Palmetto Railways

Heavy Equipment Diesel Mechanic and Electrician

Palmetto Railways, a growing Charleston based enterprise agency of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, is seeking a Mechanic/Electrician to join our team. Palmetto Railways is dedicated to providing safe, efficient, and cost-effective rail solutions to facilitate the movement of freight and support economic development efforts; therefore, promoting the economic viability of the State of South Carolina.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Position reports to Supervisor of Mechanical Operations. Candidate will be responsible for trouble shooting, repair, and maintenance on Palmetto Railway locomotives and equipment. The ideal candidate will be safety-oriented, have a solid mechanical/electrical background, and will have the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Work hours may vary, including weekends & holidays as required.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Team player with a strong commitment to safety
• Four years minimum experience as a mechanic
• Must have extensive knowledge of specialized tool use, electrical circuits, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, gasoline engines, diesel engines, machine and equipment operations, diagram and blueprint reading, and electrical troubleshooting and repair
• Candidate must be detail oriented and possess strong communication and interpersonal skills 
• Knowledge, understanding, and compliance with the Safety and Operating Procedures and internal policies
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment 
• Perform routine and specialized work 
• Must be able to don and doff PPE
• Manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination is required
• May involve noise levels of an intensity that may require hearing protection 
• Perform all duties as required by the Lead Mechanic and/or Director of Mechanical Operations
• A high school diploma/GED and valid SC driver’s license required. 
• Ensure that the SECURE vision is being upheld at all time
• Good physical health with auditory and vision acuity. Must be able to work outside in year-round conditions. May involve noise levels of an intensity that may require hearing protection. Routinely lift objects weighing up to 50lbs and occasionally lift objects up to 75lbs with assistance. Must be able to walk and work on ballast and other uneven surfaces. Must be able to mount and dismount work on under and about locomotives, on track equipment trucks and vehicles.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Mechanics are responsible for the inspection, repair, maintenance, dismantling, and assembly of locomotives, fleet vehicles, tools, and MOW equipment. Such duties include but are not limited to:

• Perform daily, periodic and annual locomotive and diesel engine inspections in compliance with company, industry and federal standards.
• Inspect and repair various mechanical, electrical, systems (air, electrical controls, high and low voltage systems, air brakes, sand, fuel, and lubricants)
• Inspect and repair locomotive components (wheels, trucks, cab, electrical, mechanical, diesel engine parts, compressors DC motors) inspect for unusual sounds, vibrations, smells, and changes in visual appearance of materials or objects
• Diagnose and repair malfunctions in diesel engine components, electrical systems, air systems, trucks and other components. Assure nature of problem and determine needed corrective action, make safe judgements concerning seriousness of defects or damage.
• Perform daily and periodic locomotive servicing (grease couplings and fittings, change oil and air filters, replace brake shoes and filters, replace engine and locomotive components, wheels on trucks and traction motors); perform repairs requiring use of machine tools and welding equipment and other operations requiring the use of grinders and hand tools
• Safely and effectively operate precision tools and machines (micrometer and drills); electric, pneumatic and hydraulic tools (drills, wrenches, meters, grinders); materials handling equipment (forklifts, cranes, overhead hoists), acetylene torches, and electric welders.
• Repair, adjust and overhaul a wide variety of diesel or gasoline engines in equipment such as on-track equipment, trucks, tractors, backhoes, loaders, automobiles, and other standard and specialized equipment; inspect, repair, replace, and modify components of engines, generators, lights and switches; perform routine servicing, lubricating, and greasing; troubleshoot electrical systems, repair, and replace faulty components including wiring; use welding equipment to fabricate, rebuild, and strengthen various equipment parts; maintains records of time and materials used on each job, the condition of equipment, and repairs performed.
• In addition, other equipment serviced may include air compressors, jacks, chain saws, rail saws, power drills, speed swings, other maintenance of way equipment, general shop maintenance, gasoline equipment used in the production of the shops and other work assigned.
• Perform mechanical or maintenance duties as may be required by the Supervisor of Mechanical Operations and/or the Director of Mechanical Operations consistent with the provisions of any existing labor agreement
• Follow company and federal safety rules, policies and operating practices; wear prescribed safety apparel; take appropriate action when conditions threaten safety of crew or other personnel; read and comply with railroad signals, railroad rules and FRA regulations.   

The duties listed are representative of the job; however, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties a person may be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is an essential function of the position.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing and back ground checks. Applicant must be qualified to obtain a TWIC card.

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