Structures Welder SEIU (External Only)

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART); Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) in Oakland seeks skilled welders to join a team responsible for field welding and fabrication across District facilities and wayside structures.

Under supervision, incumbents perform arc, MIG, TIG and gas welding on steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other metals, read blueprints and welding symbols, and work in varied field conditions including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Completion of an apprenticeship in welding and one year of experience in combination welding.

Responsibilities

• Perform precision arc, MIG, TIG and gas welding on structural elements such as grating, doors, stairs, platforms.

Skills

Field welding

Blueprint interpretation

Surface preparation

Welding symbols

Measuring with micrometer

Reading diagrams

Teamwork

Record keeping

Education

Welding apprenticeship

Tools

Overhead crane

High-rail vehicle operation

Micrometer

Rigging equipment

Job description

Pay Rate

Hourly rate: $43.57 (Step 76) - $56.96 (Step 99)

External candidates will start at Step 76

Reports To

Variable

Days Off

Variable

Who May Apply

All future BART Employees

Current Assignment

This announcement will be used to establish an eligibility list of qualified candidates.

Are you a skilled welder looking for meaningful, hands‑on work that keeps the community moving? This opportunity allows skilled professionals to apply their craft where it truly matters—maintaining and strengthening the infrastructure behind one of the nation’s leading transit systems.

The incumbent will be a part of a highly skilled team responsible for performing high-quality field welding and fabrication across District facilities and wayside structures. Under general supervision, Structures Welders independently perform a full range of welding techniques, including arc, MIG, TIG, and gas welding, on key structural components such as platforms, stairways, gates, grating, and other critical infrastructure.

The position offers technically challenging and rewarding work, including preparing and fabricating materials for repair, interpreting blueprints and welding symbols, selecting the appropriate tools for each assignment, and completing welding work in a variety of field conditions. Duties may also include operating high‑rail vehicles, cranes, and rigging equipment, as well as performing repairs in elevated or confined spaces, providing variety and opportunities for continuous skill development.

Successful candidates will possess a strong technical welding background, a dedication to safety, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative crew. Flexibility is key, as this position supports varied shifts, including nights and weekends, as well as emergency response situations essential to keeping the system operating reliably.

The most qualified candidates for this position will have highly developed competencies beyond the minimum qualifications in the following areas, which will be reinforced with related work experience and clearly articulated during the selection process:

• Performing precision field welding across a variety of metals (steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.)
• Reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and welding symbols
• Fabricating and repairing structural components in field conditions
• Safely operating tools, equipment, and vehicles used in welding operations
• Applying safety standards and properly using protective equipment
• Problem‑solving and adapting to changing field conditions
• Maintaining accurate records of work performed
• Working effectively both independently and within a team

1. Performs precision arc, MIG, TIG and gas welding on such structural elements as grating, doors, stairs, gates, and platforms, which include steel, stainless steel, iron, aluminum, and sheet metal welding.
2. Reads diagrams and prints and discusses work to be performed with the supervisor or foreworker.
3. Determines necessary approach, tools and equipment and loads them on a vehicle for transportation on the work site.
4. Operates a high‑rail vehicle to reach the job location.
5. Prepares surfaces to be welded by cutting, chipping, shaping and sanding.
6. Uses a micrometer and other measuring devices to determine measurements.
7. Roughs out and fabricates appropriate parts to effect repairs.
8. Adjusts and uses welding, brazing and soldering equipment.
9. Grinds, smoothes and finishes welding surfaces.
10. Performs shop work as required to fabricate repair parts for field placement.
11. Performs specialized welding as required on vehicles, pressurized pipes, and other surfaces to effect repair; may work from scaffolds to accomplish required welding.
12. Sets up rigging to move heavy objects in preparation for welding.
13. Uses an overhead or mobile crane, forklift and other equipment and vehicles as required to complete work.
14. Cleans sumps, digs trenches, and otherwise exposed areas to be welded.
15. Completes records of work performed and materials used.
16. Reports the need for additional maintenance to the foreworker.
17. Maintains a supply of welding gasses, rods, tools and safety equipment and notifies supervisor of the need for replacements as needed.

The selected candidate must demonstrate a work history reflecting reliability and dependability and may be required to provide copies of certificates, diplomas, or other documentation required by law, including proof of authorization to work in the United States, and pass a pre‑employment medical examination which includes a drug screen, which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre‑employment processing will also include a background check. This requirement does not apply to current full‑time District employees unless the position requires additional evaluations or clearances.

Completion of an apprenticeship in welding and one year of experience in combination welding. Heavy rail welding and repair experience are desirable.

Other Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid California Class A driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.

Must be able to obtain and maintain District certification for the operation of high‑rail vehicles.

Must be able to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and have sufficient mobility to walk, climb and stoop to perform work.

Must be willing to work off hours shifts.

Knowledge of

• Methods and techniques of arc, gas, MIG and TIG welding, particularly as applied to field situations.
• Types of welding rods and materials and their applications. Types of welding gasses and mixtures.
• Storage and handling requirements of various types of welding rods.
• Safety practices pertaining to the work, including the use of eye, respiratory and hand protection.

Skill in

• Performing field welding of steel, iron, aluminum and other metals.
• Preparing surfaces to achieve effective welds.
• Grinding, smoothing and finishing welded surfaces.
• Treating and tempering metals.
• Fabricating parts to effect field welding repairs.
• Using precision measuring devices accurately.
• Readingand interpreting diagrams, blueprints, written instructions and welding symbols. Working independently or in a crew situation.
• Keeping basic written records of work performed.