Construction Safety Flagperson

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free transit pass for you and family

Incremental pay increases

Employer-paid holidays

DMV licensing assistance

Job summary

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is hiring a Flagperson (Construction Safety) for part-time, temporary work supporting 24/7 transit operations. The role requires full schedule flexibility—nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments—with outdoor, physically demanding duties in a safety-sensitive environment.

Under supervision, the Flagperson protects personnel and equipment on/near tracks, uses flags, lights and radios, and may perform Switch Tender, Watchperson, and Flagperson

Qualifications

• Ability to read, understand and apply written instructions and policies.
• Must successfully complete SDTI Roadway Worker Certification Course.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work in a safety-sensitive environment.

Responsibilities

• Briefing teammates before work and adapting to changing conditions.
• Monitor approaching trains and ensure track safety.
• Signal trains and coordinate with operators to ensure tracks are clear.

Skills

Safety procedures

Reading instructions

Shift flexibility

Communication skills

Education

SDTI Roadway Worker Certification

Tools

Two-way radio

Job description

Are you ready to start your career at MTS?

Please Review Before Applying

Flagpersons (Construction Safety) are hired as part-time, temporary employees in support of a 24/7 transit operation. This role requires full schedule flexibility, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments. Hours are not guaranteed and may vary based on operational needs.

Work is performed outdoors and can be physically demanding. This role is best suited for individuals who are dependable, flexible, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, safety-sensitive environment.

The Construction Safety Flagperson position is a great way to get your foot in the door at MTS. Many of our top Flagpersons are promoted into Train Operator and other full-time positions, or transition into other roles within the organization.

Application Review: Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis. Interviews are typically conducted on a weekly basis.

Position Summary

Under direction of the Assignments Supervisor, the Flagperson (Construction Safety) protects personnel and equipment while working on or near the tracks. The Flagperson (Construction Safety) uses various types of equipment, such as flags, whistles, discs, lights and two-way radios to ensure the safe passage of trains. The Flagperson (Construction Safety) duties primarily consist of three assignments, Switch Tender, Watchperson and Flagperson (Construction Safety). The Switch Tender manipulates switches and signals train operators when proper switch alignment is provided. The Watchperson is charged with monitoring approaching trains and alerting work crews to clear the track of personnel and equipment. The Flagperson (Construction Safety) conducts job safety briefings prior to work commencement and in the case of changing work conditions, monitors approaching trains, alerts work crews to clear the track of personnel and equipment and signals the train operator when the tracks are clear.

Essential Functions

• Conducts job briefings prior to work activity and conducts follow-up briefings any time new workers enter the job site, or if there is a change in working conditions or procedures.
• Monitors approaching trains and alerts work crews to clear the track of personnel and equipment.
• Signals train traffic to stop, reduce speed or proceed cautiously. Signals train operators when tracks are safe and clear for the train to proceed.
• Mounts discs to poles and secures disc with bungee cords.
• Manipulates switches which allow trains to move onto another track.
• Communicates with a hand-held two-way radio.
• Uses various types of equipment, such as flags, whistles, discs, lights and radios to ensure the safe passage of trains.
• Washes non-revenue vehicles on a weekly basis.
• Performs other tasks as may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

What we are looking for in a candidate: Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations; ability to read, understand and apply written instructions, MTS policies, regulations and union labor contracts; ability to write letters, memoranda, and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English; ability to speak clearly, distinctly, and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy; ability to maintain and successfully complete assignments without detailed instructions; strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to multi-task; skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports; ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel; ability to establish and maintain priorities; ability to exercise prudent and timely judgment in normal and emergency situations; ability to stand for long periods of time; must have a flexible schedule and be available to work on days, nights, weekends and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• The successful candidate must be able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as walking, climbing stairs, stooping, sitting, bending, reaching overhead and lifting (must be able to lift 50 pounds unaided).
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, often on uneven ground, and work outdoors in inclement weather conditions.
• Must be able to carry an equipment bag, mount discs to poles, wave flags, throw switches and wear black or dark brown work boots with closed toes.
• Must be able to perform tasks involving manual dexterity such as use of a computer and 10-key.
• Work may at times require more than 8 hours per day, travel, variable shifts, or require irregular hours to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Must have good eyesight and the ability to maintain constant alertness under tedious circumstances.
• Duties will be performed primarily in an outdoor environment.

Experience/Education/Certificates/License(s)

• Must successfully complete the SDTI Roadway Worker Certification Course and annual recertification sessions.

General

• Must satisfactorily pass all applicable examinations including, but not limited to, a pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check.

Hourly Pay: $23.61

MTS offers competitive benefits including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, paid time off, retirement plans, and wellness programs.

Additional Perks And Benefits Include

• Incremental pay increases
• Employer-paid holidays
• Employer-paid DMV licensing (if additional licensing is required for the position)
• Free transit pass for you and your family
• Gym membership reimbursement
• Walk, run, and bike event reimbursement
• Employer-paid bereavement leave and jury duty
• Employer-paid uniforms
• And much more!

DISCLAIMER

The above described job elements are intended to indicate the general nature and levels of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required of employees so classified. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

EEO is The Law - Equal Employer Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

MTS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer with an ongoing commitment to treat all people, including customers, co-workers and the public at large, with dignity and respect. As a public transportation agency, MTS is committed to providing an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities in which we work and live.

MTS supports and promotes an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. MTS recruits, hires, trains and promotes individuals without regard to race, such as hair texture and hairstyles), color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age (40 years or older), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition (cured or rehabilitated cancer), physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decision-making, genetic information (including family medical history), military or veteran status, or any other protected class.

MTS encourages veterans, military spouses and people from different backgrounds to apply for open positions for which they are interested. Additionally, MTS employees are encouraged to refer qualified candidates from all backgrounds and age groups. At MTS, we are committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.