Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

JOB SUMMARY 

Ironworkers are responsible for cutting, fabricating and repairing steelwork on Metro-North buildings, bridges and structures

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include but are not limited to:

• Cut and fabricate steel members to specifications for all Track & Structures work gangs
• Fabricate and repair steelwork on all buildings, bridges, and railroad structures
• Prepare and clean steel by removing existing rust, deteriorated segments and old rivets using appropriate tools (e.g., needle gun, rivet buster, etc.)
• Paint finished steel members with brushes and/or paint guns
• Use pneumatic, electric and hand tools (e.g., rivet buster, spud wrench, needle gun, drills, impact wrenches, etc.) while performing ironwork tasks
• Work on the ground and in the air at heights of up to 60 feet on scaffolds, bridges and structures while performing ironwork tasks
• Prepare and operate oxy-acetylene torch for cutting steel plates of various thickness
• Measure steel members and other distances to ensure steel will fit desired specifications
• Connect columns, beams and girders with bolts according to blueprints and/or instruction from supervisor
• Verify vertical and horizontal alignment of structural steel members using plumb bobs, laser equipment and levels
• Hoist steel beams, girders and columns into place using cranes and/or hoisting equipment to align and fit structural steel members
• Temporarily align structural steel members in position for permanent bolting or welding into place
• Fabricate steel members(e.g., steel frames, columns, beams, etc.) according to blueprints or instruction from supervisors
• Force structural steel members into final position using turnbuckles, crowbars, jacks and other hand tools
• Cut, bend, and grind steel members using metal shears, torches, or grinders
• Fasten or secure steel members to hoist cables using chains, cables or rope
• Assemble hoisting equipment or rigging (e.g., cables, pulleys, hooks, etc.) to move heavy equipment or steel members
• Drive drift pins through holes in steel members to align holes with corresponding members
• Dismantle existing structures using torches, all-purpose saws, hammers and air tools
• Perform other work as assigned under the scope of an Ironworker

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Familiarity with steel work; knowledge of, and ability to use Ironworker tools; skilled in operating oxy-acetylene torches and other Ironworker tools; ability to accurately measure distances; ability to multi-task; mechanical aptitude; must be safety conscious; reading comprehension ability; verbal communication skills; interpersonal skills; customer service oriented; knowledge of operating and safety rules and standards; ability to exercise independent judgment; ability to anticipate problems, evaluate situations and make recommendations; ability to work under pressure; must be able to function effectively under changing priorities

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Must have High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma and
• Vocational or apprentice training in Ironwork or Welding or
• Two years of experience performing Ironwork or Welding

The following is/are preferred:  

• Experience performing Ironwork

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess or be willing to obtain NYC Fire Department Certificate of Fitness for oxygen and acetylene blowpipe
• Must have personal tool box with Ironworker tools
• Must possess a valid New York State Class D driver’s license or equivalent
• Must be respirator qualified or be able to become respirator qualified

RATE OF PAY

The starting rate for this position is $26.31/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=90% > Year 6=100%. The 100% full rate of pay is $40.47/hour.     

This salary is non-negotiable, based on the IBT Collective Bargaining Agreement. Accordingly, please be advised that the terms and conditions of employment for this position are subject to the collective bargaining agreement.

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

A. Has completed a four-year, bona fide ironworker apprenticeship program, OR

B. Has had four (4) years of full-time practical experience in the craft and can provide proof thereof (by means of a card or certificate)

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

SENIORITY 

Applicants will establish seniority in the International Brotherhood of Teamster Union (IBT), the union representing Ironworkers, in accordance with the union's current collective bargaining agreement.

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

ASSIGNMENTS
Ability to work various hours, days, shifts and locations throughout Metro-North territory is required.

DETAILS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:    

• 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. such as steel sections and rock drills
• Pushing and pulling ability required to operate tools and maneuver equipment
• Ability to climb scaffolding and other structures
• Ability to walk on uneven surfaces while navigating tracks, yard and bridges
• Talking and hearing ability required to communicate with coworkers and supervisors

DETAILS OF WORKING CONDITIONS:    

• Works outside exposed to various weather conditions
• Works at heights up to 60 ft. on scaffolds, ladders and bridges, some of which may be above bodies of water
• Must be able to work various days, shifts and locations
  
   

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.

Disclaimer

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.