RAIL - LEADER MECHANIC

Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A metropolitan transportation agency in Buffalo, NY seeks a skilled Communications Technician to oversee and repair communications systems integral to the Metro operation. Responsibilities include supervising subordinates, conducting tests, and ensuring safety standards are met, with training in electrical theory required. This role involves on-site and outdoor work, addressing physical and technical challenges in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Must possess qualifications for subordinate classifications.
• Must demonstrate high skill in wiring diagrams and schematics.
• Must be proficient in troubleshooting and repairing communications systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct tests and repairs on communications systems.
• Supervise subordinates to ensure tasks are completed correctly.
• Perform periodic inspections and maintain records.

Skills

Reading cable diagrams

Using electrical test equipment

Expressing ideas effectively

Education

Graduation from an accredited high school

Two years of formal training in electrical/electronic theory

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Voltmeters

Job description

WORK OBJECTIVE

The job involves the preparation, performance and completion of any type of assigned work done by the Communications subsection at any location connected with the operation of the Metro system. It principally consists of reading and interpreting instruction sheets, blueprints and wiring diagrams; analyzing defects in vehicle, wayside, yard and shop, and Operations Control Center communications systems, parts and mechanisms; setting up equipment for and conducting tests; making repairs, replacements and adjustments with a minimum of direct supervision; observing for and reporting of unsafe or irregular conditions; exercising sound judgment relative to all aspects of assigned duties; and the protecting of Company property.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

• Must be able to wear & utilize all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Accept responsibility for the operation of the section on any shift at any time when so directed by the Communications Supervisor.
• Assign work duties and supervise subordinates to ensure that work is performed correctly, completely, and in a timely fashion.
• Identify defective, unserviceable or deterioration conditions in communications systems, units, or parts; diagnose the cause of such conditions; and determine the extent of required adjustments, repairs and/or replacements.
• Fully understand the principles, methods and procedures applicable to UHF radio, telephone, closed circuit television, intercom, and safety precautions regarding work of the same.
• Understand and be proficient in using complex electrical test equipment, including but not limited to oscilloscopes, ammeters, ohmmeters, voltmeters, and ultrasonic detection devices.
• Test, repair or replace vehicle, wayside, yard and shop, and OCC communications systems or components, including but not limited to UHF radio transmitters, receivers, repeaters and antenna cables; administrative and emergency telephone systems; closed circuit television cameras, transmission and control equipment, and monitors; Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) wiring and devices; area audio logging devices; station public address and intercom systems.
• Test troubleshoot and repair defects in complex communications wiring systems.
• Perform periodic inspections and preventive maintenance on communications systems and components, and properly maintain records of the same.
• Be able to make emergency repairs to vehicle, wayside, or OCC communications equipment in order to maintain service to the public with a minimum of delay and inconvenience.
• Perform all of the work assigned as duties for any jobs in subordinates or comparable classifications and perform all duties with a speed and accuracy satisfactory to Company management.
• Accept instructions and work assignments required to qualify for other classifications.
• Develop knowledge of Company policies pertaining to the work involved.
• Explain, instruct and demonstrate to others all job details, methods and procedures when directed to do so by supervisory personnel.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

Must possess all qualifications required to work in subordinate classifications and perform all duties with a speed and accuracy satisfactory to supervisory authorities. Must develop knowledge of and enforce compliance with company policies pertaining to the work and workforce involved. Must be able to demonstrate a high level of skill in reading cable diagrams, wiring diagrams, logic circuits, and schematics. Must be able to express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Tasks involve the intermittent performance of physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of bending, squatting, reaching, kneeling, climbing ladders, twisting, rotating and/or crawling. May also involve lifting (10-50+ pounds), carrying (10-50 pounds), pushing and/or pulling (5-50 pounds) materials and/or equipment. Job involves standing 3 hours at a time for four hours per day, sitting for one hour per day and walking one hour at a time for two hours per day.

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

60% of time is spent inside, 40% of time is spent outside, exposing employee to natural environmental conditions. Work exposes employees to fumes, dust, gases, odors and mist. Employee is also exposed to noise, vibration, hazards (slip and fall, chemicals) and motorized vehicles.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited high school and have two years of formal training in advanced electrical/electronic theory, including digital logic, analog integrated circuitry, and CRT circuitry, and two years’ experience in the maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of modern communications systems. Must be able to wear & utilize all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

NOTE

TO APPLY: Send NFTA employment application, resume and cover letter specifying the job number 142-25-N to: NFTA Human Resources 181 Ellicott Street Buffalo, NY 14203 or email to: [e-mail]

OTHER

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply