Railroad maintenance workers keep locomotives and other railroad equipment in good working order. Maintenance workers build much of the railroad equipment, including locomotive engines. Many different jobs are performed under the title of maintenance worker. Machinists, car repairers, and boilermakers all fall into this group. Electrical workers, sheet metal workers, and blacksmiths are also maintenance workers. These workers are called non ops in railroad language because they are not involved with the actual operation of the trains.
Machinists make up one of the largest groups of non op workers. Although machinists work on many types of equipment used by the railroads, their specialty is engine and locomotive repair. Machinists replace and repair parts of diesel engines to keep them in top working order. Machinists often disassemble engines, make the repairs, and then reassemble the engines.
Car repairers make up the largest group of maintenance workers. Their job is to build freight and passenger cars and keep them in good condition. Car repairers regularly inspect car parts, such as wheels and bearings, which are especially important because defects can cause long delays or accidents. Some car repairers specialize in areas such as upholstery, painting, and carpentry.
Boilermakers make, repair, and maintain railroad boilers, which are steam heat units on diesel locomotives and in railroad stations. Workers sometimes disassemble boilers to determine whether a defective section needs a new part or needs to be adjusted. Most railroad boilermakers work on maintenance and re pair rather than on the construction of boilers.
Electrical workers perform maintenance work on electrical parts used in diesel locomotives. They also install and repair electrical systems in passenger cars and railroad buildings.
Sheet metal workers make, install, and repair sheet metal parts. Sheet metal is thin metal used to line or coat surfaces and make pipes. Sheet metal workers pipe feting they install and fix pipes on railroad cars, locomotives, and other railway equipment.
Blacksmiths repair and construct many different types of metal parts used in railroad cars. Blacksmiths soften metal by heating it in a special furnace called a forge. They use many different tools, including chisels, hammers, and tongs. Sometimes they require more complex tools, such as welding equipment, power hammers, and drill presses. Much of blacksmiths' work is now automated.
Education and Training
Although there are no educational requirements to become a maintenance worker, applications often test mathematical and mechanical skills. A high school education is generally preferred.
Beginning railroad maintenance workers generally enter the field as apprentices to a specialist, such as a blacksmith, and learn the skills of their craft from experienced workers. Apprenticeships usually last for 3 or 4 years, depending on the amount of work experience the apprentice has. Some workers begin as ob servers and helpers and then advance to apprenticeship positions.
Getting the Job
People who want to work as non ops in the railroad business should apply to be come apprentices. They can apply at the employment offices in railroad stations.
Employment Outlook
Advancement is slow but steady. Apprentices become fully skilled workers after several years. Once the actual position is reached, there is little opportunity for further advancement. Occasionally, maintenance workers are able to advance to supervisory positions.
At present there is a decline in the number of railroad maintenance jobs. The trend will continue as assembly line repairs and better designed equipment are introduced. However, a few openings for maintenance workers will occur each year as experienced workers retire or leave their jobs.
Working Conditions
Working conditions vary with each job. However, almost all maintenance workers have to work outdoors in all kinds of weather. Most of the maintenance work is done in the railroad yard. Occasionally, electrical workers and others have to travel in order to do repair work.
Railroad maintenance work is often dangerous, even when safety regulations are enforced. Blacksmiths are often in danger from the heated metals they work with, and boiler makers can be hurt by explosions of steam. Most of the jobs require physical strength and stamina.
Maintenance workers work 40 hours a week. They earn extra pay for overtime. They may be called on at any time to do emergency repair work.
Earnings and Benefits
Wages vary according to the level of work performed and the location of the job. An apprentice does not earn as much as a fully skilled worker. At present the average annual salary for a skilled worker is $545 to $620 a week.
Benefits include paid vacations and holidays. The length of vacation usually increases with seniority. Hospitalization plans, pensions, and unemployment insurance are standard benefits.
