Company Description

Appalachian Railcar Services is a multi-disciplinary rail services organization serving customers throughout the mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Midwest regions.

ARS approaches the rail industry head on, understanding the pitfalls that accompany dependency upon a single contract or line of work. ARS acknowledges the importance of diversity in today’s competitive environment. ARS offers a comprehensive array of services that include railcar and tank car maintenance and repair, railcar storage, mobile repair, track repair, and plant switching

Appalachian Railcar Services mission is as follows:

Guided by three unwavering core values;

• We will exceed our customer’s expectations in Safety, Quality & Customer Service with the most dedicated workforce in the industry that shares our vision.
• Direct Labor employees are our greatest asset and will be treated as such, with no exception.
• Our dedication to “Getting Better Every Day” will ultimately create a larger customer base with sustainable growth.

Job Description

The general purpose of this position is to apply solvent and water based paints to the exterior and interior of cars. Must ensure that all company guidelines are met, and that all ARS rules are followed when performing duties. In addition, must be able to read and interpret work orders in compliance with FRA, AAR, ARS and customer specifications.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Interpret job work orders to perform required railcar coatings
• 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 work area clean and comply with all ARS Environmental Health and Safety Policies
• Ensure FRA, AAR, ARS and customer quality assurance standards are met
• Perform general inspection of railcars for repair completion before painting.
• Perform final preparation before painting, including such tasks as caulking, taping, masking etc. Cover cars parts with protective covering materials (burlap, paper, cloth) to prevent pain overspray from damaging sensitive railcar components.
• Maintain all paint usage logs and record quantity used during painting application.
• Set up and operate various paint equipment including Cup Gun, Airless Spray, plural component system, and paint reclaimer.
• Conduct inventory cycle count of painting and blasting supplies.
• Mix paint to per vendor specification for proper spray application.
• Spray paint and hand brush paint rolling stock, car parts, assemblies and subassemblies (interior and exterior) using various paint methods and products (water base, epoxy enamel etc.)
• Gage wet and dry mill readings and record readings per ARS and customer requirements.
• Apply painted and vinyl stencils and decals as required.
• Understand and use decal machinery.
• Clean, maintain and properly store equipment. Dismantle, assemble and adjust finishing equipment, as necessary, to ensure equipment operates per manufactures specification.
• Any other duties as assigned such special projects

• Ability to read, write, and communicate English at a proficient level
• High School diploma or general education degree (GED), preferred, but not required
• English at a proficient level
• Ability to learn function specific operational details and pass an exam to demonstrate knowledge
• Ability to learn, follow and perform required recordkeeping of ARS EHS, Quality policies, procedures and checklists.
• Knowledge of equipment and tools required to perform safe entry for cleaning
• Perform/ prioritize multiple tasks with attention to details.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• The duties of this job require fully passing the fitness for duty examination

Working Conditions

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, 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 where necessary. The positioning of the work being performed can change very frequently.

Tools used: Various heavier air and electric powered tools are used, 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.

Physical Requirement

• 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