Light Rail Signals Technician - Field Maintenance Pro

Metro Transit; El Segundo (CA); On-site; Full time

Job description

Work for Metro Transit and receive a $4,000 Hiring Bonus!

• $2,000 after the first 30 days of employment, and
• $2,000 after successfully completing a probationary period.

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services.

Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region

Metro Transit, a division of the Metropolitan Council, is currently looking for a Signals Technician with a strong work ethic and interest to provide and maintain quality maintenance on Metro Transit's Light Rail signal systems. Signal Technicians perform testing, maintenance, repair, and installation of electronic systems and equipment associated with Light Rail wayside signal systems and subsystems.

The successful candidate for this position must be able to work independently and be a self-starter. Up to 60% of the work is performed outside in a field service type setting in all types of weather (i.e., in the Right-of-Way or in a Signal/Communications house). We are seeking candidates with strong electrical-mechanical backgrounds.

Hourly Pay Range

For candidates newly hired into the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) contract, starting wage is set by the ATU contract. Internal hires will follow Metropolitan Council's union wage guidelines.

Hire: $40.79 hourly

After year one: $43.05 (based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2024)

After year two: $45.32 (Subject to contract change, based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2024)

Shift differential of five percent (5%) for all hours worked in a shift scheduled to end between 8:00 PM and 11:59 PM, and seven percent (7%) for all hours worked in a shift scheduled to end between 12:00 AM and 7:00 AM and/or scheduled to start between the hours of 10:00 PM and 3:00 AM

Work shifts include first, second, and third shifts, and could include weekend and holidays. All shifts and days off are picked by seniority order. Future work shifts may include additional shifts to meet future business needs.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

*This recruitment will establish a six (6) month Eligibility List for current and future vacancies.

Responsibilities

• Install, inspect, maintain, repair, replace or modify electronic and electrical components and defective parts for Light Rail Transit (LRT) wayside signaling system equipment. The list of equipment includes but is not limited to all electrically operated track switches, interlocking signals, track circuits, signal house equipment, signaling equipment, and grade crossing.
• Respond to service emergencies, to provide troubleshooting and repair of all electronic, electromechanical equipment of wayside LRT systems.
• Repair electrical, electronic, mechanical and hydraulic systems of LRT wayside signaling equipment.
• Operate various vehicles and equipment associated with maintenance and repair of LRT wayside signaling system equipment.
• Prepare various activity status reports or attend safety and training meetings.
• Preventative maintenance work and plan.
• Other duties as assigned or apparent.

Any of the following combinations of experience (in communications control systems, railway signal and train control systems, aircraft maintenance, mechanic skillset, military technical background, or power generation/distribution technician) and completed education (in electrical/electronic technology).

• High school diploma/GED and four (4) years of experience.
• Associate degree or two (2) year college or vocational school program and two (2) years or more of related work experience.

License Requirement

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Currently holds or have the ability to get class A commercial driver's license with combination vehicle, air brake, and general knowledge endorsements within 21 days of hire. If you do not currently have a class A commercial driver's license, you must be able to obtain the written permit PRIOR to start date and then Metro Transit will train and license you upon you successfully passing the road test.
• Ability to pass physical examinations, Rail Operations Rule Book and physical agility examinations and successfully complete Systems Annual Rules Training Program for Maintenance Personnel.

What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job

• Knowledge of analog and digital electronics and electronic control circuits.
• Knowledge of AC/DC electrical systems, principles of analog and digital electronics, electronic control circuitry and associated mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic systems, testing and inspection methods/tools.
• Knowledge and experience with safety practices as they pertain to electronic systems.
• Communication skills using tact, courtesy and cooperation in dealings with others where the primary purpose is the exchange of information.
• Ability to use test equipment, basic hand and power tools and special equipment used to maintain LRT wayside electronic and electromechanical system.
• Ability to read schematics and blueprints for electrical and electronic control.
• Ability to become trained and forklift certified.
• Ability to analyze malfunction in electrical, electronic and electro-mechanical systems and determine repair.
• Ability to read English and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak and understand English.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Internal ATU candidates must have a good work record in order to be eligible for transfer.
• Ability to pass DOT physical examination, Rail Operations Rule Book and physical agility examinations.

What you can expect from us

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through company-based training. Metro Transit offers tuition reimbursement for related education courses.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits including pension plan through Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) and a good work/life balance.

Union/Grade: Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) / Wage Class 77

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Safety Sensitive: Yes. Subject to random DOT drug tests

Physical Requirements

This position requires lifting up to fifty pounds and up to one hundred pounds with assistance. Standing, walking, sitting, talking, or hearing; using hand to finger, handle or feel; climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and may be required to enter confined spaces, reaching with hands and arms are required for this position.

What your work environment will be

Must be able to work first, second, or third shift, and weekends depending upon seniority. Work is performed in an indoor and outdoor setting. Must work in extreme warm and cold outdoor weather conditions. This position works near moving parts or equipment and works in high precarious places.

What steps the recruitment process involves

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We review Work Record Evaluation (Internal ATU employees only).
3. We rate your education and experience.
4. We conduct a structured panel interview.

Signals Technicians (new hire or transfer) must:

Commit to Rail Maintenance for at least two years of service following successful completion of training.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test, physical, and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affinity Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email [e-mail].