Track Maintenance Technician

Starting (hiring) hourly rate: $25.22. Full pay range: $25.22 to $37.83 per hour.

About the Role

The Track Maintenance Technician ensures the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the light rail infrastructure by performing routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs on tracks and related components. This role is critical in preventing disruptions, minimizing risks, and maintaining optimal conditions for rail operations. The work directly contributes to the safe and timely transportation of passengers, supporting the overall functionality and sustainability of Valley Metro's light rail system. This position is designated as safety-sensitive and is subject to the Valley Metro RPTA’s Drug and Alcohol Program.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent, and two (2) years of experience as a maintenance laborer including experience performing repairs, inspections, operating heavy duty equipment, power and non-power hand tools, and crane equipment. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Valid Arizona Driver's License and ability to maintain insurability under Valley Metro's Vehicle Insurance Policy.
• Must obtain a Class B CDL permit within 90 days of attending New Employee Orientation and a full Class B CDL with air brake endorsement within 6 months of hire.
• Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a DOT physical examination, pre-employment drug test, and background investigation.

Responsibilities

• Performs intensive manual labor involving all aspects of track maintenance.
• Repairs tracks, turnouts, and at-grade crossings, mechanical and hydraulic systems on rail inspection and recordings, replacement of concrete or timber ties, turnouts, and track fastenings.
• Inspects, repairs, and cleans rail and rail appurtenances, including switches and frogs.
• Paints and repairs curbing along the guide way.
• Performs daily walking inspections of track alignment, including uneven, irregular terrain such as ditches, hillsides, and embankments.
• Operates hi-rail vehicles, small cranes, and other vehicles used in track maintenance inspection and recording.
• Operates Valley Metro vehicles, tools, and equipment safely and properly.
• Performs cutting, drilling, grinding, and welding functions of rail and track components.
• Assists in ensuring spare parts availability for track maintenance.
• Assists in track surfacing, alignment and gauging operations, and responds to emergency situations.
• Attends safety training and participates in ongoing training related to the position.
• Maintains maintenance records and prepares reports.
• Performs other duties of similar nature and level as assigned.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of:
  • General railway safety practices.
  • Standards and practices for track maintenance, inspections, repairs, and associated hardware.
  • Manuals, procedures, parts catalogs, and other pertinent documentation.
  • Special requirements of signalized, electrified rail systems.
  • Proper use of personal protective equipment in rail maintenance as related to drilling, cutting, grinding, and welding.
• Skill in:
  • Following directions with minimal supervision.
  • Operating hand and power tools.
  • Operating telephone communications systems.
  • Paying close attention to detail to ensure safety in work and rail operations.
  • Staying alert and aware of the surrounding operating environment.
  • Reading and understanding safety labels and operating instructions.
  • Using prudent judgment and problem-solving skills to make reasonable and appropriate decisions ensuring operational safety.
  • Completing all necessary reports and work orders legibly and timely.
  • Establishing and maintaining good working relationships.
  • Efficiently managing time and workload, including planning, prioritizing, organizing, and following through on tasks, assignments, projects, and reports.
• Ability to:
  • Work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts.
  • Stand, sit, and walk for extended periods on uneven terrain, including railroad ballast.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Physical Demands: Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Incumbent must perform heavy manual labor, frequently lifting up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Work Environment: Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and intense noise levels. Work may involve extended shifts or call-backs in emergency situations.