Structures Welder SEIU (External Only)

Bay Area Rapid Transit; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Bay Area Rapid Transit seeks a skilled Structures Welder to perform high-quality field welding and fabrication across District facilities and wayside structures. You will weld arc, MIG, TIG, and gas all while reading blueprints and welding symbols and preparing materials for repair.

The role requires independence and teamwork, use of cranes and rigging, and occasional night/weekend shifts. Candidates should have an apprenticeship in welding and at least one year of related experience, with

Qualifications

• Completion of an apprenticeship in welding.
• One year of experience in combination welding is preferred.
• Heavy rail welding and repair experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Performs arc, MIG, TIG and gas welding on structural elements such as grating, doors, stairs, gates, and platforms.
• Reads diagrams and prints and discusses work with supervisor or foreworker.
• Determines necessary approach, tools and equipment and transports them to the work site.
• Operates a high-rail vehicle to reach job locations.
• Prepares surfaces to be welded by cutting, chipping, shaping and sanding.
• Uses a micrometer and other measuring devices to determine measurements.
• Roughs out and fabricates parts to effect repairs.
• Adjusts welding equipment and brazing/soldering gear as needed.
• Grinds, smoothes and finishes welded surfaces.
• Performs shop work to fabricate repair parts for field placement.
• May perform specialized welding on vehicles, pipes, and other surfaces and work from scaffolds.

Skills

Precision field welding

Reading blueprints/welding symbols

Fabricating structural components

Safe operation of welding equipment

Safety standards adherence

Teamwork and independence

Record keeping

Education

Welding apprenticeship

Tools

Overhead crane

Forklift

High-rail vehicle operation

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 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.

Highly Developed Competencies

• 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

Responsibilities

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.

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.