Equipment Operator

About the role

Mendocino Railway is the owner/operator of passenger and freight railroads including the California Western Railroad (CWR) / Skunk Train and the River Fox Train. The world-famous Skunk Train is a standard gauge passenger railroad that was founded in 1885, and operates 40 miles between Fort Bragg and Willits, in Mendocino County, California. The Skunk Train is seeking a dependable, safety-conscious railroad Equipment Operator to join our team. This position is responsible for operating railroad equipment in support of railroad operations, events, vegetation management, fire response, and general railroad property & equipment maintenance. This is a safety-sensitive position requiring individuals who can work independently, follow railroad operating and safety rules, recognize and respond to hazards and emergency situations. Candidate will be required to safely operate equipment and work outdoors in a variety of outdoor environments and weather conditions. The position involves hands-on work with railroad maintenance vehicles, small engines, generators, chainsaws, hand tools, event lighting, and other equipment. Employees may be required to respond to vegetation hazards, fires, equipment issues, and other conditions affecting the railroad right-of-way and infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate railroad maintenance vehicles and other assigned equipment in accordance with Mendocino Railway operating rules, safety procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Perform pre-trip inspections of railroad vehicles, trailers, tools, and equipment before use and report unsafe or defective conditions to proper authority.
• Operate chainsaws and other vegetation-management equipment as trained and authorized.
• Safely perform tree, brush, limb, and vegetation removal along the railroad right-of-way.
• Inspect, and operate small engines, generators, pumps, and other gasoline- or diesel-powered equipment.
• Perform basic mechanical troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs on small engines and railroad equipment.
• Perform basic electrical troubleshooting.
• Assist with setup of events.
• Monitor railroad property and right-of-way for hazards, including fallen trees, debris, damaged infrastructure, vegetation, fires, trespassers, and other unsafe conditions.
• Respond appropriately to fires discovered on or near railroad property, including extinguishing fires when it is safe and within the employee's training and capabilities, and promptly reporting fires that cannot safely be controlled.
• Assist and communicate with emergency responders following orders when directed.