Job Information
City of Tacoma WA Locomotive Mechanic in Tacoma, Washington
Locomotive Mechanic
Salary
$36.19 - $43.98 Hourly
Location
Tacoma, WA
Job Type
Classified
Job Number
7140-24
Department
Rail
Opening Date
07/08/2024
Closing Date
7/22/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
Position Description
Under the direction of the Senior Locomotive Mechanic, a Locomotive Mechanic will perform skilled work in the maintenance and repair on a variety locomotives. You will inspect, service and maintain a variety of locomotives in accordance with federal and company regulations, diagnose diesel engine malfunctions and make indicated repairs using hand tools, measuring instruments and machine tools. Operate locomotives and locomotive consists on designated shop tracks, perform on ground tasks for locomotive movement such as throwing switches. May be required to qualify as a shop service locomotive engineer in accordance with FRA standards. Perform some service and repair of automotive equipment used in connection with railway operations.
Some of the work involved includes, but is not limited to:
Perform daily (24 hour) locomotive inspections, including air brake cleaning and testing in accordance with FRA regulations and at other intervals in accordance with company policy;
Perform periodic services on locomotives in accordance with company policy that include: changing oil, turbo inspection, fueling, changing engine air and air compressor filters, greasing couplings, fittings, traction motor gears, electrical testing and repair;
Replace locomotive and diesel engine components including couplers, draft gear assemblies, gear cases, cylinder assemblies and heating equipment;
Diagnose malfunctions in diesel engines, air equipment, electrical systems, trucks or other components in order to determine nature of the problem and the needed repair or replacement;
Must be knowledgeable in the handling of hazardous and non-hazardous waste products and materials;
Perform daily services of locomotive consists: fuel, water, lubricants and oils; wipe down and clean unit/windows; check supplies and drinking water, link and unlink distributive power, perform periodic and annual inspections and understand FRA regulations pertaining to inspections.
Qualifications
- High school graduation or equivalent AND
An equivalent combination of:
Two years’ experience in a locomotive shop, including training in the repair and servicing of diesel locomotives under Federal Railroad Administration regulations OR
Completion of a recognized diesel/heavy equipment mechanic apprenticeship or vocational program.
Experience in maintaining, repairing or rebuilding Electro Motive Diesel (EMD) engines and Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite software (Word, Excel and Outlook) are highly desired.
Licenses, Certificates and Other Requirements:
Valid Washington State driver's license at time of application with maintenance thereafter
Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) and forklift card are required prior to completion of probation, with maintenance thereafter
Knowledge & Skills
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Methods, equipment and materials used in the repair and maintenance of locomotives in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration rules and regulations.
Hazards and safety precautions to be taken in servicing and repairing locomotives.
Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies.
Proper operating procedures in the switching/hostling of locomotives.
Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
SKILLS:
Locate and assist in the repair of railroad locomotives.
Service and make minor repairs to automotive equipment.
Perform maintenance using a variety of tools and machines utilized in the basic trade.
Operate, service and make minor repairs on other equipment used in railroad work.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Learn to interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Operate and switch locomotives over multiple tracks within shop limits.
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.
The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Open shop environment and outdoors; subject to adverse weather conditions, noise, fumes and dust
Position requires moving, transporting and installing heavy objects weighing up to 100 pounds, and ascending/descending ladders and locomotives
Employees in this position may be subject to working around engines
Apply
Interested individuals should apply online and attach a resume and cover letter to their application. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to the supplemental questions scored. Applicants must receive a passing score to be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration. Applicants whose experience and training most closely reflect the needs of the department may be invited to participate in an interview.
Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates. Appointment is subject to passing a background check, a pre-employment medical examination, a pre-employment physical abilities test, a USDOT FRA drug screen, and a Department of Homeland Security background check which must be initiated within 30 days of hire and result in the issuance of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) . This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and IAM District Lodge 160. New employees must successfully complete a 125-shift probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.
Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.
Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400 before 4pm on the closing date.
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
01
Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration.
Yes
No
02
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?
Yes
No
03
Do you have an equivalent combination of two years' experience in a locomotive shop, including training in the repair and servicing of diesel locomotives under Federal Railroad Administration regulations or completion of a recognized diesel/heavy equipment mechanic apprenticeship or vocational program?
Yes
No
04
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST:
Questions #5-14 are the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will not have access to any of your application materials, and will provide scores based solely upon your answers to the questions. Your answers must stand on their own merit. DO NOT RESPOND WITH "SEE RESUME" in lieu of answering this question, as raters will not have access to your resume or application and this will result in a score of 0 points and you will fail the test. Your score on the experience and training test will ONLY reflect your response to the questions asked.
Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions #5-14.
Yes
No
05
Describe your experience and training in maintaining, repairing and rebuilding EMD locomotives and list the types of engines you have experience with.
06
Describe your experience using parts inventory control system(s).
07
Describe your experience related to the ordering of products and services such as locomotive sand, locomotive diesel fuel, lubricants, etc.
08
Describe your training and knowledge of applicable FRA regulations related to a railroad's locomotive fleet maintenance and workplace equipment safety standards.
09
Describe in detail your knowledge of a periodic (92 or 184 day) locomotive inspection and what steps you would take to complete one.
10
Describe the steps you would take in which you had a non-functioning/non-complying locomotive in the field, and needed to set it up to be brought back to the shop for inspection and repair.
11
Describe how you would efficiently and effectively handle multiple maintenance requirements and repairs of several locomotives to achieve maximum locomotive availability.
12
Describe your knowledge of operating rules within a blue-flagged mechanical area.
13
Describe your electrical aptitude and your ability to read locomotive wiring schematics.
14
Describe your technical capabilities with Positive Train Control (PTC). List the aspects you are most comfortable with.
15
Which best describes your proficiency in operating, switching and building locomotive consists?
No experience
Occasional (once a month)
Frequent (once a week)
Advanced (5+ times a month)
Expert (daily)
16
Which best describes your proficiency using Microsoft Access?
No experience
Occasional user (1X/month), basic functions only
Occasional user (1X/month), advanced functions
Frequent user (1X/week), basic functions only
Frequent user (1X/week), advanced functions
Frequent user (1X/week), expert skills
17
Which best describes your proficiency using Microsoft Word?
No experience
Occasional user (1X/month), basic functions only
Occasional user (1X/month), advanced functions
Frequent user (1X/week), basic functions only
Frequent user (1X/week), advanced functions
Frequent user (1X/week), expert skills
18
Which best describes your proficiency using Microsoft Excel?
No experience
Occasional user (1X/month), basic functions only
Occasional user (1X/month), advanced functions
Frequent user (1X/week), basic functions only
Frequent user (1X/week), advanced functions
Frequent user (1X/week), expert skills
19
Which best describes your proficiency using Microsoft Outlook?
No experience
Occasional user (1X/month), basic functions only
Occasional user (1X/month), advanced functions
Frequent user (1X/week), basic functions only
Frequent user (1X/week), advanced functions
Frequent user (1X/week), expert skills
20
One of the City's Principles that guides us is Equity. Describe what equity means to you and describe an experience you have working with diverse groups of people.
21
Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.
Job Interest Card notification
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City of Tacoma employee
Online job board posting
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Tacoma Training & Education Program (TTEP)
Indeed
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Government Jobs
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Other
22
Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.
Required Question
Agency
City of Tacoma
Address
Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764
Phone
253-591-5400
Website
http://www.cityoftacoma.org
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