Assistant Signal Maintainer

North County Transit - San Diego Railroad; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union benefits

Retirement plan

Medical insurance

Competitive hourly wage

Job summary

North County Transit District (NCTD) in Oceanside, CA seeks an Assistant Signal Maintainer to perform FRA and NCTD signal system testing, install, repair, and maintain grade crossing warning devices for the San Diego and Escondido Subdivisions. This role supports safe, efficient rail operations and requires knowledge of electrical and microprocessor-based control systems.

It is a safety-sensitive, union-represented position with opportunities to advance to Signal Maintainer within 12–24 months,

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Knowledge of electrical, electronic and microprocessor-based control systems preferred.
• Experience with analog and digital communication systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, diagnose, repair, and maintain signaling and communication equipment.
• Operate switch machines and local control panels.
• Record maintenance data and respond to emergencies according to guidelines.
• Maintain safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Electrical systems

Electronic systems

Microprocessor control

Analog & digital comms

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

DEFINITION

The Assistant Signal Maintainer is responsible for performing FRA and NCTD required signal system testing. They lead in the installation, repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance of various railroad signals and grade crossing warning devices and infrastructure to support the high-quality delivery of commuter, freight, and hybrid rail services along NCTD’s San Diego and Escondido Subdivisions. The Assistant Signal Maintainer ensures the railroad signal communication facilities and systems function to support safe and efficient rail operations and comply with the specifications and regulations of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and other regulatory and governing agencies. This is a bargained position represented by the Southwest Mountain States Regional Council of Carpenters (Carpenters) Union.

Description

The Assistant Signal Maintainer is responsible for performing FRA and NCTD required signal system testing. They lead in the installation, repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance of various railroad signals and grade crossing warning devices and infrastructure to support the high-quality delivery of commuter, freight, and hybrid rail services along NCTD’s San Diego and Escondido Subdivisions. The Assistant Signal Maintainer ensures the railroad signal communication facilities and systems function to support safe and efficient rail operations and comply with the specifications and regulations of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and other regulatory and governing agencies. This is a bargained position represented by the Southwest Mountain States Regional Council of Carpenters (Carpenters) Union.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position will be responsible for the inspection, testing and diagnostic analysis of NCTD’s grade crossing warning devices, wayside signal systems, and rail safety communication systems under the direction of other members of the Signal and Communications Department. This position will perform maintenance on railway signal and communications equipment such as track signals. Individuals hired into this position are expected to complete all requirements to support a promotion to Signal Maintainer, typically within 12 to 24 months of employment. This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and will participate in a random testing pool under those guidelines.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position reports to the Signal Manager and has no direct supervisory responsibility. This position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of the maintenance of signals team.

Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment are characteristic of a train, station, yard and maintenance environment; the essential functions and responsibilities of this position are performed in a field environment in various weather conditions around moving vehicles and equipment. This position works in assigned areas such as high places, support structures and poles and may include work on ladders, bridges, open track trestles and walking on uneven ground. The Signal Maintainer has frequent exposure to electrical, weather, mechanical and physical hazards and uses hand tools to perform a wide range of construction, installation, maintenance, and repair activities. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultant’s facilities, and other locations as required. Work hours will vary in length and schedule. Night, evening, and weekend work will be required.

Examples of Duties

Essential Functions

• Inspects, tests, modifies, maintains, and repairs all signal and communication related equipment including electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic equipment including grade crossings mechanisms, switch machines, power supplies, battery systems, CCTV, surveillance cameras, display systems, and other complex machinery and equipment.
• Conducts fault diagnosis.
• Troubleshoot malfunctions through download review and schematic interpretation.
• Build and dismantle signal crossing warning device equipment.
• Maintain, repair, and replace signal communication circuitry, systems, and components.
• Locates and repairs cables.
• Records and documents maintenance and diagnostic data.
• Responds to emergency calls as necessary and per operating guidelines.
• Determines work priorities for emergency maintenance tasks in the absence of on-site supervision.
• Operates switch machines manually and by local control panels under revenue and non-revenue conditions.
• Flag trackway to provide safe rail work zones and set up work zone traffic control areas.
• Operates assigned vehicles including hi-rail.
• Works in assigned areas such as utility support structures and poles under a variety of weather conditions.
• Works closely with NCTD Operations Control Center and follows instructions while working on or near the right-of-way.
• Assists other workers and divisions in routine and emergency situations affecting the safe movement of trains.
• Assists Maintenance of Way personnel as needed.
• Enters data into NCTD’s Maintenance Management Information System.
• Knows and adheres to NCTD, FRA and CPUC standards and regulations.
• References parts catalogues and other sources to determine correct parts for specific applications.
• References manufacturer schematics (manual and online) to resolve maintenance issues.
• Maintains work area in a clean and orderly fashion.
• Safely operates equipment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience/Education

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Knowledge of electrical, electronic and microprocessor-based control systems as well as analog and digital communication systems preferred.

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position may be considered.

Certificates/Licenses

• Ability to successfully complete a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) approved apprentice program resulting in certification of expertise in signal and train control inspection by the FRA.
• Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver’s license, Class C, with less than 6 points in the preceding 36-month period, and no DUI’s in the prior seven (7) years.
• Must be able to become and maintain GCOR Qualified on NCTD-owned railroad properties.
• Maintain compliance with the District’s policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics policies.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain annual access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.
• Must be able to become RWP Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties.

General Requirements

• Able to successfully complete NCTD Training program and post-training qualification period.
• Experience reading and understanding instructions (examples may include operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents)
• Ability to complete written forms and reports.
• Ability to effectively and accurately understand, interpret, reference, evaluate, organize, and record non-technical and technical information.
• Become qualified on territory and pass physical characteristics examinations.
• Must be capable of performing physically strenuous work on a continuous basis.
• Must be able to read and comprehend regulations and instructions as well as possess good verbal communication skills.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors and/or customers and effectively handle conflict situations.
• Ability to maintain alertness, awareness, and vigilance.
• Good oral and written communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions).

Supplemental Information

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Employee Must

• Be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information.
• Physically travel between District locations and other destinations.
• Work in hazardous conditions and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way.
• May be subject to fumes, odors, dust, gases, chemicals.
• Must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.
• Walk extensively on uneven surfaces.
• Continuous bending, stooping, and kneeling are required for this position.
• Lift/carry and push/pull equipment and other objects weighing 25 lbs. (frequently), 50 lbs. (occasionally), and 75 lbs. (infrequently).

Machines / Tools / Equipment

• Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.
• Ability to carry and operate a mobile device.

Application Information

All applicants must complete and submit an online application at www.gonctd.com/careers. A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check. NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NCTD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if NCTD is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right’s Department Fair Chance Act webpage.

The hourly rate of pay for this position is $42.06 per the Carpenters' Union Agreement.

Benefits

This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Southwest Regional Mountain States Carpeters Union. Benefits include the following:

Retirement

Carpenter’s Southwest Administrative Corporation manages the pension program. The current employee contribution rate for each payroll is shown below. Taxes are deferred to retirement. Contributions are paid up to all hours worked up to 2200 hours per calendar year.

Employee Contributions Per Hour

• Track Inspector $1.69
• Track Maintainer $2.24
• Track Welder $1.83
• Track Maintainer Foreman $1.90
• Material Handler $2.10
• Heavy Equipment Operator I $1.97
• Heavy Equipment Operator II $1.83
• Equipment Operator Foreman $1.83
• Assistant Signal Maintainer $1.89
• Signal Maintainer $1.58
• Signal Inspector $1.26
• Systems & Comms Tech $1.26

457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan

NCTD offers a Voluntary Deferred Compensation Savings Plan through VOYA Financial Services. Employees are eligible to enroll any time after the date of hire. The plan allows you to contribute pre-tax and/or post-tax dollars into selected funds of your choice. The plan also allows you to:

• Contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Catch-up plan for those 50+ of up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Is portable, can be rolled over into another qualified retirement plan
• Employer match into a 401(a) account (50% up to 8% of employee compensation; Max NCTD contribution of 4%

Medical Insurance

Carpenter’s Southwest Administrative Corporation offers two plans that include HMO and PPO plans to choose from: the Active Plan Coverage and the Bronze Plan Coverage.

• Active Plan (Gold) Coverage Includes:
• Coverage for employee AND eligible dependents
• Medical Coverage: PPO Copay Plan or Kaiser HMO Network
• Dental Coverage: DPPO with United Healthcare
• Vision Coverage: standard plan with United Healthcare
• Prescription Coverage
• Total cost per paycheck: $355.20 (pre-tax)
• Bronze Plan Coverage includes:
• Medical PPO Plan Only
• Total cost per paycheck Employee Only: $35.20 (pre-tax)
• Total cost per paycheck Employee + 1 dependent: $110.20 (pre-tax)
• Total cost per paycheck Employee + 2 or more dependents: $160.20 (pre-tax)
• (Optional with Bronze Plan Coverage) Dental Insurance: NCTD offers two different dental plans