Third Rail Electrician - Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Position at Metro-North Railroad

POSTING NO.

9675

JOB TITLE:

Third Rail Electrician

DEPT/DIV:

M of W (Power)

WORK LOCATION:

Grand Central Terminal

FULL/PART TIME

FULL

DEADLINE:

Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting prior to the Application Deadline.

Opening

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation. MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service and rewarding opportunities to its employees.

Responsibilities

Third Rail Electricians inspect, install, maintain and repair all portions of the 3rd rail system, snow melter system, shop Direct Current (DC) systems, and Alternating Current (AC) cable and conduit plant, to ensure the safe delivery of electrical DC power for distribution and train use.

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Install, maintain and replace third rail and associated components (e.g., brackets, insulators, protective covers, etc.) using gas powered, electric, battery-operated and hand tools to ensure proper functionality
• Inspect and maintain third rail systems including but not limited to snow-melters, shop bug systems, signal power systems and power distribution panels
• Excavate trenches under and around the right of way to install conduit and power cables
• Perform electrical connections using various methods (e.g., power bonding, exothermic welding, etc.)
• Install and connect cables for DC power to the third rail, AC feeders and negative circuits
• Participate in Power Department safety program and demonstrate an understanding of Power Department procedures
• Attend mandatory trainings (e.g., Roadway Worker Safety, etc.) to obtain/maintain all required qualifications to safely perform job duties
• Perform electrical work including switching, testing and repairs on live line electrical systems up to 1000-volt range
• Perform work on the third rail negative system to ensure safe and proper cab signal functionality by installing and maintaining negative return cables between signal boxes and running rails
• Perform roadway worker duties (e.g., remove track from service, perform Look-Out, etc.) to ensure the safety of the work group
• Recognize the hazards of electricity and the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform electrical work safely
• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, flatbed trucks, excavators and utility vehicles
• Assess situations to identify possible hazards and take appropriate safety precautions (e.g., PPE usage, etc.)
• Obtain electrical clearances and provide electrical Lock out Tag out protection
• Operate and pilot on-track high rail equipment
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• High School Diploma or equivalent and
• Valid NYS Driver's License or equivalent and
• Experience using electrical and mechanical tools/meters and
• Training or experience operating small equipment (e.g., fork trucks, aerial work platforms, boom trucks, mini excavators, cable pullers, conduit benders, etc.) and
• Two years of verifiable experience performing electrical work or
• Current electrical apprentice, trainee, technician or helper with two years of verifiable construction/labor experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Four years of experience in the electrical industry
• Formal education or training in the electrical field
• Knowledge of related OSHA regulations
• Experience working with up to 1000 volts
• Experience with electrical clearance and Lock out Tag out procedures
• Training or experience operating heavy equipment (e.g., backhoe, etc.)
• Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Reading comprehension ability; interpersonal skills; communication skills; ability to follow instructions; knowledge of tools and meters and their appropriate usage; skilled in using electrical and mechanical tools (e.g., wrenches, power drills, ratchets, testers, etc.); ability to work with others; basic troubleshooting skills; memorization ability; electrical knowledge; ability and willingness to learn; must be safety conscious; ability to work safely with the hazards of electricity; ability to perform physically demanding work tasks; ability and willingness to learn new information and participate in job related trainings.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must use/wear all safety-related equipment (PPE) in the performance of their duties
• Must become and maintain roadway worker qualification

Rate of pay

The starting rate of 65% for this position is equivalent to $23.75/hour. The wage progression scale is as follows: Year 1=65%>Year 2=70%>Year 3=75%>Year 4=80%>Year 5=92%>Year 6=100%. The full rate of pay is $36.55/hour.

This salary is non-negotiable, based on the IBEW Collective Bargaining Agreement.

An exception may be granted for a journeyman rate to anyone who has one of the following:

New Hire candidates who meet one (1) or more of the criterion as enumerated below will qualify for the expedited wage progression for Journeymen:

• Four (4) years of full-time experience as an Electrical Worker; which includes the following job titles and industries:
• Electrical, Electronics, or Communications Worker in the Armed Forces
• Electrician, Electrical Worker which includes industrial, railroad, commercial, residential and low voltage electrical work
• Utility or Power Plant Electrical Worker
• Electronics, Communications or Computer Technician/Engineer
• Electrical Apprentice or Electrical Helper
• Automotive Electronic Technician, with ASE certification
• HVAC experience consistent with the type of HVAC work performed by Metro North Electrical Workers, with Refrigerant Recovery Certification
• Possession or completion of the following educational degrees, apprenticeships or trade program certifications. Where applicable, with required practical work experience accompanied thereto for a total of four (4) years: A four (4) year Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Technology or associated Electrical field from an accredited college or university
• A two (2) year Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Technology or associated Electrical field from an accredited college, plus two (2) years of full-time experience performing electrical work
• An accredited Trade (Vocational) School Certificate in Electrical Technology or associated electrical field, of which completion requires at least one (1) year of classroom training, plus three (3) years of full-time experience as an Electrical Worker. If additional time is spent in formal classroom training within the accredited Vocational School curriculum, then the combination of classroom and full-time experience as an Electrical Worker must equal at least four (4) years total
• Completion of at least four (4) years of an Electrical Apprenticeship Program
• Completion of at least two (2) years of a full-time Electrical Apprenticeship Program, plus two (2) years of full-time experience as an Electrical Worker
• Possession of a valid and current FCC License

MNR Health Insurance & Vacation

As a full-time employee, you are eligible for the following health and welfare benefits.

Our benefits program provides flexibility, protection, and value through:

• Health care benefits, including medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Welfare Benefits, including basic and optional life, dependent life, basic and optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Disability benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts, including a Health Care Account and Dependent Care Account
• Retirement benefits, including a retirement plan, 401(k) and 457 savings plans

Seniority

Applicants will establish seniority in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union (IBEW), the union representing Third Rail Electricians, in accordance with the union's current collective bargaining agreement.

Members of IBEW are subject to an initiation fee and monthly union dues.

Assignments

Ability to work various shifts, days, hours, and locations throughout Metro-North territory required.

Other Information

This is a federally regulated position subject to both pre-employment and continuous random toxicological screening.

As an employee of Metro-North Railroad you may be required to complete a New York State financial disclosure statement, if you earn more than $108,638.00 or if you hold a position designated as a policy maker.

Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

DETAILS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

• Push, pull, carry, and lift tools and materials up to 50 lbs. regularly and occasionally up to 70 lbs. Examples include but are not limited to: steel bracket, steel channel, generators, and cable
• Carry work equipment such as third rail brackets and channels while navigating the tracks and uneven surfaces.
• Typical shifts consist of prolonged standing, bending, and crouching while performing job tasks and responsibilities on railroad tracks.
• Significant amounts of walking while navigating the tracks and uneven surfaces
• Certain shifts may require extended periods of driving which consists of prolonged sitting and operation of a motor-vehicle.

DETAILS OF WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works in all areas of third rail territory including tunnels, bridges, and manholes.
• Works in close proximity and exposed to 700 Volts DC of live electricity while on or near tracks.
• Must be able to work various days, shifts, and locations.
• Climbs ladders up to 15 feet in height to access certain railroad tracks.
• Works outdoors exposed to various types of weather conditions.
• Works in close proximity to moving railroad equipment and/or track machinery.
• Works in areas with low lighting such as tunnels, manholes, and splicing chambers

Equal Employment Opportunity

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

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