Job Details Level: Experienced Job Location: BRYSON CITY, NC Position Type: Regular Salary Range: $18.00 - $24.00 Hourly Description Division/Department: Operations Job Title: Welder I Reports To: Mechanical Foreman of Motive Power & Operations Manager Type of position: Non-Exempt (Hourly) Employee Classification: Full Time/Regular (benefits-eligible) Compensation: $18 - $24 Location: Dillsboro, NC Benefits Offered: We offer a comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental, and Vision plan with employer-funded H.S.A. (for qualified employees), company-funded Life AD&D insurance, generous PTO plan, 401K plan with company-match, discounts on merchandise and train vouchers for employees and family. Job Summary: The primary role of the Welder I is to provide support towards the operations and maintenance of the GSMR fleet of passenger and freight cars, the GSMR locomotives and mechanical department inventory. This position will be primarily based out of the Dillsboro yard however, it may include periods of work at other locations on the railroad. The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated individual with the ability to work both individually and in a team environment. Candidates should have a solid understanding and proven ability to work with MIG, TIG and ARC welding processes. A high degree of value will be placed on a candidate’s fabrication abilities and ability to weld stainless steel. Applicants for the Welder I position are not expected to hold any certifications however, they may be requested to demonstrate their welding skills during the interview process. Preference will be given to candidates who have any experience working on or in a railroad environment and/or possess any additional trade skills or mechanical abilities. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: • Manufacture and repair all necessary parts and components relating to steam and diesel locomotives, historic railroad passenger, and railroad freight cars while working in a dynamic environment with shifting projects and teammates. • Fabricate parts and components from scratch, as needed, for a variety of applications and projects. • Inspect, evaluate and recommend repair/replacement of rolling stock parts and components • Interpret verbal/written instructions and specifications to include reading blue prints while planning and laying out scope of work. • Work cross-departmentally with members of the Car Shop, Maintenance of Way and Operations teams. Work Environment: • Work primarily in industrial/railroad environment with periods of outdoor work in all weather conditions • Must have physical ability and agility sufficient to climb, crawl, stoop and bend in the performance of assigned tasks. • Must be comfortable working in confined spaces with limited mobility. • Full-time work with a minimum of 40 hours and overtime work, as needed. • Regular lifting in excess of 50 pounds. • Extended period of time walking and standing. Qualifications Education, Skill & Work Experience Requirements: • Proven ability to weld MIG, TIG & ARC. • Knowledge of structural welding, specifically running 6010 and 7018 in all positions, strongly preferred. • Ability to weld stainless steel holding tanks, a must. • Ability to heat, cut, and braze using oxy-acetylene or oxy-propane torches. • Ability to operate heavy equipment such as loader, forklift and tractor. • Ability to use a basic variety of shop and mechanical tools. • Relevant experience working on railroad equipment or track, a plus. • Must be able to effectively communicate written and verbally with senior management, supervisors and staff. • Willingness to learn new skills specific to historic railroad work including the ability to pour babbitt. • Must have a valid driver's license and be able to pass GSMR preemployment drug screening and Physical Capabilities Exam • Must be compliance with GSMR, OSHA, FRA and safety procedures and operating rules. Job Details Level: Experienced Job Location: BRYSON CITY, NC Position Type: Regular Salary Range: $18.00 - $24.00 Hourly Description Division/Department: Operations Job Title: Welder I Reports To: Mechanical Foreman of Motive Power & Operations Manager Type of position: Non-Exempt (Hourly) Employee Classification: Full Time/Regular (benefits-eligible) Compensation: $18 - $24 Location: Dillsboro, NC Benefits Offered: We offer a comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental, and Vision plan with employer-funded H.S.A. (for qualified employees), company-funded Life AD&D insurance, generous PTO plan, 401K plan with company-match, discounts on merchandise and train vouchers for employees and family. Job Summary: The primary role of the Welder I is to provide support towards the operations and maintenance of the GSMR fleet of passenger and freight cars, the GSMR locomotives and mechanical department inventory. This position will be primarily based out of the Dillsboro yard however, it may include periods of work at other locations on the railroad. The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated individual with the ability to work both individually and in a team environment. Candidates should have a solid understanding and proven ability to work with MIG, TIG and ARC welding processes. A high degree of value will be placed on a candidate’s fabrication abilities and ability to weld stainless steel. Applicants for the Welder I position are not expected to hold any certifications however, they may be requested to demonstrate their welding skills during the interview process. Preference will be given to candidates who have any experience working on or in a railroad environment and/or possess any additional trade skills or mechanical abilities. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: • Manufacture and repair all necessary parts and components relating to steam and diesel locomotives, historic railroad passenger, and railroad freight cars while working in a dynamic environment with shifting projects and teammates. • Fabricate parts and components from scratch, as needed, for a variety of applications and projects. • Inspect, evaluate and recommend repair/replacement of rolling stock parts and components • Interpret verbal/written instructions and specifications to include reading blue prints while planning and laying out scope of work. • Work cross-departmentally with members of the Car Shop, Maintenance of Way and Operations teams. Work Environment: • Work primarily in industrial/railroad environment with periods of outdoor work in all weather conditions • Must have physical ability and agility sufficient to climb, crawl, stoop and bend in the performance of assigned tasks. • Must be comfortable working in confined spaces with limited mobility. • Full-time work with a minimum of 40 hours and overtime work, as needed. • Regular lifting in excess of 50 pounds. • Extended period of time walking and standing. Qualifications Education, Skill & Work Experience Requirements: • Proven ability to weld MIG, TIG & ARC. • Knowledge of structural welding, specifically running 6010 and 7018 in all positions, strongly preferred. • Ability to weld stainless steel holding tanks, a must. • Ability to heat, cut, and braze using oxy-acetylene or oxy-propane torches. • Ability to operate heavy equipment such as loader, forklift and tractor. • Ability to use a basic variety of shop and mechanical tools. • Relevant experience working on railroad equipment or track, a plus. • Must be able to effectively communicate written and verbally with senior management, supervisors and staff. • Willingness to learn new skills specific to historic railroad work including the ability to pour babbitt. • Must have a valid driver's license and be able to pass GSMR preemployment drug screening and Physical Capabilities Exam • Must be compliance with GSMR, OSHA, FRA and safety procedures and operating rules.
See More Details >>Becoming a welder in Waynesville, NC, typically begins with a technical school program or apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about 6 to 18 months, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. The American Welding Society reports approximately 402,333 welders nationwide, with a median annual wage of $45,190, and projects a 2-3% job growth from 2025 to 2029. Apprentices in Waynesville earn an average of $1,000 per week, with an annual overtime average of $52,000. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $108,000 annually for experienced professionals.
