Overhead Line Worker

Job Description

The Position
Are you a safety-focused, journey-level electrical line tech with hands-on experience in high-voltage overhead systems? VTA is looking for a dedicated professional to help power the light rail system and keep our community moving. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of high-voltage infrastructure, including overhead contact systems and power distribution lines.

The Division, Way, Power & Signal Maintenance
Way, Power & Signal Maintenance is responsible for timely and reliable maintenance, preventive maintenance, inspections, repair and servicing of the light rail right-of-way, rail system power, tracks, signals, station facilities and related equipment. Components of the Way, Power & Signal unit are:

• Station & Wayside Maintenance: Maintains and repairs (including graffiti removal) light rail stations, terminal buildings, restrooms, park & ride lots, landscaping, fences, guardrails, and other trackside areas.
• Track Maintenance: Maintains (including right-of-way weed eradication, vegetation control, and graffiti removal), performs preventive maintenance, inspects, services and repairs rail, switches, ties, roadbed, and track systems.
• Power Maintenance: Maintains (including trackside right-of-way tree trimming), performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services light rail electric power systems, including overhead, substations, lighting, and other electrical systems.
• Signal Maintenance: Maintains, performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services signal systems, crossing gates, fare machines, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) controls, and station audio/video equipment.
• Passenger Facilities Maintenance: Maintains, performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services all VTA-maintained passenger facilities, including bus stops. Services include: bench installation, painting and repair, core drilling for poles at new bus stops, garbage collection, trash receptacle installation and relocation, graffiti abatement, litter removal, pressure washing, red curb painting, signage inspection, route updates, and sweeping services. Janitorial services for transit centers are provided daily through a Facilities Maintenance service contract with a third-party vendor.

Definition

The Overhead Line Worker performs journey level inspections, maintains and repairs overhead lines, power distribution cables, communication cables and overhead signal cables.

Minimum Qualifications

• Training and education equivalent to a high school diploma and the following experience:
  • Two (2) years of verifiable experience as a journey level transit electrical line worker, working with over 600 Volts D.C.
  • OR
  • Two (2) years of verifiable experience as a journey level electrical line worker working with over 750 Volts A.C. in the construction, installation, maintenance, and repair of overhead and underground lines.
  Completion of a state certified electrical line worker apprenticeship program or equivalent is preferred.
• Employment Standards
  Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to qualify for and maintain a Class A license. Applicants must obtain a Class A driver license within 6 months of appointment. Failure to obtain a Class A driver license will be cause for termination.
• Mandatory Availability
  Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and odd and unusual hours.

Knowledge Required

• Methods and procedures used to repair and maintain high voltage electrical systems;
• Theory and principles of electrical and electronic equipment and circuits;
• Tools and equipment used in the testing and repair of electrical and electronic equipment and installations;
• Principles and practices of electrical construction and installation;
• Proper tensioning and positioning of catenary wires;
• Welding procedures used in electrical work;
• General shop safety procedures;
• Laws, ordinances, and regulations governing electrical installation, maintenance, safety, and accident prevention.

Ability Required

• To test and repair electrical and electronic equipment and installations;
• To work independently and safely with 750 volt DC power;
• To work in high places;
• To operate welding equipment used in electrical work;
• To perform work in compliance with safety rules and regulations;
• To read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and electronic schematics, diagrams, and maintenance manuals;
• To estimate costs for time, labor, and materials;
• To maintain records;
• To assign, review the work of, and train others;
• To prepare written reports, document defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders, or designated computer programs;
• To perform computer-related functions that allow for data input and retrieval;
• To learn and stay current on all new technologies introduced into the transit industry as it relates to electrified rail;
• To effectively read, understand, and use technical information found in repair manuals, service change bulletins, and applicable technical documents, including parts and supply manuals;
• To establish and maintain effective relations with those encountered in day-to-day performance of tasks.