Car Mechanic (Freight Car Repairer)

Job Summary

The Car Mechanic Apprentice is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, building and repairing railway freight cars and equipment in accordance with Federal and CN’s regulations.

The incumbent is considered a Car Mechanic Apprentice until they have graduated to Journey Car Mechanic (refer to training description below).

Major Responsibilities

• Inspect cars and components in accordance with railroad associations, Federal Railroad Administration regulations and company operating standards
• Perform all scheduled, on-request and preventive maintenance and repair on rail cars, under frames, on structures, safety appliances, draft systems and any associated tests
• Repair and install railway car parts such as compressors, air valves, bearings, couplings, air cylinders and piping
• Use hand tools, power tools, welding equipment, cutting torches and measuring instruments
• Operate transport vehicles including cranes, trucks, track mobile and shop equipment
• Prepare inspection, maintenance and work reports, and record details on prescribed forms in accordance with established procedures

Working Conditions

• Available to work shifts, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime when necessary
• Partially performed outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions
• Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, performing overhead work, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds (22 kg) and occasionally up to 85 pounds (39 kg)
• Frequent climbing or balancing, grasping, and good eye-hand coordination
• May be required to work away from their assigned terminal

Requirements

• Previous welding experience gained through formal training or work experience an asset*
• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
• Must be 18 years of age
• Must meet all medical fitness for duty requirements for the position, including requirements for Safety
• Valid driver’s licence
• Ability to work autonomously, adapt to different situations and manage stress
• Demonstrate good teamwork and maintain positive interactions with others
• Good verbal, reading comprehension and writing skills
• Dedicated to getting the job done while meeting established standards of quality, safety and client satisfaction
• Familiarity with electrical and electronic tools and instruments
• Ability to determine the condition of objects and parts for wear and defects
• Vocational and technical training and knowledge of Railroad Operating Rules
• Basic computer skills
• Any experience / education / skills / knowledge for these above would be considered as an asset

Training

The incumbent receives on-the-job training, both theoretical and practical instructions, over a period of 3 weeks at 40 hours per week.

Depending on the incumbent’s level of experience, a 4-year on-the-job CN specific apprenticeship program may be required and the incumbent will attend a series of courses at their work location in Canada.

The training includes rail car components, rail car inspection, single car tests, special commodities Level 2, freight car repairs, jacking procedures, railway welding, aerial lifts, yard operating rules, and other items relevant to the position.

A successful completion of this training is essential for future performance of duties.

This position is a unionized position. As such, pay and benefits are governed by the applicable collective agreement