work vehicles.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.
• Perform tasks at elevated heights of 18 feet or above.
• Apply only to locations where you are prepared to live and work.

What we offer:

• A strengths‑based, engagement‑focused, and performance‑oriented culture.
• Ongoing learning, development, and educational assistance at no or minimal cost through partner universities and community colleges.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 20% match up to 5%.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, collectively bargained through union membership.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs.