HEAVY EQUIPMENT/RAILCAR MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN, Q23

BASIC PURPOSE:

Positions in this job family are responsible for the repair and maintenance of heavy duty equipment including sensitive hydraulic equipment used in the installation and repairing of high power lines, perform skilled maintenance and repair of marine engines, marine machinery and related equipment, and for the repair, recondition and maintenance of railroad cars in accordance with the Association of American Railroads (AAR) standards and procedures.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

The function within this job family will vary by level and craft, but may include the following:

• Overhauls and repairs engines, disassembles engines, replaces defective parts, performs maintenance on various hydraulic systems, reassembles engines and makes adjustments to electric and fuel systems.
• Repairs and maintains heavy duty construction machinery; installs timing gears, fits crankshaft and crankshaft bearing, hones cylinders, repairs hydraulic systems and air brakes.
• Makes repairs to railcar trucks and draft gear systems and reconditions freight side frames and bolsters according to AAR specifications, which requires certified welding and using AAR specified gages
• Changes worn brake shoes and wheels, requiring the operation of hydraulic cranes and fork-lifts; repairs the air brake system and performs brake system tests according to the American Association of Railroads specifications.
• Repairs bent or broken railcar bodies using a hydraulic huck gun to replace broken or missing bolts and rivets.
• Operates a 1500 horsepower locomotive used in switching railcars for repair; operates and maintains other complex equipment used in repair of 100-ton coal cars, such as welders, hydraulic cranes, air jacks, hydraulic coupler gags, fork-lifts, acetylene torches and other equipment and machinery as indicated.
• Performs basic routine task of the assigned craft; completes required course work as an apprentice.
• Provides direct oversight and on-the-job training to apprentices. 
• Coordinates with other crafts on logistics of assigned projects.
• Evaluates performance or provides input in evaluating employees.
• Plans and assigns jobs to crews; may serve as a field engineer to solve problems on site.
• Insures availability of parts and supplies, by assessing jobs and determining parts that are needed for the job.
• Performs major and specialized mechanical overhaul and repair work on gasoline powered marine engines, inboard and outboard motors and related marine equipment and systems using charts and technical manuals.
• Establishes and maintains a preventive maintenance program for marine engines and related marine equipment.
• Tests marine engines and equipment to determine need for repairs or adjustments.
• Performs major and specialized mechanical overhaul and repair work on gasoline powered marine engines, in board and outboard motors and related marine equipment and systems using charts and technical manuals.
• Establishes and maintains a preventive maintenance program for marine engines and related marine equipment.
• Tests marine engines and equipment to determine need for repairs or adjustments.

LEVEL DESCRIPTORS:

The Heavy Equipment/Railcar Maintenance Technician job family consists of four levels of work which are distinguished by the level of complexity, of the assigned duties and responsibility assigned and the level of expertise for the completion of assigned projects.

Level I                                     Code:  Q23A                                         Salary Band:  L

This is the apprentice level where incumbents perform progressively more responsible work of the craft assigned, beginning with the most basic or routine tasks.  They must complete a prescribed course of study.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the basic principles of the assigned craft; of the methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in maintaining transportation equipment; and of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the craft; to understand basic mechanical problems and basic repair procedures; to use mechanical tools and equipment and ability to read, interpret and carry out complex written or oral instructions.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of two years of experience in automotive, marine, diesel, or AAR certified railcar repair work; or completion of two years of a four year apprenticeship program in the craft to which assigned; or completion of a two year course of study, in the craft to which assigned, at a recognized trade, technical or vocational school; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Level II                                                Code:  Q23B                                         Salary Band:  M

This is the journeyman level where incumbents perform at the full performance level in the assigned craft.  Incumbents at this level will have oversight and training responsibilities for apprentices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the basic principles of the assigned craft; of the operations of mechanical equipment and machinery utilized in an electrical generating plant; of the methods, materials, tools and equipment used in maintaining transportation equipment; and of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the craft.  Ability is required to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to understand mechanical problems and repair procedures; to use mechanical tools and equipment; and to read and interpreting sketches and written instructions.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level I, plus two additional years of qualifying experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Level III                                   Code:  Q23C                                         Salary Band:  N

This is the specialist level where employees either serve as a lead worker or perform the most complex tasks for the assigned craft; they will provide technical training for other employees in the assigned craft.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level II plus ability to train subordinate employees.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level II plus one additional year of qualifying experience.

Level IV                                   Code:  Q23D                                         Salary Band:  O

This is the leadership level where incumbents serve as a first line supervisor.  Employees at this level will supervise and evaluate employees assigned to a crew; they will schedule major projects; coordinate with other crews, divisions or crafts; and ensure that crews receive appropriate safety and technical training.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include those identified in Level III plus knowledge of the principles of effective supervision.  Ability is required to understand trouble shooting and repair procedures; and to supervise the work of subordinates.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level III plus one additional year of qualifying experience.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience must be in the craft (gas engines, diesel engines and marine engines) designated by the hiring agency. Some positions may require experience making repairs/modifications and/or performing reconditioning work according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR) standards in an AAR certified facility.