Track Worker

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs various duties in the installation, maintenance and removal of track ties, rails, fasteners, ballast, turnouts and other track components.

• Inspects track, including ties, rail, fasteners and switches for safety defects.

• Loads and unloads work train material.

• Removes snow and ice from track, switches, walkways and other locations as required.

• Removes debris from track, switches, subway and rail yards.

• Assists in maneuvering equipment, vehicular traffic and other tools required for track repair and track construction.

• Operates rail borne track maintenance equipment as required.

• Performs flagging duties as required.

• Performs other duties associated with track maintenance and construction as required.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to this position are the following jobs:

Job Title

•

CHALLENGES

•

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Required to submit to and pass drug and alcohol testing as mandated by the Federal Transportation Administration for safety sensitive positions.

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent degree.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Must pass the CTA math class.

• Must pass the CTA Third Rail Safety Training

• Must pass the CTA flagging qualification class in order to properly set up work site slow zones and to flag trains through a work site.

• Must pass the 30/90/120 Day Trackman reviews during probationary period

• Must pass the CTA training class for Track Inspector.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Required to perform extensive lifting, carrying, and maneuvering of materials and track tools weighing up to 100 pounds.

• Must be able to perform extensive digging and spiking of track ties.

• Must be able to walk on elevated open deck track and foot walk at heights up to 60 feet above the ground.

• Must be able to accurately swing a spike maul and sledgehammer.

• Bending, stooping, reaching, crawling, crouching, climbing, pushing, pulling and coordination to perform track repairs.

• Climbs up and down ladders and stairs.

• Walks up to six miles per day inspecting track on various track structures, including elevated open deck and uneven ground.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Must be knowledgeable of safety rules in order to perform work without injury.

• Must be proficient in the use of devices required for measuring track.

• Required to have knowledge of track construction and maintenance.

• Must have high school level math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, especially of fractions.

• Must be proficient in the use of all types of hand- and power-operated tools used by track crews.

• Must have the ability to communicate with other employees to assure safety while performing work.

• Must be able to work as part of team and follow directions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works outdoors subject to prevailing weather, including extreme heat/cold, wind, rain and snow.

• Works various days, hours and locations. Subject to 24-hour emergency call out.

• Works in conditions subjected to noise, vibration, dust, exhaust fumes and various odors.

• Works on open deck elevated structures (up to 60 feet high), ground level track structures and in cool, damp subways.

• Works immediately adjacent to electrically energized rail (600-volt) and associated power distribution apparatuses.

• Works on in-service track immediately adjacent to moving trains and vehicular traffic at street level.

• Works with power-operated, moving equipment.

• Exposed to chemical hazards from creosote on ties.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

• Large hand tools including sledge hammers, spike mauls, pinch bars, claw bars, shovels, track wrenches, track jacks, tie tongs and rail tongs.

• Small hand tools including screw drivers, wrenches and hammers.

• Measuring devices including rulers, tape measures, gages, thermometers, string lines and compasses.

• Impact tools included drills, socket drivers, and tamping guns.

• Power-operated tools including rail saws, rail drills, chainsaws, impact guns, generators, hydraulic power packs, air compressors and man lifts.

• Cutting and burning devices including oxygen and acetylene torch and…