Car Builder

Strasburg Rail Road Company

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Car Builder
FLSA: Non-exempt
RETIREMENT: Railroad Retirement
FT or PT: Full-time
POSITION REPORTS TO: Car Shop Foreman

POSITION PURPOSE: A Car Builder is primarily responsible for the construction, restoration, and repair of vintage passenger and freight railcars. This work includes, but is not limited to, constructing, and repairing car body framing, exterior covering and trim work, window and door repair and construction, interior woodwork, painting and varnishing, hardware restoration, and other finishing work. Car builders are also responsible for general construction and woodworking projects to support company operations and needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Keep the workplace clean and orderly.
• Share skills and knowledge relevant to the design, construction, repair, maintenance, and operation of vintage passenger and freight railroad cars with less experienced team members.
• Construct wooden components for the purpose of building or repairing wooden framed railroad cars using common hand and power tools.
• Construct and repair wooden doors, windows, and other car components using traditional construction and joinery techniques.
• Prepare wooden and metal car components and assemblies for finishing.
• Apply finishes (stains, varnish, lacquer, paint, etc.) to railcar components.
• Perform general construction and carpentry projects assigned to the car shop.
• Adhere to SRC safety guidelines and company policies.
• Pursue expansion of knowledge base related to the construction, maintenance, repair, and operation of historic rail cars.
• Perform additional duties as required.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS:

• Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.
• Completes assigned tasks on time and to the expected standard.
• Manages time well and works independently.
• Demonstrates expert knowledge of railcar repair and construction techniques.
• Demonstrates safe operation techniques when working with tools and power equipment.
• Effectively communicates needs and provides feedback to superiors.
• Correctly interprets mechanical drawings.
• Performs work in accordance with SRC established practices.
• Uses experience to improve processes and techniques used in the construction and repair of vintage rail cars.
• Positively adapts to changing needs and priorities.
• Exhibits professionalism at all levels of interactions with Team Members.
• Complies with all policies outlined in the Employee Handbook or supplemental policy or guideline memos from the President.
• Works well with others.
• Shows up for work on time, properly attired and prepared to work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Position requires specialized knowledge of the construction, maintenance, repair and operation techniques related to historic railroad equipment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Enthusiasm for the company and its mission.
• Ability to work from verbal or written instructions.
• Ability to read and work from mechanical drawings.
• Self-motivation, self-direction and confidence to take initiative.
• Possession of valid driver’s license preferred.
• Willingness to work at heights on ladders, scaffolds, man lifts or on top of rail mounted equipment.
• Willingness and desire to learn.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Full-time, minimum forty (40) hours per week. Shift may vary due to changing projects, priorities, and other factors.
• Standard M-F but willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, and holidays as required.
• Work is primarily indoors, though many duties will require occasional outdoor work in all weather conditions, in all seasons.
• Work requires regular social contact with Team Members, customers, and vendors.
• Occasional exposure to very hot or very cold temperatures.
• Frequent exposure to in a shop setting to soot, dust, oil, paint, and other substances.
• Frequent need for personal protective equipment.
• Extended periods of walking or standing.
• Occasional lifting more than 50 pounds.
• Will be subject to background check and possible drug/alcohol testing.

INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTION:

Job descriptions assist organizations in ensuring that the hiring process is fairly administered, and that qualified Team Members are selected. They are also essential to an effective appraisal system and related promotion, transfer, layoff, and termination decisions. Well-constructed job descriptions have been reviewed to ensure that only essential functions and basic duties have been included. Peripheral tasks only incidentally related to each position have been excluded. Requirements, skills, and abilities included have been determined to be the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements delineated be interpreted as all-inclusive. Supervisors, as deemed appropriate, may assign additional functions and requirements. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the Team Member or others or which impose undue hardships on the organization. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Team Members can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law. EEOC Employer.