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JOB TITLE: Composite Mechanic - Carman
LOCATION: Blue Island, IL
2026 Hourly Rate: $29.80 (90% of the full rate - $33.11).
BENEFITS: Medical Insurance, Dental and Vision, Flex Spending, STD/LTD, 401(k) including 401(k) Match, Railroad Retirement Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Vacation Time, Paid Personal Time Off, Tuition Assistance, and much more.
Iowa Interstate Railroad is seeking a dependable, safety-focused individual to join our team. In this role, you will help maintain and repair locomotives and rail equipment that keep freight moving safely across the Midwest. Read on to learn more about this opportunity.
BASIC FUNCTION:
Composite Mechanic's work shall consist of inspecting, maintaining and repairing rolling stock and company equipment. Painting and stenciling freight and passenger cars and locomotives; carpenter work on locomotives and shop buildings (except that which is presently performed by Maintenance Of Way employees); rerailing rolling stock by use of blocking, cables, and rerailers; coupling air hoses and testing air brakes in train yards; repairing rolling stock components following Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations and company policy; provides locomotive maintenance, including repairs, replacing, and adjusting parts and component (including Electrical/Electronic); service locomotives, adds fuel and other necessary supplies; diagnose locomotive component malfunctions; assembling components as related to the diesel engine, air compressor, radiator, trucks and car body, and other components; perform locomotive inspections, complete inspection, work and maintenance reports; preparing necessary reports associated with car and locomotive repairs; and, performs other essential and nonessential functions as assigned. Blue Island employees may be required to attend new-hire training in Silvis, IL. Company-paid lodging and mileage reimbursement will be provided as appropriate.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Follows company and government safety procedures, uses common sense, takes necessary precautions (e.g., wearing/using protective clothes and equipment) and maintains an overall level of safety awareness when operating in the work environment.
2. Performs maintenance activity, both scheduled and on request, conducting air brake tests, lubricating moving parts, cleaning components, painting, etc.
3. Prepares necessary forms and reports associated with car repair.
4. Operates transport vehicles, cranes, locomotives, shop equipment, and company vehicles occasionally.
5. Performs rerailing duties utilizing blocking, cables, rerailing frogs, and heavy equipment.
6. Responsible for performing duties and working hours as scheduled, including overtime, holidays, nights, weekends, and travel as necessary.
7. Demonstrates behavior consistent with Iowa Interstate Railroad Purpose and Values.
8. Performs other essential and nonessential functions as assigned, including tasks normally assigned to other composite mechanics.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education, Licenses/Certifications and Work Experience
High school graduate or equivalent required. Must possess a current and valid driver's license and be insurable under IAIS's commercial auto policy throughout IAIS employment. IAIS may require employees to obtain a CDL. Prior experience and knowledge of transportation/train operations helpful.
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, and Mental Requirement
• Mechanical Aptitude: Demonstrated ability to understand and apply mechanical principles to diagnose, maintain, and repair equipment.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including understanding and following written instructions, technical drawings, blueprints, and verbal directions, and seeking clarification when needed.
• Rules and Regulatory Compliance: Ability to read, understand, and comply with the General Code of Operating Rules, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, and all applicable company, federal, state, and local requirements.
• Relationship Building: Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, management, vendors, and contractors.
• Decision-Making Skills: Ability to make sound decisions and adapt effectively to unfamiliar situations, changing priorities, interruptions, and operational challenges.
• Problem Solving and Judgment: Ability to accept responsibility, resolve issues effectively, and exercise independent judgment when making decisions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Constant (67-100%) stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, eye hand coordination, reaching, standing, walking, grasping, talking and hearing. Frequent (34-66%) pushing, pulling, climbing up to 20 ft., balancing, overhead work, repetitive motion, and viewing close visual work and/or distances. Frequent lifting up to 50 pounds. Occasional (10-33%) sitting, traveling and lifting up to 100 pounds.
Must possess at least 20/40 in each eye with or without glasses. Contact lenses are not acceptable under company safety standards except for office work. An average hearing threshold (in the better ear) of 40 decibels at 500 HZ, 1000 HZ and 2000 HZ aided or unaided. Must be able to recognize and distinguish colors with no more than four (4) errors in a sixteen (16) plate isochromatic test.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The location of work performed is frequently out-of-doors. The material used in the surrounding workplace may expose the incumbent to the following conditions on a regular basis:
• Weather (including extreme cold and heat)
• Water (from snow, ice, rain and cleaning operations)
• Oil, grease, battery acids, and other hazardous chemicals
• Noise (from machinery)
• Fumes, odors, dusts, gases
• Moving equipment
• Vibration
• Various heights
The job requires the individual to follow standard safety procedures, be alert, and take necessary precautions (e.g., wearing/using protective clothes and equipment) to avoid possible injuries or health problems that may result from:
• Batteries;
• malfunctioning electrical equipment;
• moving and rotating equipment (possibility of injury is increased during night-time conditions);
• working with soaps, caustic solutions, electrical cleaners, and fuel;
• long periods of continuous work time (e.g., multiple work shifts);
• low and high voltage equipment; and
• working around other workers.
Summary of Purpose & Values:
At IAIS, we view each day as an opportunity to leave our mark and make a positive difference. Integrity is essential, and people matter. Everyone is treated with respect. We hold ourselves and each other personally accountable for maintaining the highest standards of physical and psychological safety. We strive for continuous improvement and provide superior service that creates mutual success.
The statements stated in this job description reflect the general duties as necessary to describe the basic function, essential job duties/responsibilities, job requirements, physical requirements and working conditions typically required, and should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of the job. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.