Railroad Machinist job description

This post includes 3 parts: duties list, job qualification and job description writing tips for Railroad Machinist   in details. A complete job description concludes Railroad Machinist   key duties/responsibilities, Railroad Machinist   job qualifications (knowledge, education, skills, abilities, experience…KSA model) and other ones such as daily tasks, key activities, key/core competencies, job functions/purpose…

I. List of Railroad Machinist   duties:

1. Reading and interpreting blueprints
2. Programming for a variety of different cuts, including the use of M & G codes
3. Using all applicable measuring devices, including micrometers and dial indicators
4. Assisting with quality control procedures to ensure that the quality of all products meet specifications in current and subsequent operations
5. Indexing carbide inserts and maintaining cutters
6. Taking measurements, determining proper offsets, detecting malfunctions, troubleshooting processes and then adjusting and reprogramming machine controls accordingly
7. Following all shop safety procedures, such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment including clothing, steel toed footwear, hearing protection and eye protection

II. List of Railroad Machinist   qualifications

1. High School diploma or GED; Associate’s degree in Machine Technology or Machining or additional training a plus
2. Minimum 1 year machining experience with verifiable competence in using CNC mills
3. Ability to read blueprints
4. Familiarity with the use of measuring devices
5. Experience in the machining of large objects rather than small pieces preferred
6. Journeyman machinist or other certifications a plus
7. Ability to program M & G code
8. Familiarity with DNC procedures a plus
9. Experience in the care and use of carbide cutting tools

III. Tips to write job description

1. Too-long job description:

Looking at a too-long job description can frighten the candidates off and drive the away. A job description, no matter how important the job is, should not be included in more than 3 pages. If one focuses on too many things at a time, he shall definitely lose focus on the main items and get overwhelmed by the remaining; So, keep it concisely.

2. Too-short job description:

While too-long can be a problem, too-short is more a problem. It will ruin the meaning of the job description. A too-short one means it lacks necessary details and therefore, the candidate will not be able to understand while reading it.

3. Listing unnecessary functions or job duties:

Just classifying these into the “others” category will save you a lot of effort and space. On the other hand, the job description will become more dilute and easy to be neglected.

4. Key functions

Not listing key functions as required for the job can be a fatal mistake to a job description.

5. Grammar and spelling

Poor grammar and having spelling errors can ruin the job description, too. Never think that as you are the employer, you may have the right to make grammar or spelling errors while requires other not to. A job description with such errors is easily to be mistaken as a fake or ghost ads; as a result, the candidate will turn away from it.

6. Not specific enough:

Be specific and concise; if you don’t address the specific, then what the job description is for. It is for the candidate to understand just exactly what he needs to do or needs to have. Lacking details can confuse the candidates very well.

7. Not having the job description reviewed by others:

This is also a common mistake. One may be subject to bias, but more than one, especially with the help of those external advisor, the job description can be more perfect.

8. Using buzzwords or abbreviations:

In fact, it is not necessary at all to use such in a job description.

9. Using slang or legal words:

Just use common wording to communicate with others and don’t do anything extraordinarily.

10. Not updating the job description:

The same job may require different duties and responsibilities in different times, so, you cannot use the same job description for 2 different times.