VLS Environmental Services is the recognized industry leader in providing Environmental Solutions to our Industrial and Manufacturing clients. A financially stable company that has experienced significant organic and inorganic growth over the past several years, VLS offers the perks of a big company (competitive pay, great time off packages, and solid benefits, including paid life insurance and a 401(k) match of up to 5%) combined with the collaborative and results-driven culture of a small one.

Job Description Overview The Blaster role is responsible for operating blasting equipment to remove internal or external paint, rust and/or other surface debris from rail cars to meet specification established by customer, regulatory agencies and internal inspectors.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate blasting equipment to remove scale, paint and other foreign substances from inside and/or outside of railcars and other materials to prime, paint and stencil the interior and/or exterior surfaces of railcars or equipment
• Adjust equipment as necessary to perform efficient and proper blasting
• Surface preparation of non-finished railcars and components using various blast media methods
• Read work orders to determine production specifications and information
• Reject defective products and readjust equipment to eliminate problems
• Utilizes respirators and fresh air equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and operating instructions.
• Assembles and disassembles helmets and air line connections prior to use
• Performs general and preventative maintenance on blasting equipment to include cleaning after use and proper set up for the next job
• Keep materials area and other work areas clean and orderly and report potential hazards
• Complies with all established safety regulations, rules, policies and procedures
• Performs other assignments as required

Requirements

• Must be able to work effectively and efficiently both as a member of a team and independently
• Able to follow written and/or verbal instructions with minimal supervision
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and assembly instructions
• Ability to work M-F 6:30am-3:00pm with mandatory overtime (OT after normal shift and weekends)
• Work weekends as needed
• Able to work in any weather conditions
• Dependable
• Manages time effectively
• Must be willing to help out in other departments as needed
• Ability to work independently or as a team
• Must pass a pre-employment background check, physical, and drug screening
• Must be authorized to work in the US

Preferred Requirements

• 2 years experience in general abrasive blasting
• Experience in operating blasting machinery
• High School Graduate or equivalent

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• Must pass a pre-employment background check, physical, and drug screening
• Able to stand for long periods of time with limited breaks
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Work in extreme temperatures and elements for an extended period of time
• Must be able to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and smell
• Must be able to work in confined spaces
• Must be able to work at elevated heights
• May encounter fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; risk of radiation and vibration
• Work near moving mechanical parts and in a loud environment
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus