Track Worker

Qualifications

• Required to submit to and pass drug and alcohol testing as mandated by the Federal Transportation Administration for safety sensitive positions.
• High school diploma or equivalent degree.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Pass the CTA math class.
• Pass the CTA Third Rail Safety Training.
• Pass the CTA flagging qualification class.
• Pass the 30/90/120 Day Trackman reviews during probationary period.
• Pass the CTA training class for Track Inspector.

Physical Requirements

• Extensive lifting, carrying, and maneuvering of materials and track tools weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Able to perform extensive digging and spiking of track ties.
• Able to walk on elevated open deck track and foot walk at heights up to 60 feet above the ground.
• Able to accurately swing a spike maul and sledgehammer.
• Able to climb up and down ladders and stairs.
• Able to walk up to six miles per day inspecting track on various track structures, including elevated open deck and uneven ground.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledgeable of safety rules in order to perform work without injury.
• Proficient in the use of devices required for measuring track.
• Knowledge of track construction and maintenance.
• High school level math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, especially of fractions.
• Proficient in the use of all types of hand- and power-operated tools used by track crews.
• Able to communicate with other employees to assure safety while performing work.
• Able to work as part of team and follow directions.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Reporting to this position are the following jobs:

• Job Title

Work Conditions

• Works outdoors subject to prevailing weather, including extreme heat/cold, wind, rain and snow.
• Works various days, hours and locations.
• Subject to 24-hour emergency call out.
• Works in conditions subjected to noise, vibration, dust, exhaust fumes and various odors.
• Works on open deck elevated structures (up to 60 feet high), ground level track structures and in cool, damp subways.
• Works immediately adjacent to electrically energized rail (600-volt) and associated power distribution apparatuses.
• Works on in-service track immediately adjacent to moving trains and vehicular traffic at street level.
• Works with power-operated, moving equipment.
• Exposed to chemical hazards from creosote on ties.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

• Large hand tools including sledge hammers, spike mauls, pinch bars, claw bars, shovels, track wrenches, track jacks, tie tongs and rail tongs.
• Small hand tools including screw drivers, wrenches and hammers.
• Measuring devices including rulers, tape measures, gages, thermometers, string lines and compasses.
• Impact tools including drills, socket drivers, and tamping guns.
• Power-operated tools including rail saws, rail drills, chainsaws, impact guns, generators, hydraulic power packs, air compressors and man lifts.
• Cutting and burning devices including oxygen and acetylene torch and propane torch.
• Small electronic devices including handheld digital assistants and tablet PCs.
• Creosoted wood tie, plastic tie, concrete tie, steel rail, steel joint bars, steel tie plates, steel track spikes, steel screw spikes, steel track bolts and grease.