Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

JOB SUMMARY

Drawbridge Electrician’s install, repair, inspect and maintain electrical equipment at Metro-North facilities including lighting in shops, passenger stations, platforms, heating equipment, fans, transformers, motors, moveable bridges, circuit breakers, motors and control systems. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include but are not limited to:

• Participate in Power Department safety program and demonstrate an understanding of Power Department procedures
• Attend mandatory trainings (e.g., Roadway Worker Safety, etc.) to obtain/maintain all required qualifications to safely perform job duties
• Perform roadway worker duties (e.g., remove track from service, perform Look-Out, etc.) 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 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 repairs on live line electrical systems up to 2,500 volt range
• Inspect, install, repair, and maintain electrical components on all platform and station locations along the New Haven line to include but not limited to lighting, digital signs, ticket machines, ATMs, heating and air conditioning (HVAC), conduit, conduit straps and circuitry
• Ground metal objects (e.g., metal seats, hand rails, digital signs, ATM machines, and ticket machines, etc.) onto train platforms through exothermic welding to ensure the safety of all customers
• Inspect, install, repair, and maintain lighting, HVAC unit breakers, and electrical panels in buildings, shops, substations, drawbridges, and all other assigned locations
• Install, maintain, and repair all lighting and associated components on catenary structures and in yard locations
• Bend conduit ranging in size from ½” to 4” in diameter with a hand bender or bending machine, install in various locations (e.g., buildings and shop locations along exposed and concealed areas), and pull wires/cables through to complete a circuit between two electrical boxes or components
• Observe the opening and closing of drawbridges and troubleshoot any malfunctions to ensure proper bridge functionality and the safety of passing vessels, trains, and to evade any structural damage
• Conduct periodic inspections and make necessary repairs to drawbridge electrical and mechanical component defects; components include but not limited to bridge controls, breakers, relays, auxiliary contacts, transformers, fuses, cam switches, input/output cords, and motors
• Read and interpret prints, wiring diagrams, and schematics
• Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma, GED or TASC
• Valid Driver’s License or equivalent
• Experience using electrical and mechanical tools/meters
• Four years of verifiable experience as a commercial, industrial and/or residential electrician

The following is/are preferred: 

• Valid NYS, CT or equivalent Electrical License
• Experience working on Heating and Air Conditioning systems
• Formal education or training in the electrical field
• Knowledge of related OSHA regulations
• Experience working with up to 2,500 volts
• Experience with electrical clearance and Lock out Tag out procedures
• Some college credits

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of electrical principles and concepts
• Knowledge of electrical symbols
• Ability to read and interpret electrical prints, wiring diagrams, and schematics
• Skilled in bending conduit and using hand and machine tools (e.g., wrenches, power drills, ratchets, etc.)
• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical tools and their appropriate use
• Troubleshooting skills
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Mechanical aptitude
• Reading comprehension
• Memorization ability
• Ability to follow instructions
• Ability to anticipate and analyze problems, and take corrective actions
• Ability to work in teams
• Interpersonal skills
• Ability and willingness to learn
• Ability to work safely with electrical hazards
• Must be safety conscious
• Ability to perform physically demanding work tasks

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must use/wear all safety related equipment in the performance of their duties
• Must become and maintain roadway worker qualification

RATE OF PAY

The starting rate for this position is $29.68/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 $45.67/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:    

• Push, pull, carry, and lift tools and materials (e.g. conduit, spools of wire, etc.) up to 50 lbs. regularly and occasionally up to 70 lbs.
• Ability to walk on uneven surfaces while navigating tracks and yard locations
• Ability to climb ladders to perform electrical work and access certain work locations
• Pushing and pulling ability required to bend conduit using a hand bender
• Color vision required to recognize color coded wires leading to and from the Programmable Logic Control (PLC)
• Crouch, stoop, kneel and bend to perform certain tasks (e.g., ground and bond platforms, working on drawbridges and in cabinets, etc.)

DETAILS OF WORKING CONDITIONS:    

• Exposed to up to 2500 Volts AC of live electricity while working on or near tracks and in shop locations.
• Works in close proximity to moving railroad equipment and/or track machinery
• Works at heights up to 125 feet from the ground in bucket trucks and scissor lifts and 125 feet above water on drawbridges.
• Works outdoors exposed to all weather conditions.
• Occasionally works in confined spaces.
   

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.