Who is Watco? 

Watco is a US based business established in 1983 in Pittsburg, Kansas with strong roots tied to our 'Customer First' Foundation Principles. Watco Australia operates rail services on the West and East coasts of Australia, providing container and bulk transportation solutions for customers in the grain, agriculture, livestock, rail infrastructure, minerals and steel manufacturing industries.

Watco Australia is a dynamic and growth focused organisation that is currently growing nationally. We have operations in Queensland, Western Australia, and New South Wales. Due to our continual growth, we have an opening for a Field Service Technician (Locomotive Fitter) to join our expanding fleet in Mackay, Queensland.

About the Role

Our Field Service Technician will be responsible for performing scheduled and unscheduled inspections, troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive maintenance activities on various types of locomotives in accordance with OEM maintenance instructions and best practice industry standards. This includes both electrical and mechanical tasks, such as fault diagnosis, component replacement, system testing, and minor upgrades to ensure safe and reliable operation.

This is a permanent full-time position, and we welcome applications from candidates with either an electrical or mechanical trade background.

Duties include: 

• Perform electrical and/or mechanical maintenance and repair tasks, including fault finding and system upgrades.

• Conduct locomotive and full train examinations.

• Use hand tools, power tools, hoists, and cranes to dismantle and repair components.

• Operate and maintain Maintenance Service Vehicles (MSV).

• Inspect components for defects and measure rollingstock wheels using gauges and micrometres.

• Adjust and test functional parts and control instruments.

• Take oil and cooling water samples and perform daily service inspections.

• Flexibility to travel for scheduled/unscheduled maintenance to various locations throughout Queensland (if required).

What You’ll Need 

• Trade certificate as an Electrician with a current QLD Electrical Licence, or Certificate III in Mechanical/Fitter or equivalent.

• Proven skills in electrical and/or mechanical maintenance and repair.

• 5+ years’ experience in electrical, auto electrical, or heavy diesel work (desirable).

• Experience with EMD and/or GE locomotives (desirable).

• Willingness to cross-skill in locomotive maintenance.

• Valid drivers ‘C’ class licence (required). Heavy rigid truck, forklift, crane dogman or rigger licences are desirable but not required.

• Ability to apply basic Office of Rail Safety Regulator guidelines, company rules and procedures.

• Ability to work safely, while being able to read and comprehend written safety rules, procedure and safety manuals, government regulations, maintenance instructions, memos and other work-related information.

• Ability to ensure full compliance with all state agencies including but not limited to training, inspections, reporting, in accordance with all current OHS, and other safety requirements as applicable.

• Ability to read electrical schematics.

• Sound computer skills.

What We Can Offer 

• Paid Parental Leave.

• Competitive salary.

• Career development and growth opportunities. 

• Novated Leasing.

• Employee Assistance Program for employees and family members. 

• Uniform and PPE provided. 

• Be a part of a close-knit and supportive team.

Our team are recognised, acknowledged, and rewarded for the amazing work they do. Apply now, to start your career with Watco Australia! 

Note: You may be required to be vaccinated against certain illnesses or diseases as a precondition of employment.

Watco Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to maintaining, growing and supporting our diverse and inclusive culture, by seeking and promoting diversity. We welcome and encourage applications from diverse community groups and ages including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, women, and other diversity groups.