Track Worker (A)

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); Hempfield Township (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 58,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Commuting assistance

Health insurance

Pension plans

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance programs

Discount programs

Job summary

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is seeking a track maintenance worker to construct and maintain track infrastructure to a state of good repair on the Long Island Rail Road system.

The role involves heavy lifting, outdoor work in all weather, and using sledge hammers, ballast forks, and other heavy tools while coordinating with heavy machinery in tunnels and on bridges. A valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Must have a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent (GED or TASC) approved by a State’s Department of Education or recognized accredited organization.
• Recent experience with landscaping, construction work where heavy lifting, digging, moving materials, machine work and other relative physical activities are the predominant requirement, preferably in an outdoor environment.
• Ability to use sledge hammers, ballast forks (pitch fork), lining bars, Jacks & other basic heavy tools.
• Ability to lift, carry and be involved in outdoor physical activity in all weather conditions.
• Ability to demonstrate moving track materials and digging within a track environment.
• Must possess satisfactory work records including attendance, safety and discipline.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Perform track maintenance and construction work, which includes:
• Using heavy tools for spiking, drilling & installing Track Components
• Heavy digging in large stone (ballast) and using heavy duty jacks
• Lifting & carrying rails and ties using various hand tools (i.e. picks, ballast forks)
• Carrying heavy hand tools for spiking, drilling and install Track Components
• Working with and around heavy machinery in various environments, tunnels and bridges
• General clean-up work on the Right of Way, which entails lifting and moving various materials with hand & equipment.

Skills

Physical stamina

Heavy lifting

Heavy tools operation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Sledge hammers

Ballast forks

Jacks

Lining bars

Job description

100% Hourly Rate of Pay: $ 42.388602 (Rate Effective 6/16/2025) (See Wage Progression Below)

Safety Sensitive

Union Affiliation: SMART-Transportation Division, Local 29

About your agency:

Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles – from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible to construct and maintain track infrastructure to a state of good repair.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Perform track maintenance and construction work, which includes:
• Using heavy tools for spiking, drilling & installing Track Components
• Heavy digging in large stone (ballast) and using heavy duty jacks
• Lifting & carrying rails and ties using various hand tools (i.e. picks, ballast forks)
• Carrying heavy hand tools for spiking, drilling and install Track Components
• Working with and around heavy machinery in various environments, tunnels and bridges
• General clean-up work on the Right of Way, which entails lifting and moving various materials with hand & equipment.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Must have a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent (GED or TASC) approved by a State’s Department of Education or recognized accredited organization
• Recent experience with landscaping, construction work where heavy lifting, digging, moving materials, machine work and other relative physical activities are the predominant requirement, preferably in an outdoor environment.
• Ability to use sledge hammers, ballast forks (pitch fork), lining bars, Jacks & other basic heavy tools.
• Ability to lift, carry and be involved in outdoor physical activity in all weather conditions.
• Ability to demonstrate moving track materials and digging within a track environment.
• Must possess satisfactory work records including attendance, safety and discipline.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

WAGE PROGRESSION

Employees Hired Prior to 9/25/2014: 1st 365 Calendar Days 70% 2nd 365 Calendar Days 75% 3rd 365 Calendar Days 80% 4th 365 Calendar Days 85% 5th 365 Calendar Days 90% After 1,825 Calendar Days 100%

Employees Hired On or After 9/25/2014: 1st 365 Calendar Days 70% 2nd 365 Calendar Days 70% 3rd 365 Calendar Days 75% 4th 365 Calendar Days 80% 5th 365 Calendar Days 85% 6th 365 Calendar Days 85% 7th 365 Calendar Days 90% After 2,555 Calendar Days 100%

BENEFITS

• Commuting Assistance – based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA’s jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)
• Low Premium – High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)
• Pension plans and retirement savings accounts for eligible employees
• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided.
• Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees
• Employee Assistance Programs
• MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs
• Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit
• Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).
• Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company’s discretion.
• Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
• Current employees should be in their current position 12 months prior to starting a new role and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.