Track Equipment Operator (External)

BART; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Bay Area Rapid Transit invites applications for Track-Equipment Operators to join the Track Maintenance team. This hands-on role focuses on safe operation of high-rail vehicles and heavy equipment to support rail construction, renewal, inspection, and repair across the system.

Candidates must be prepared for non-revenue hours, nights, weekends, and on-call shifts, bring a strong mechanical aptitude, and commit to safety standards, teamwork, and reliable performance in a critical public transit

Qualifications

• One year of verifiable track maintenance experience with exposure to track procedures and equipment.
• At least six months operating heavy construction or on-rail equipment.
• Experience with maintenance and repair of heavy rails is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Operate and transport high-rail vehicles and heavy equipment to support track crews.
• Assist with removal and replacement of rails, ties, switches and related components.
• Maintain clean, safe work sites and report maintenance needs.
• Read diagrams and specs to determine measurements and procedures.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Rail maintenance

Safety compliance

Blueprints & schematics

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Marketing Statement

Ride BART to a satisfying career that lets you both: 1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and 2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program.

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

We seek highly-motivated and skilled individuals to join our team as Track-Equipment Operators. This position is ideal for those 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.

• 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

Examples of Duties

• Operates varied high-rail vehicles used to transport equipment, supplies and employees to various work sites.
• 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.
• Assists track maintenance crews in removing and replacing track fastenings, ties, joints, switches, turnouts and rails.
• Cleans and clears debris, weeds, shrubbery, dead animals and other trash and obstructions from tracks and associated wayside; uses appropriate hand or power equipment.
• Reads diagrams and specifications to determine appropriate measurements.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

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 And Skills

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and above), religion, national origin (including language use restrictions), disability (mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), ancestry, marital status, military status, veteran status, medical condition (cancer/genetic characteristics and information), or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

The BART Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities or for religious reasons. Please advise the Human Resources Department of any special needs in advance of the examination by emailing at least 5 days before your examination date at [e-mail].

Qualified veterans may be eligible to obtain additional veteran's credit in the selection process for this recruitment (effective Jan. 1, 2013). To obtain the credit, veterans must attach to the application a DD214 discharge document or proof of disability and complete/submit the Veteran's Preference Application no later than the closing date of the posting. For more information about this credit please go to the Veteran's Preference Policy and Application link at www.bart.gov/jobs.