Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – Machinist 2
Division/Department: Mechanical / Roundhouse
Job Title: Machinist II
Reports To: Roundhouse Forman / CMO
Type of position: Hourly/ Non-Exempt
Employee Classification: Full Time/Regular Classification
Location: Durango, CO
Pay Range: $25 - $30/hr.
Job Summary: The Machinist II is a senior level position whose primary role is to maintain the DSNGRR fleet of steam and diesel locomotives and to provide manufacturing support to its passenger fleet and on-track equipment. This role will help oversee and inspect machining projects while offering feedback and training, when applicable, to Machinist I and other Mechanical/Roundhouse personnel.
Our ideal candidate is self-motivated, experienced in their trade, able to work individually and on a team, and is willing to provide mentorship and oversight to fellow personnel. Candidates should be capable of performing a wide variety of machine setup work in a timely manner and possess a journeyman-level of knowledge of machining practices and tooling.
Benefits Offered: The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a comprehensive Medical/Rx, dental and vision package with company-funded H.S.A. (for qualified employees), Life/AD&D Insurance, Long/Short Term Disability coverage, a 401K with company-match and a generous PTO plan.
Requirements
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manufacture and repair a variety of necessary parts and components related to steam and diesel locomotives
- Perform and oversee inspections and assessments of locomotive parts
- Recommend labor estimates for machining related projects or contract work
- Interpret verbal/written instructions, specifications, and blueprints while planning and laying out work approach
- Use a variety of machinist hand tools and precision measuring instruments to verify accuracy of work
- Make standard shop computations relating to dimensions of work, tooling, feeds, and speeds of machining
- Machine steel, brass, cast iron and bronze parts accurately to close tolerances
- Setup, maintain, and operate various types of manual machines
- Participate in the upkeep of tooling, machines, and the cleanliness of the shop
- Assemble/disassemble parts and components of steam and diesel locomotives
- Maintain compliance with DSNGRR policies, safety culture and operating rules
- Other duties as assigned
Education, Skill and Work Experience:
- 5 years' previous machining experience or relevant job experience required
- Prior experience working with or a demonstrated understanding of steam and diesel locomotives highly preferred
- Ability to use a variety of standard shop tools in a safe manner
- Mathematical acuity and ability to apply mathematic principles
- Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal English, take instruction, work independently and in a team setting
- Must have a valid driver's license
- Must pass pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and random drug tests
- Must be able to pass D&SNG pre-employment and ongoing physical capabilities exams
Work Conditions:
- Work in and around railroad, railyard and industrial environments
- Periods of outdoor work in varying weather conditions
- Full-time, minimum of 40 hours per week with potential weekend, evening, and overtime work possible
- Extended periods of standing and walking over uneven or unsteady surfaces
- Regular lifting in excess of 50 pounds
- Ability to climb, crawl, stoop, and bend in the performance of assigned tasks
Skills Required
- At least 5 years of previous machining or relevant job experience
- Ability to use standard shop tools safely
- Mathematical acuity and ability to apply mathematical principles
- Effective written and verbal English communication skills
- Ability to take instruction and work independently and in a team
- Valid driver's license
- Ability to pass pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and random drug tests
- Ability to pass pre-employment and ongoing physical capabilities examinations
- Experience with or demonstrated understanding of steam and diesel locomotives
What We Do
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a historic, narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates scenic train rides through the Colorado Rocky Mountains, carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives and offering year-round adventures.









