This is skilled supervisory work in the maintenance of rail vehicles in a rail transportation system.

Employees in this class are responsible for supervising the inspection, testing, diagnosis and repair of rail vehicles, equipment and components. Emphasis of the work is on supervising a staff of technical subordinates, planning and scheduling repair and maintenance work, identifying causes of equipment failures and recommending procedures to prevent recurrence, enforcing safety rules and regulations, and coordinating of maintenance activities with representatives of private and public agencies, and with equipment and service contractors. Employees exercise independent judgment in the diagnosis of rail vehicle and equipment malfunctions and in the technical phases of repair and maintenance activities. Supervision is received from a technical and administrative superior who reviews work for satisfactory completion of work assignments and satisfactory operation of rail vehicles, equipment and components.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Supervises the inspection of equipment in service to determine the operating conditions of rail vehicles, equipment and components; assures that safety tests and visual checks of equipment are properly completed and that appropriate reports are prepared by inspection employees.

Supervises "running and road" repairs at terminals, yards, and other locations; assures that inspection employees accurately identify causes of malfunctions or equipment failures and make appropriate adjustments or repairs to keep trains in service and on schedule.

Supervises periodic detailed pit inspections of rail vehicles to evaluate their operating condition to determine if shop repairs are required; prepares work assignments for car inspection employees at various locations.

Instructs employees in work methods and techniques and monitors the progress and quality of work; trains new employees in rail car inspection, testing and servicing activities as well as overhaul and major corrective repair work, including wheel truing; monitors the progress of trainees and prepares periodic progress reports.

Estimates work volumes and the need for tools and equipment; reviews maintenance planning system reports and evaluates the performance of inspection activities.

Identifies causes of excessive equipment failures and recommends inspection and servicing procedures to prevent recurrence; investigates improved inspection methods and techniques, making recommendations for implementation.

Interprets maintenance manuals, schematics and repair orders.

Responds in the event of serious equipment failures; notifies superiors of important occurrences and need for assistance.

Analyzes and troubleshoots car equipment systems and component failures as necessary, to identify causes of unusual equipment failures; determines if road repairs are feasible or if equipment must be removed from service; oversees the conduct of standard test procedures to locate faults or check the proper operations of repaired or new equipment.

Requisitions parts, tools and materials to repair rail vehicles; signs repair reports.

Prepares a variety of reports as necessary.

Enforces safety rules, regulations and procedures.

Makes recommendations regarding hiring, discipline and promotion of subordinates; authorizes leave and overtime; evaluates and rates employee performance.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Thorough knowledge of the principles and theories of electricity and electronics as applied to rail vehicles, equipment and components.

Thorough knowledge of the repair and maintenance characteristics and requirements of rail vehicles and related equipment.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and theories of mechanics, hydraulics, pneumatics, heating and air conditioning applicable to rail vehicular equipment.

Considerable knowledge of rail transportation operational plans and procedures.

Considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions applicable to rail vehicle repair and maintenance.

Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Knowledge of precision electronic and electrical test equipment.

Knowledge of blueprints, diagrams and schematics.

Knowledge of records, reports and forms used in the area of assignment.

Ability to supervise subordinates in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

Ability to diagnose complex equipment malfunctions and direct corrective measures.

Ability to read and understand technical blueprints and schematics.

Ability to determine the extent of equipment malfunctions and make decisions concerning removal of rail vehicles from service.

Skill in the diagnosis of a variety of mechanical and electrical malfunctions.

NEW 1-85