Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

JOB SUMMARY

Gang Lineman install, maintain, and repair overhead and underground communications wiring, equipment, and fixtures, and install and maintain poles.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include but are not limited to:

• Install communication cable in overhead and underground locations
• Install and maintains poles and pole lines along right-of-way
• Set poles and anchors by hand and with hydraulic tamper
• Transport and move various items (e.g., tools, materials, equipment, etc.) to work locations or other areas as instructed
• Remove trees and debris from right-of-way during emergencies
• Dig ditches, trenches and holes in the ground for pole and cable placement using bars, shovels and other tools
• Remove existing cable and install new cable (along right of way, in shops, buildings, etc.) by pulling cable by hand or with tugger
• Assemble hardware and components (e.g., hangers, termination boxes, ladder racks, ceiling trays, etc.)
• Climb poles, ladders, and structures to access overhead work locations
• Use bucket truck to access overhead work locations
• Operate backhoe and excavator to dig trenches and holes
• Clear snow on or about C & S property using shovels and snow blowers
• Operate power tools (e.g., chainsaw, string trimmer, etc.) to clear brush and branches from right of way, yard and C&S locations
• Perform other related duties

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Must have High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma or Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC)
• Valid driver’s license
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or higher within 150 days of transfer/hire date

The following is/are preferred: 

• Construction or labor experience
• Experience pulling cable
• Experience with heavy machinery

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Reading comprehension ability; interpersonal skills; mechanical aptitude; skilled in exercising independent judgment; ability to anticipate and analyze problems and take corrective actions; must be able to evaluate a situation to make decisions and work under pressure; verbal communication skills; ability to multi-task; must be able to function effectively under changing priorities; knowledge of operating and safety rules; knowledge of physical characteristics; must be safety conscious; knowledge of basic rigging, hand lines, and lineman knot tying

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must complete Metro-North C&S Dept. boom truck operation training and lineman training school

RATE OF PAY

The starting rate for this position is $28.22/hour (70% 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 $43.42/hour.     

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

An exception may be granted for a journeyman rate to anyone who has one of the following:

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: Year 1=80%>Year 2=85%>Year 3=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 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:    

• Pushing and pulling ability required to move boxes, pull cable, etc
• Ability to crawl, crouch, stoop and reach to access difficult to access work locations (e.g., beneath platforms, under trailers, etc.)
• Ability to walk on uneven surfaces while navigating tracks and yard
• Must be able to lift and carry tools and material weighing up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis and occasionally up to 75 lbs. (generators, batteries, etc.)
• Ability to climb wood and steel poles and other structures

DETAILS OF WORKING CONDITIONS:    

• Must be able to work various days, shifts and locations
• Must be available to be on call for assignments
• Works outside exposed to various weather conditions
• Works in wet and muddy conditions (e.g. shallow water, swamps, etc.)
• Works in confined spaces underneath platforms, trailers, etc
• Works at heights up to 75 ft.; occasionally up to 200 ft
• Must be able to work from a bucket truck
• Works along right-of-way, in shops and yards In close proximity to moving train equipment
• Must be able to navigate and work in shallow water (up to 12 inches deep), mud, hills and embankments
• Works primarily with others to accomplish tasks
   

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.