GSMR Equipment Mechanic

Division/Department: Maintenance of Way

Job Title: Equipment Mechanic

Reports To: Roadmaster

Type of position: Non-Exempt / Hourly

Employee Classification: Regular

Location: Various Locations

Compensation: Up to $29/hr., Depending upon experience and certifications

Job Summary: Responsible for maintenance and repairs of company vehicles and equipment.  

Benefits Offered: The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a comprehensive Medical/Rx, dental and vision package with company-funded H.S.A. (for qualified employees), Parental Leave, Life/AD&D Insurance, Long/Short Term Disability coverage, Tuition Reimbursement, Train passes, a 401K with company-match and a generous PTO plan. Southern Highlands Attraction pass and Pass Exchange program for complimentary admission to area attractions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct inspections, assessments, and provide recommendations for repair or replacement of railroad equipment, parts, and components. 
• Interpret verbal/written instructions and specifications, including reading blueprints while planning and laying out work. 
• Set-up and operate various types of manual machines. 
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems on diesel engines and railroad track equipment, including troubleshooting and solving complex technical issues. 
• Document and perform Federal Vehicle Inspections. 
• Operate forklift, loader, mobile crane and other medium/heavy equipment 
• Ability to safely rig and lifts parts, materials and equipment using manual and powered hoists. 
• Repairs, removes, or replaces components with the use of jacks, blocks, cutting and heating torch, and other hand tools. 
• Plan, budget and execute special projects assigned by management. 
• Keep detailed records of maintenance and repair work, follow safety protocols and adhere to regulations to maintain the reliability and efficiency of diesel engines and railroad track equipment.  
• Perform and document inspections and/or repairs on equipment and vehicles.  
• Ensure precise and comprehensive documentation of work done and repair activities in accordance with FRA and OSHA regulations. 
• Operates company vehicles that require a standard driver’s license or a CDL in a safe and efficient manner.   
• Troubleshoot hydraulic, electrical, and pneumatic systems to identify issues, diagnose problems, and implement effective solutions to restore functionality. 
• Other duties as requested. 

Work Environment:

• Must be comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions 
• Able to walk, stand, and maneuver on uneven surfaces in and around railyard and in an industrial environment 
• Ability to work in confined and small spaces 
• Must have physical ability/agility to lift, climb, crawl, stoop, and bend in the performance of assigned tasks 
• Able and willing to perform physically demanding work in 8-10 hour shifts, with overtime work possible. 
• Varied schedule throughout the year dictated by train schedule and maintenance needs. 

Education, Skill and Work Experience Requirements:

• Extensive background in mechanical work with a minimum of three years of specialized experience in diesel, hydraulic and electrical systems. 
• Experience with welding on machinery and equipment preferred.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English, possessing good leadership and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to communicate successfully with a variety of personalities and function effectively as a member/leader of a team.
• Ability to read/interpret blueprints.
• Ability to be on your feet for up to 12 hours.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to ascend/descend train ladders and crawl on, under and around on track equipment while performing needed repairs and maintenance functions.
• Good balance/equilibrium in order to move about on graveled, uneven and/or sloped surfaces that may be wet/slippery.
• Must possess organizational skills with ability to multi-task while prioritizing workload with practical, flexible and innovative approach to work.
• Must have physical ability/agility to climb, crawl, stoop, and bend in the performance of assigned tasks.
• Must be able to successfully complete and achieve a passing score on a WorkSTEPS.
• Ability to work a variety of shifts and weekends and on call, as needed.
• Ability to use a variety of machinist’s hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
• Ability to make standard shop computations relating to dimensions of work, tooling, feeds, and speeds of machining.
• Experience with routine servicing and maintenance of off and on-road vehicles and equipment.
• Must have experience in/knowledge of electric over hydraulic systems, diesel engines, Harsco equipment, Pandrol Jackson equipment, and Kershaw equipment.
• Must be familiar with parts of equipment and part numbers to ensure ordering accuracy.
• Ability to track, document and maintain records for repairs on equipment.
• Valid Driver License required.