Rail Vehicle Inspection Technician

Valley Metro RPTA; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Valley Metro RPTA in Phoenix, AZ is seeking a Rail Vehicle Inspector to ensure operational readiness by inspecting, servicing, and staging rail vehicles. This safety‑sensitive role requires a high school diploma or GED and at least 1 year of related experience.

The anticipated starting pay rate is between $25.22 and $31.52 per hour; actual rate will reflect skills, education, and internal equity considerations. The position involves drug testing and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with 1 year of related inspection/maintenance experience.
• Rail transit maintenance and preventative maintenance experience preferred.
• Equivalent education/experience considered; no substitution of additional education for experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspections, light preventative maintenance, and minor repairs of rail vehicles.
• Monitor components and systems needing diagnosis or repair.
• Maintain work records and inspection forms.
• Cross-train and assist other employees.
• Move rail vehicles for cleaning and inspection as needed.
• Stock supplies and dispose of fluids safely.

Skills

Rail vehicle inspections

Preventive maintenance

Documentation and records

Cross-functional support

Complex inspections

Reading diagrams

Fluid handling

Safety practices

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Summary

Shift differential offered for 2nd and 3rd shifts

Purpose Of Role

Ensure operational readiness and mechanical reliability of vehicles by inspecting, servicing and staging rail vehicles.

This position is designated as safety-sensitive and is subject to the Valley Metro RPTA’s Drug and Alcohol Program.

The anticipated starting pay rate is between ($25.22) and midpoint ($31.52) of the range. It’s essential to note that the actual hourly rate offered will be determined based on several factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, training and internal equity considerations.

Human Resources reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to the selection process

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED and one (1) year of experience in:
• Vehicle or other types of inspection and repair
• Rail transit maintenance
• Preventative maintenance services
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Additional education cannot be substituted for experience

Licensing, Certification And Other Requirements

• Background investigation
• Job-related medical examination
• Pre-employment drug test. This safety-sensitive position is subject to Valley Metro RPTA's Drug and Alcohol Program in accordance with applicable federal regulations and agency policy
• Valid Arizona driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under Valley Metro's Vehicle Insurance Policy

Examples Of Duties / Knowledge & Skills

The following functions are intended to provide a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of this position and are not an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed.

• Perform inspections, light preventative maintenance, and minor repairs of rail vehicles
• Monitor and identify components and systems requiring diagnosis or repair

Maintain work records, maintenance and hour logs, parts requests, vehicle inspection forms/reports and other documentation

Cross-train and assist other employees

When trained, complete complex inspections (e.g., quarterly inspections) and disassemble components for inspection

When qualified, move rail vehicles between stage yard and platforms for cleaning and inspection; and stage inspected vehicles according to route service and departure schedule

Stock fire cabinets and cleaning supplies; and properly dispose of used fluids and lubricants to ensure a safe and efficient working area

Perform other duties of similar nature and level as assigned

Required Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge of:

• Basic understanding of rail vehicle or other types of inspection routines and methodologies
• General light preventative maintenance processes
• Understanding of inspection documentation and recordkeeping practices
• Fundamental fluid and lubricant handling theories
• Using a computer and related software
• Detailed understanding of safe work practices

Skill In

• Performing rail vehicle or other inspections
• Identifying systems needing repair
• Documenting maintenance records clearly
• Assisting cross-functional staff
• Completing complex inspections
• Interpreting, reading and comprehending manuals and diagrams
• Stocking supplies and disposing of fluids
• Communication and interpersonal skills to exchange information and receive work direction

Physical Demands / Work Environment

Work is performed in outdoor and vehicle settings with routine use of inspection, maintenance, and repair equipment. Work requires standing, walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and working around rail vehicles and equipment. Duties may involve responding to operational or emergency situations, working irregular schedules, overtime, and noisy outdoor environments. Frequently lifts and/or moves up to 10 pounds, occasionally lifts and/or moves 10 to 25 pounds, and occasionally lifts and/or moves 50 to 100 pounds.

Work involves exposure to moving mechanical equipment, electrical hazards, noise, vibration, extreme temperatures, chemicals, wet or humid conditions, communicable diseases, and other hazards associated with rail operations.

Valley Metro is a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer