Telephone Line Worker

chicagotransit; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 88,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is seeking a skilled technician to install and maintain CTA-owned communication systems across the rail network. The role covers fiber and copper cables, telephone systems, public address, digital signage, and IP-based infrastructure, ensuring reliable operations in stations, yards, and garages.

Candidates must have hands‑on experience with fiber optics, copper lines, splicing, conduit work, and reading blueprints.

Qualifications

• Must have formal training or working knowledge of analog, digital, and IP-based communications systems.
• Must have knowledge of physical fiber optic cable systems and fusion splicing.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Installs, repairs, and maintains overhead, ground level and underground copper and fiber optic lines.
• Maintains conduit, cableways, junction boxes, splice enclosures and cable drops in rail facilities.
• Maintains CTA telephone switches, instruments and lines in bus garages, stations and remote rooms.
• Maintains Public Address and Digital Signage Systems in rail stations and yards.
• Assists contractors and vendors in repairs and new installations.
• Responsible for maintaining the CTA optical network and supporting infrastructure.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills

Electrical test equipment

Fiber/copper splicing

Blueprint reading

Conduit work

Effective communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Communications systems knowledge

Fiber optic systems

Driver's license

Tools

Bucket truck

Job description

Salary

$67.18

Position Summary

Installs and maintains CTA owned system-wide fiber optic and copper communication cable systems, telephone systems, public address systems, digital signage systems, IP-based systems, backup power systems, and all supporting infrastructure.

Primary Responsibilities

• Installs, repairs, and maintains overhead, ground level and underground telephone and data communication copper and fiber optic lines.
• Installs and maintains conduit, cableways, junction boxes, splice enclosures and cable drops on the rail right-of-way, in subways, rail stations, bus garages, and other various facilities.
• Installs and maintains CTA owned telephone switches, instruments and lines in bus garages and rail shops, stations and remotely located communication equipment rooms.
• Installs and maintains Public Address and Digital Signage Systems located in rail stations and rail yards.
• Assists contractors and vendors in repairs and new installations of equipment installed or maintained by others.
• Responsible for maintaining the CTA’soptical network system and supporting infrastructure installed at various locations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Reporting to this position are the following jobs:

• Job Title

Challenges

None listed.

Education/Experience Requirements

• Must have formal training or working knowledge of analog, digital, and IP-based communications systems including telephone systems, public address systems, digital signage systems, and uninterruptible power systems..
• Must have formal training or working knowledge of physical fiber optic cable systems, including singlemode, multimode, fusion splicing, mechanical splicing, termination, connectors, indoor installation,outdoor installation,
• Required to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to operate an Authority or personal vehicle.

Physical Requirements

• Must have good hearing and vision, including color recognition.
• Must be physically fit in order to climb ladders, stairs, poles, walk elevated structures, right-of-ways, subways, enter manholes and walk underground tunnels or pass ways.
• Must be able to lift, maneuver and carry material weight up to 100 pounds.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces in a standing, kneeling or bending positions for extended amount of time.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work with gauges, hand tools, digital and analog volt, ohm and amp meters, tone generators, lineman test sets, tone generators and oscilloscopes.
• Ability to splice, terminate and repair outside plant fiber and copper cables.
• Ability to read and interpret blue prints, wiring diagrams and schematic drawings.
• Ability to cut and form conduit, and trace and troubleshoot communication wire.
• Ability to write and express oneself in a clear, logical and comprehensive manner.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with various levels of Authority personnel.

Working Conditions

• Exposed to dirt, loud noise, various light and weather conditions.
• Works in close proximity to energized third rail (600 VDC), moving trains and vehicular street traffic.
• Subject to call out anytime of day or night, especially in emergency situations.
• Required to submit to and pass drug and alcohol testing as mandated by the Federal Transportation Administration.
• Required to work from a ladder, bucket truck or other lift type equipment.
• Required to climb ladders, stairs, poles, walk elevated structures, right-of-ways, subways, enter manholes and walk underground tunnels or pass ways.

Equipment, Tools, and Materials Utilized

• Bucket truck and related equipment.

Employees and Union Consideration

Employees and/or union members will be given priority consideration in the hiring process, per the applicable labor contracts.

Rate

Rate to be determined by applicant's entered service date and service date in union jurisdiction of this classification.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws; except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for our workforce and supporting the communities we serve. CTA will make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact [e-mail] prior to the submission of your application or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with you to determine if an accommodation can be provided.

Benefits

https://www.transitchicago.com/hrbenefits/