Blaster I

Summary Description

Guardian Rail, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a leading freight rail services and transportation company. We employ more than 800 employees in more than 100 locations across 26 states and operate the largest railcar services network in the industry, encompassing 11 large railcar repair facilities and more than 75 field services locations in addition to a rail services division that operates three short line railroads and a dozen contract switching and transloading sites.

The general purpose of this position is to use a variety of abrasive blasting techniques on the exterior and interior of railcars. Must ensure that all company guidelines are met and that all Guardian Rail safety and quality rules and standards are followed when performing duties. In addition, must be able to read and interpret work orders in compliance with FRA, AAR, company and customer specifications.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Interpret job work orders to perform required work
• Notify Supervisor of any materials and/or equipment required to ensure completion of job tasks
• Interact with crew members in a team environment, as well as with Supervisor
• Follow all safety rules, keep the work area clean, and comply with all OSHA and Guardian Rail Environmental, Health and Safety Policies
• Comply with the company Quality Program by following all in-house quality processes and procedures and required AAR and FRA rules and regulations as well as any client-specific procedures
• Ensure FRA, AAR,  Guardian Rail, and Guardian customer quality assurance standards are met Perform any other duties as assigned such as special projects

Qualifications

• High-school diploma or equivalent
• Must be able to read, write, speak and communicate English at a proficient level
• Must be able to learn function-specific operational details and pass an exam to demonstrate knowledge
• Must be able to learn, follow, and perform required recordkeeping of Cathcart Rail EHS, and Quality Program policies, procedures, and checklists
• Must have knowledge of equipment and tools required to perform safe entry for blasting
• Must perform and prioritize multiple tasks with attention to detail
• Must be able to follow oral and written instructions
• Must be able to fully pass the fitness-for-duty examination, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screenings

Physical Demands & Work Environment

With the exception of clerical, administrative, and some management positions, which require indoor work, the physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, dry/arid and dusty conditions. The environment requires working in close proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, in high and low precarious places, as well as in confined spaces.

The work type is best described as heavy, hands-on mechanical work. Work is very physical, and without proper work planning can result in out-of-position pushing, pulling, and lifting. Proper body mechanics, positioning, and lifting techniques can be very important. Employees are urged to seek help when needed with heavier tasks and to use lifting equipment when and where necessary. The positioning of the work being performed can change very frequently.

Various heavier air and electric-powered tools such as car jacks, impact wrenches, and grinders are used daily. Work also requires frequent use of hand wrenches, hammers, chisels, socket wrenches, and ladders. Cutting torches are also used, with welding equipment used upon qualification of the employee.

• Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, smelling, and visual acuity, with color and depth perception
• Ability to work in a confined space
• Required to use personal protective equipment as environmental conditions dictate