TANK CAR, TRUCK AND SHIP LOADER

Job Definition:

Job Description:

• Load and unload chemicals and bulk solids, such as coal, sand, and grain into or from tank cars, trucks, or ships using material moving equipment. May perform a variety of other tasks relating to shipment of products. May gauge or sample shipping tanks and test them for leaks.

Duties and Tasks:

• 1) Check conditions and weights of vessels to ensure cleanliness and compliance with loading procedures.
• 2) Connect ground cables to carry off static electricity when unloading tanker cars.
• 3) Copy and attach load specifications to loaded tanks.
• 4) Lower gauge rods into tanks or read meters, in order to verify contents, temperatures, and volumes of liquid loads.
• 5) Monitor product movement to and from storage tanks, coordinating activities with other workers to ensure constant product flow.
• 6) Observe positions of cars passing loading spouts, and swing spouts into the correct positions at the appropriate times.
• 7) Operate conveyors and equipment to transfer grain or other materials from transportation vehicles.
• 8) Record operating data such as products and quantities pumped, gauge readings, and operating times, manually or using computers.
• 9) Remove and replace tank car dome caps, or direct other workers in their removal and replacement.
• 10) Seal outlet valves on tank cars, barges, and trucks.
• 11) Start pumps and adjust valves or cables in order to regulate the flow of products to vessels, utilizing knowledge of loading procedures.
• 12) Test vessels for leaks, damage, and defects, and repair or replace defective parts as necessary.
• 13) Unload cars containing liquids by connecting hoses to outlet plugs and pumping compressed air into cars to force liquids into storage tanks.
• 14) Verify tank car, barge, or truck load numbers to ensure car placement accuracy based on written or verbal instructions.
• 15) Operate ship loading and unloading equipment, conveyors, hoists, and other specialized material handling equipment such as railroad tank car unloading equipment.
• 16) Clean interiors of tank cars or tank trucks, using mechanical spray nozzles.
• 17) Operate industrial trucks, tractors, loaders and other equipment to transport materials to and from transportation vehicles and loading docks, and to store and retrieve materials in warehouses.
• 18) Perform general warehouse activities, such as opening containers and crates, filling warehouse orders, assisting in taking inventory, and weighing and checking materials.
• 19) Test samples for specific gravity, using hydrometers, or send samples to laboratories for testing.

Activities:

• 1) Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• 2) Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• 3) Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• 4) Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• 5) Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• 6) Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• 7) Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• 8) Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• 9) Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Abilities:

• Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
• Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

Knowledge:

• 1) Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• 2) Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• 3) Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• 4) Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
• 5) Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.