Locomotive Systems Journeyman Mechanic Trainee (Alaska Railroad)
Juneau
Friday, 20 March 2026
NOTE: This is an FRA-covered position. FRA-covered employees are those employees who have been assigned to perform Roadway Worker duties and are therefore subject to the random pool for monthly drug and alcohol testing. PURPOSE OF POSITION:To develop and train an entry level employee to attain Journeyman Mechanic status in the ARRC Locomotive Shop and be able to perform the full range of inspection, troubleshooting, servicing and repair activities, both electrical and mechanical, to locomotives, and related shop equipment; to include fork lifts, car mover and overhead cranes. Work is performed in accordance with 49 CFR, EPA, and OSHA regulations and Alaska Railroad Corporation regulations and specifications. Duties and Responsibilities:Consists of a combination of self-study correspondence courses and on-the-job practical instruction provided by fully qualified Journeyman Mechanics. Written assignments and OJT will include learning industry practices and skills such as: the proper usage of tools and equipment of the trade; reading schematics, sketches, and technical manuals to understand the functions of the parts or systems, planning and laying out work. Troubleshooting HVAC systems, electrical and mechanical systems and components. Repair and maintenance techniques for all manner of company owned and rental equipment; including, but not limited to: locomotives, fork lifts and overhead crane maintenance and repair. Learns the rules and regulations that govern the work, including FRA, EPA, OSHA and ARRC regulations and specifications. Training is heavily structured with required benchmarks that will be met. The trainee performs operational functions and maintains working area in accordance with practices and procedures prescribed in the ARRC safety manuals. Incumbent is required to drive an ARRC vehicle, at times. FACTOR 1: Skill and Knowledge. Ability to learn and perform the full range of repair, maintenance and overhaul skills for railroad equipment under the jurisdiction of the journeyman; e.g., locomotives and shop machinery. A basic knowledge of mathematics, which includes arithmetic, geometry, and algebra is required along with a practical knowledge of the principles underlying the work. The ability to read, write and communicate, learn to interpret schematics, work instructions, and other technical guides of varying degrees of complexity is required. Must show good judgment in decision making and be able to improvise and anticipate as required by the circumstances. Be able to maintain alertness and be attentive to several ongoing projects simultaneously. FACTOR 2: Responsibility. Incumbent works under close supervision and precise instructions that will be provided by either a Mechanical Supervisor or experienced Journeyman Mechanic. As the incumbent’s skills and knowledge increase, less direction may be given such as at the conclusion of training, when the incumbent has proven their ability to perform at the Journeyman level. Trainee must meet all aspects of the ARRC Trainee Agreement. FACTOR 3: Physical Effort. Lifting and carrying tools, materials, and equipment, up to 60 pounds. Pushing and/or pulling objects of varying sizes and shapes weighing up to several hundred pounds. Position requires walking, stooping, climbing, crawling, bending, sitting and standing for extended periods of time. Work also requires, in most cases, both physical/mental stamina and coordination to complete assignments. Must be able to wear a respirator when performing various tasks. FACTOR 4: Working Conditions. Repair and inspection activities are performed in a various number of settings, both indoors and out. Subject to noises and vibrations, fumes, gases and poor ventilation, dust, dirt, grease, grime, working around heavy equipment, icy, slippery surfaces, inclement weather conditions, and conditions normally present in a production shop environment. Safety clothing, i.e., steel toe shoes, gloves, hard hats, eyes and ears protection, are available and utilized to reduce or prevent injuries.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED equivalent is required Must have a valid driver’s license. Must be capable of lifting 60 pounds. Must be capable of obtaining a TWIC card within 90 days. Experience or training/education in one of the following is required:One year of practical work experience in a mechanical or electrical shop, railroad maintenance or repair, equipment maintenance, equipment or building repair or construction environment. Must be capable of obtaining a TWIC card within 90 days. Completion of NIT or AVTEC (or similar) training in welding, equipment repair, hydraulics, electrical, railroad mechanical repair, accredited HVAC course or closely related field. Associate’s degree in welding technology, equipment repair, or closely related field. The above reflects only the more significant details for the performance of the job and is not intended to be all inclusive.