Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

JOB SUMMARY

Power Lineman are responsible for the installation, inspection, testing, repair and maintenance of all aspects of the high tension, building power and feeder distribution systems and Power support structures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include but are not limited to:

• Participate in Power Department safety program and demonstrate an understanding of all Power Department procedures
• Attend mandatory training to obtain/maintain all required qualifications to safely perform job duties
• Qualify and perform roadway worker protection duties 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
• Assess and trouble-shoot 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
• Perform electrical work including switching, testing and grounding of live line electrical systems up to 27,000-volt range
• Install, erect and replace high voltage electrical components on transmission, catenary and substation structures
• Install, repair, and maintain aerial cables such as distribution and signal power feeders
• Install and maintain aerial devices, such as manual and remotely operated switches, pole mounted transformers, cutouts, lightening arrestors and pole mounted lighting systems
• Remove trees and overhangs to prevent interference with electrical systems, using chain, stick and hand saws
• Safely secure high-tension loads with manual and hydraulic hoisting equipment
• Fabricate and install electrical conduit onto metal and wood structures
• Climb metal structures, ladders, Catenary Maintenance Vehicle (CMV) platform, and/or utilize a bucket truck to access elevated work locations while tethered
• Climb wood poles using climbing gaffs to install or repair aerial distribution, signal and transmission lines
• Install, inspect, repair, and maintain portions of the catenary system, including wire, hangers, clips and insulators
• Perform electrical connections using various methods
• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, flatbed trucks and utility vehicles
• Qualify on the Operating Rules, operate CMV and pilot on track high rail equipment
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma, General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) and
• Valid Driver’s license or equivalent and

At least one of the following:

• Experience working with aerial lift or bucket truck or
• Prior climbing experience (i.e., utility poles, streel structures, tree contractor work) or
• Experience with the use of fall protection equipment and working at heights of greater than 25 feet or
• One (1) year of experience performing electrical work or
• Completion of an Electrical Safety Training course based on OSHA 1910.269 or
• Completion of an Electrical Program at an accredited Trade, Vocational or Technical School or
• One year of experience performing communications/cable technician linework

The following is/are preferred: 

• Four (4) years of experience in the electrical industry
• Formal education or training in the electrical field
• Completion of an Electrical Apprenticeship Program
• Experience with tree removal and equipment
• Knowledge of related OSHA regulations
• Experience working with up to 27,000 volts
• Experience with electrical clearance and Lock out Tag out procedures
• Prior utility lineman experience working on aerial energized circuits while climbing
• Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to work at heights up to 100 feet on the H&H line and at heights up to 200 feet on the New Haven line; ability to climb steel and wood structures; mechanical reasoning; electrical knowledge; knowledge of electrical symbols; reading comprehension; knowledge of mechanical and electrical tools and their appropriate usage; skilled in bending conduit; 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; interpersonal skills; basic troubleshooting skills; memorization ability; ability to follow instructions; ability and willingness to learn; written and verbal communication skills; must be safety conscious; ability to work safely with electrical hazards; ability to perform physically demanding work tasks.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Class B CDL within 150 days of transfer/hire date
• Must be able to use/wear all safety related equipment in the performance of their duties
• Must become and maintain roadway worker qualification and physical characteristics qualification

RATE OF PAY

The starting rate for this position is $29.87/hour (65% of the full rate). 

The annual 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 $45.96/hour.     

This rate has been established by the collective bargaining unit and is non-negotiable.

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.

For those approved for a journeyman rate, the wage progression scale is as follows: 80%>85%>100% of the full rate of pay.

SENIORITY

New employees will establish seniority in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union (IBEW), the union representing Power Lineman, in accordance with the union's current collective bargaining agreement.

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

DETAILS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:    

• Color vision required to recognize and distinguish colors of signals while operating a vehicle on the tracks.
• Must be able to regularly push, pull, and lift materials up to 50 lbs.
• Carry tools and supplies to and from job locations.
• Must be able to climb, while tethered, up to 200 feet on lattice structures, structure ladders, ladders and wood poles to access work locations.
• Must be able to walk significant distances along the tracks and uneven surfaces.

DETAILS OF WORKING CONDITIONS:    

• Must be able to perform live electrical work.
• Must be able to work during storms and operational service impact conditions.
• Works near High Voltage electrical lines.
• Performs all types of Rigging.
• Works in all areas of Metro-North territory.
• Works in the vicinity of moving trains.
• Works from platform on CMV, bucket trucks and aerial lifts.
• Works in all weather conditions: rain, snow, storms, wind, hot and cold.
   

BENEFITS

• Commuter Assistance – based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA’s jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)
• Low Premium – High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)
• Pension Plans and Retirement Savings Accounts for eligible employees
• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided.
• Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees
• Employee Assistance Programs
• MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs
• Work Life Services team
• Employee Resource Groups

OTHER INFORMATION

Selection Criteria

Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, not all qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the position are guaranteed an interview. To be selected for a position, one must meet the following criteria: (1) satisfy the minimum requirements listed in the job posting, (2) if applicable, successfully pass a written and practical exam, (3) satisfy a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), and (4) pass a verbal interview. Metro-North may also require the applicant to undergo a physical ability test, and, if the Company extends a conditional offer, may require him or her to undergo a medical examination, which may include toxicological testing. Failure to pass any step within the hiring process will result in the disqualification of your application.

This is a safety sensitive position and subject to toxicology testing.

Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”). 

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.

Additional Criteria for Current Employees:

• Current Metro-North employees must be in active service to be eligible for consideration.
• Agreement Employees applying for a position outside of their present craft are required to have worked in your current union for at least one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline to be eligible to apply for a posted position and have completed the agreed upon formal training commitment, including on-the-job training or lock-in requirement, if applicable (for example Signal Trainee, Foreman-In-Training, etc.). If you are transferring to another craft, you may be required to forfeit your seniority in your present union.
• Non-agreement employees must have worked in their current position for a minimum of one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline. Along with a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), employees are also subject to an internal investigation, which includes an evaluation not limited to discipline records and performance assessments.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

If you seek a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability, or for a religious practice or observance, to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.