Inspector

About the role

VLS Waste Services, VLS Railcar Cleaning and Repair Services, and VLS Marine Services are divisions of VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC, a leading provider of sustainability solutions with over 1,200 employees across North America.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Perform in-bound inspection and prepare shop work orders and customer estimate sheets, outlining repairs and/or modifications needed that meet customer, AAR/FRA, and VLS requirements.
• Randomly inspect in-process cars to ensure that high quality standards are met.
• Review completed work being released from internal departments or from location performing a completed out-bound audit to ensure car has been repaired, modified, or coated per initial write-up and meets AAR/FRA, customer and VLS requirements.
• Responsible for the safety of himself and others in the shop.
• Know and understand AAR/FRA requirements.
• Reference and understand customer requirements.
• Be familiar, understand, and can operate VLS estimating system (Railcar).
• Be competent in railcar repair and modification estimating.
• Communicate with customers on individual car needs, problems areas, and estimated ship dates.
• Read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Interpret VLS instructions, customer requirements, and AAR/FRA Field Manual guidelines.
• Perform all work in a safe and efficient manner.
• Continually look and suggest ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall operation.
• Instruct and aid in the training of new employees in the repair or inspection function.
• Keep supervisor informed of any problems identified on estimates or potential problems that could affect completion time on cars being worked.
• Responsible for housekeeping and orderly storage of gauges used in the inspection function.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED: A minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Rail Car Inspector Certification: Must possess valid certification in rail car inspection or be willing to obtain certification within the specified time frame.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Proficiency in identifying mechanical problems and using inspection tools effectively.
• Knowledge of Regulations: Familiarity with safety standards and regulations related to rail car inspection, including AAR and FRA guidelines.
• Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in rail car inspection or a related field.
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail in identifying potential issues or safety hazards.
• Valid Driver’s License: Must possess a valid driver’s license to travel to various rail yards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Certifications: Additional certifications such as NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) or Welding certifications.
• Technical Training: Completion of vocational or technical courses related to mechanical systems, railway engineering, or related fields.
• Experience with Multiple Rail Car Types: Experience inspecting a wide variety of rail car types (e.g., tank cars, boxcars, flat cars).
• Strong Communication Skills: Ability to clearly report findings and collaborate with maintenance and operations teams.
• Computer Literacy: Familiarity with inspection software, data entry, and report generation.

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• Able to stand for long periods of time with limited breaks.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Work in extreme temperatures and elements for an extended period of time.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces.
• Must be able to work at elevated heights.
• May encounter fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; risk of radiation and vibration.
• Work near moving mechanical parts and in a loud environment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

What's in it for you!

• Physical and Mental Wellbeing: VLS offers various high-quality, low-premium medical, dental, and vision plans, including a concierge service and 2nd MD offering. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Healthcare Saving Accounts (HSA) are also available.
• Time Off: We provide 11 company-paid holidays, in addition to paid time off and voluntary time off plans.
• Employee Assistance Program: 24/7 assistance and counseling services that are 100% confidential and free to all employees and their dependents.
• Telemedicine: Free virtual visits by licensed practitioners any time, any day, including holidays!
• Financial and Retirement Planning: VLS offers a generous 401(k) matching program, life and disability insurance, and voluntary life protection plans. Additionally, we provide free one-on-one financial planning with a certified Financial Planner/Coach and an Employee Discount Program for savings on everyday goods and services.