Track Equipment Operator (External)

Bay Area Rapid Transit; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Bay Area Rapid Transit seeks Track-Equipment Operators to maintain and repair rail infrastructure across the system. You will operate high-rail and heavy equipment, support track crews, and transport gear to job sites while adhering to strict safety rules.

Ideal candidates have a year of relevant experience, a high school diploma, and the ability to obtain necessary licenses within stated timeframes. The role requires flexibility for non-standard schedules, including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Must have strong safety awareness and ability to work in a safety-sensitive crew.
• Experience with track maintenance procedures and equipment is preferred.
• Ability to identify equipment defects and perform basic maintenance as needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate high-rail vehicles and heavy equipment to support track maintenance crews.
• Transport equipment to and from work sites and assist with installing rails, ties, switches, and fastenings.
• Maintain clean and safe work sites; report maintenance needs to Foreworker.
• Read diagrams and specifications to determine measurements; follow safety rules.

Skills

Heavy equipment

Track maintenance

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Situational awareness

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Cranes

High-rail vehicles

Job description

Pay Rate

SEIU Salary Grade 301 Step 76 (Minimum) $43.57/hour - Step 99 (Maximum) $56.96/hour External candidates will start at Step 76.

Reports To

Section Manager of Track Maintenance

Days Off

Variable

Who May Apply

Qualified individuals who are not yet BART employees

Current Assignment

This announcement will be used to establish a list of eligible candidates for vacancies that may occur within the next twelve (12) months.

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) is seeking highly-motivated and skilled individuals to join its team as Track-Equipment Operators. This position is ideal for individuals who take pride in hands-on work, enjoy operating heavy equipment, and want to build a stable, long-term career maintaining one of the nation's most visible public transit systems.

In this assignment, the Track Equipment Operator works as part of a highly skilled Track Maintenance team responsible for construction, renewal, inspection, and repair of BART's rail infrastructure throughout the system. This is a critical safety-sensitive role that directly supports BART's ability to provide safe, reliable service to the Bay Area.

Under general supervision, Track Equipment Operators are entrusted with the safe and efficient operation of high-rail vehicles and specialized on- and off-road heavy equipment used in track maintenance activities. Work is performed in dynamic environments, often during non-revenue hours, requiring strict adherence to safety rules, roadway worker protection requirements, and regulatory standards. Operators must demonstrate strong situational awareness, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively as part of a crew in time-sensitive conditions.

Key responsibilities include operating and transporting high-rail vehicles, trucks, cranes, and specialized maintenance equipment; supporting track crews with the removal and replacement of rails, ties, fastenings, switches, and turnouts; maintaining clean and safe work sites; and identifying potential equipment issues requiring maintenance or repair. Successful candidates will bring a strong mechanical aptitude, commitment to safety, and the flexibility to work varied schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments.

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

• Safe and efficient operation of heavy construction or maintenance equipment
• Knowledge of track maintenance principles, rail safety practices, and roadway worker protection
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to identify equipment defects or irregularities
• Compliance with safety rules, procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Effective communication and teamwork in a safety-sensitive crew-based environment
• Problem-solving and decision-making under time-sensitive conditions
• Dependability, adaptability, and willingness to work non-standard schedule

1. Operates varied high-rail vehicles used to transport equipment, supplies and employees to various work sites.
2. Operates specialized rail settings, maneuvering repair equipment and common heavy on- and off-road heavy construction equipment including trucks and cranes to support the work of track maintenance crews. Transports equipment to and from the work site as required.
3. Assists track maintenance crews in removing and replacing track fastenings, ties, joints, switches, turnouts and rails.
4. Cleans and clears debris, weeds, shrubbery, dead animals and other trash and obstructions from tracks and associated wayside; uses appropriate hand or power equipment.
5. Reads diagrams and specifications to determine appropriate measurements.
6. Cleans up work site after completion of assigned work; maintains tools, vehicles and equipment in a clean and orderly condition; reports the need for additional maintenance or repair to Foreworker.

Education

Possession of a High School Diploma, GED, or recognized equivalent.

Experience

One (1) year of (full-time equivalent) verifiable track maintenance experience, which will have provided a familiarity with track maintenance procedures, equipment and supplies. At least six months (6) of that year must have included the operation of a variety of heavy construction equipment or on-rail railroad equipment, preferably in a maintenance-related setting. Experience in operating specialized heavy equipment related to the maintenance and repair of heavy rails is desirable.

Other Requirements

Must have the ability to obtain Class A permit within the first 60 days of employment or promotion.

Must obtain Class A driver's license within the first 120 days of employment or promotion.

A valid California Class A driver's license is preferred.

Must have a satisfactory driving record

Must obtain and maintain District certification to operate heavy equipment.

Must have physical capability to: walk, climb, stoop, bend, crawl, twist, work in confined spaces, work underground, work at heights up to 200 ft., walk on uneven surfaces and climb into vehicles with steps up to 25 inches from the ground in close clearances.

Must climb and work from a ladder, perform strenuous physical labor both indoors and outdoors.

Must wear a respirator, work in a dusty environment subject to fumes and noise levels in the proximity of live voltage.

Must be willing to work on-call, weekends and off-hours shifts.

Knowledge of

Operational characteristics and minor maintenance requirements of specialized equipment used in the installation.

Maintenance and repair of heavy rails and appurtenances.

Operational characteristics and minor maintenance requirements of varied heavy and light construction equipment.

Track maintenance procedures, methods, supplies, tools and equipment.

Proper use and care of hand and power tools and equipment; safe working practices and techniques.

Skill in

Operating specialized high-railed equipment skillfully and safely.

Operating and transporting heavy construction and track maintenance equipment skillfully and safely.

Using hand tools and power equipment to perform semi-skilled track maintenance and repair work.

Following oral and written directions.

Working independently without immediate supervision.

Working cooperatively with others in a crew.

Reading and working from blueprints, drawings and schematics.