Track Worker

Help keep the light rail on track! VTA is hiring Track Workers responsible for performing routine maintenance and repairs on train tracks including replacing damaged rails ties and switches.

The Position
Under supervision the Track Worker performs inspection maintenance and repair of roadbed ties rails frogs and switches and performs general clean up of the track area.

The Division

Way Power & Signal Maintenance
Way Power & Signal Maintenance is located at the Zanker Building. 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: 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. The staff is currently located at the Cerone Division.
• Track Maintenance: 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: 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: 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: 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.

About VTA

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area VTA is Santa Clara Countys authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus) congestion management transportation-related funding highway design and construction real estate and transit-oriented development and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local state and federal partners VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable accessible community-focused transportation options that are innovative environmentally responsible and promote the vitality of our region.

VTA provides bus light rail and paratransit services as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain Capitol Corridor and the Altamont Corridor Express.

As the countys congestion management agency VTA is responsible for county wide transportation planning including congestion management design and construction of specific highway pedestrian and bicycle improvement projects as well as promotion of transit oriented development.

VTA provides these services throughout the county including Campbell Cupertino Gilroy Los Altos Los Altos Hills Los Gatos Milpitas Monte Sereno Morgan Hill Mountain View Palo Alto San Jose Santa Clara Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County.
As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.

For more information about our VTA Forward Plan visit: Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP)

The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families.

Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave lactation accommodation and work/family balance.

Typical Tasks

• Makes daily inspection of the track system and reports problems needing repair;
• Picks up debris along the right-of-way;
• Tightens track bolts adjusts switches replaces ties tamps and aligns track and lubricates rail and rail curves;
• Spreads and cleans ballast;
• Installs rail frogs switches and ties;
• Operates air compressors and heavy tools and equipment used to maintain and repair track systems;
• Operates hand and power tools;
• Assists in re-railing and loading equipment;
• Keeps tools and equipment clean and in good condition;
• Welds track and operates heavy equipment;
• Operates hi-rail trucks tamper and other vehicles;
• Acts as flag person;
• Inspects for broken welds and broken rail;
• Operates computer for related data input and retrieval;
• Prepares written reports documents defects and repairs on inspection forms work orders or designated computer programs;
• Familiarizes other Track Workers in the proper method of performing their job;
• Performs related work as required.

Employment Standards
Training and experience equivalent to a high school diploma and one year of experience performing inspection maintenance and repair of roadbed ties rails frogs and switches including welding track and operating heavy equipment.

Possession of a valid California Class C drivers license and the ability to qualify for and maintain a Class A license.

Must be available to work weekends holidays and odd and unusual hours.

Knowledge of:

• Methods procedures tools and equipment used to repair and maintain an electrified track system;
• Switching mechanisms;
• Methods of installing track welding and bonding;
• Re-railing methods and equipment;
• Mathematics used in rail and track bed maintenance;
• General shop safety procedures;
• Laws ordinances and regulations governing track systems.

• Follow oral and written instructions;
• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude;
• Perform heavy manual labor;
• Inspect repair and maintain road bed and track systems;
• Weld track and operate heavy equipment and other equipment used in track maintenance and repair;
• Perform computer-related functions that allow for data input and retrieval;
• Work under established deadlines;
• Effectively read understand and use technical information found in repair manuals service change bulletins and applicable technical documents including parts and supply manuals;
• Learn and stay current on all technologies introduced into the transit industries as it relates to track technology;
• Familiarize other Track Workers in the proper method of performing their job;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

General Application Instructions

Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference.

To be considered applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as continuous we encourage you to apply as soon as possible as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted you will receive an immediate email confirmation.

Personalized responses to Supplemental Questions that connect your past experiences to this specific role are the most effective. AI-generated content may lack the specificity required to address the key criteria outlined in the job description. While we encourage the use of AI as a tool to enhance your work we want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills. You may use AI to generate ideas but please ensure your final responses are in your own voice and reflect your unique experience. Overreliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish your chances of success.

Important: Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. We do not accept paper applications resumes Job Interest Notification Cards or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application.

Communication & Contact Information
All updates regarding your applicationincluding notices for testing and interviewswill be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid up-to-date email address. Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles.

Due to the high volume of applications we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account. For technical support contact NEOGOV at Monday through Friday 8:00 AM 5:00 PM (PST) excluding holidays.

Application Review & Processing
All current and prior relevant work experienceincluding experience with VTAmust be fully detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as see resume are not acceptable. Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected even if you meet the minimum qualifications.

While you are welcome to upload a resume it does not substitute for completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position.

Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications experience education or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA.

This classification is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees(AFSCME)Transportation Authority Engineers and Architects Association (TAEA) .Wages hours and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union.

Tentative In Person Examinations:

Written: TBD

Conditions of Employment

Final candidates must successfully complete a Live scan background check reference checks verification of education or certifications and a criminal history review before appointment.

For safety-sensitive positions VTA requires all safety-sensitive positions to have a 6-month DOT physical clearance. Obtained at the time of preboarding from a VTA-contracted Concentra Location.

Eligibility List

The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur. Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations

VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation please contact the Human Resources Department at or emailat least five business days before the test.

Equal Employment Opportunity

VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age ancestry color marital status mental or physical disability genetic information national origin immigration status political affiliation race religion creed sex gender identity gender expression sexual orientation pregnancy medical condition disabled veteran or veteran status etc.