Carman - Wreck Crew
Job ID: 13251
Business Unit: Metro-North Railroad
Location: White Plains, NY, United States
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Department: Freight Car Maintenance
Date Posted: Oct 8, 2025
Description
Job Title: Carman Wreck Crew
Department: Maintenance of Equipment
MTA Agency: Metro-North Railroad
Primary Location(s): Various
Salary Range: See wage progression below
Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive/Non-DOT Regulated
Union Affiliation: Agreement
Closing Date (if applicable): Until Filled
Shift (if applicable): Day
Title 55-a (yes or no): Not Applicable
Other: Not Telework eligible
JOB SUMMARY
Carman Wreck Crew are responsible for maintaining and inspecting mechanical equipment on freight trains and rerailing derailed trains.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include but are not limited to:
Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical components and equipment on all Metro-North freight cars and some rolling stock to include but not limited to safety devices, wheels, truck components, car bodies, and piping.
Inspect, repair, and maintain air brake systems on freight equipment to include pneumatic operating units, piping, valves, and car suspension.
Perform periodic visual inspections of freight train components for proper operation and functionality in accordance with Metro-North, State, and Federal regulations.
Transfer derailed locomotive and freight trains onto tracks using hydraulic jacks, wheel dollies, rerailers, cable cranes, and hydraulic piston cranes in collaboration with Metro-North Track, Power, and Transportation departments.
Operate and maintain high-pressure rail washer equipment, including the diesel engine, high-pressure water pumps, and scrubbers, used to remove residue, improve traction, and reduce wheel slippage on railroad tracks.
Respond to freight train road calls within Metro-North territory by traveling to the location and making minor repairs to handbrakes, brake shoes, cut levers, valves, couplers, etc.
Measure outside agency locomotive trains and equipment, ensuring there is proper height and width clearance to operate within Metro-North territory and provide modification suggestions when necessary.
Operate support equipment (i.e., crane, support vehicle) while maintaining freight trains and responding to derailments.
Responsible for on-the-job training and supervision of conductor trainees.
Install freight train modifications in accordance with manufacturer specifications and instructions.
Apply paint stenciling, lettering, and train decals on car bodies in accordance with the American Association of Railroads and to meet the Federal Railroad Administration's Code of Federal Regulations.
Primarily perform stick and oxy-acetylene welding to interior and external mechanical train components and equipment, with some mig and tig.
Complete the required information tracking and documents to comply with Metro-North, State, and Federal requirements.
Reference written documents (e.g., operating, manufacturing, or field manuals) while troubleshooting or maintaining equipment.
Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Mechanical aptitude; knowledge of hand and power tools and their appropriate use; reading comprehension ability; interpersonal skills; skilled in exercising independent judgement; must be able to evaluate a situation to make decisions; must be able to work under pressure and time constraints; must be able to function effectively under changing priorities; knowledge of operating and safety rules; ability to weld; verbal communication skills; ability to work with others in teams; ability to follow instructions; attention to detail; ability to troubleshoot mechanical errors and take corrective action; critically thinking ability; problem solving skills; ability and willingness to learn; must be safety conscious.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum of a High School Diploma, General Equivalency Diploma (GED), or Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) , and
American Welding Society (AWS) qualified stick welding experience or equivalent, and
Experience repairing, installing, or maintaining heavy equipment such as automobiles, aircrafts, boats, rolling stock, etc., and
Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Class B CDL within 60 days of transfer or date of hire.
The following is/are preferred:
American Welding Society (AWS) qualified mig and tig welding experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must become respirator qualified within 15 days of hire date.
Must be able to commit to a minimum of three years in this position from the date of hire.
Must be able to respond within one hour of being notified for emergency service.
RATE OF PAY
The starting rate for this position is $29.06/hour (70% of the full rate). The annual wage progression scale as a Carman Wreck Crew is as follows: Year 1=70% > Year 2=70% > Year 3=75% > Year 4=82% > Year 5=85% > Year 6=100%. The full 100% rate of pay is $41.52/hour.
This salary is non-negotiable, based on the TWU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
SENIORITY
New employees will establish seniority in the Transportation Workers Union (TWU), the union representing Carmen, in accordance with the union's current collective bargaining agreement.
Members of TWU are subject to an initiation fee and monthly membership dues.
BENEFITS
Commuter Assistance - based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA's jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)
Low Premium - High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)
Pension Plans and Retirement Savings Accounts for eligible employees
Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided.
Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees
Employee Assistance Programs
MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs
Work Life Services team
Employee Resource Groups
Assignments
This position primarily works out of North White Plains, NY.
Must be available and able to respond on short notice 24/7 to events and emergencies as required to any location throughout Metro-North territory.
Training
Must become qualified to perform Single Car Freight tests and to act as a Quality Maintenance Inspector.
Details of physical activities include, but are not limited to:
Ability to walk on uneven surfaces while navigating tracks and yard locations.
Must be able to lift and carry tools and materials weighing up to 50 lbs. and occasionally up to 75 lbs., such as hydraulic jacks, rerailers, wheel components, etc.
Must be able to climb ladders and steps to board freight trains, rolling stock, and maintenance equipment.
Crouching, crawling, and maneuvering in tight spaces to perform maintenance on equipment.
Talking and hearing ability required to communicate with coworkers and supervisors.
Details of working conditions include, but are not limited to:
Must be able to work on trains inside maintenance shops, in yard locations and on tracks.
Works in all weather conditions, ranging from extreme hot to extreme cold.
Exposed to hazmat material such as: WD-40 gear lubricant on mechanical components glue and rubbing alcohol for removing frayed or damaged train decals, oil based paint for application to freight trains.
Works in close proximity of moving equipment.
Works at heights up to 15 ft. from the ground while performing work on top of elevated train trucks.
Must be available and able to respond on short notice 24/7 to events and emergencies as required.
OTHER INFORMATION
Selection Criteria
Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, not all qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the position are guaranteed an interview. To be selected for a position, one must meet the following criteria: (1) satisfy the minimum requirements listed in the job posting, (2) if applicable, successfully pass a written and practical exam, (3) satisfy a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), and (4) pass a verbal interview. Metro-North may also require the applicant to undergo a physical ability test, and, if the Company extends a conditional offer, may require him or her to undergo a medical examination, which may include toxicological testing. Failure to pass any step within the hiring process will result in the disqualification of your application.
This is a safety sensitive position and subject to toxicology testing.
Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").
Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
Additional Criteria for Current Employees:
Current Metro-North employees must be in active service to be eligible for consideration.
Agreement Employees applying for a position outside of their present craft are required to have worked in your current union for at least one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline to be eligible to apply for a posted position and have completed the agreed upon formal training commitment, including on-the-job training or lock-in requirement, if applicable (for example Signal Trainee, Foreman-In-Training, etc.). If you are transferring to another craft, you may be required to forfeit your seniority in your present union.
Non-agreement employees must have worked in their current position for a minimum of one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline. Along with a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), employees are also subject to an internal investigation, which includes an evaluation not limited to discipline records and performance assessments.
Safety Sensitive/Non DOT-Regulated
Not Telework eligible
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.
If you seek a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability, or for a religious practice or observance, to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.
