Assistant Signal Maintainer

The Assistant Signal Maintainer is responsible for performing FRA and NCTD required signal system testing. They lead in the installation, repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance of various railroad signals and grade crossing warning devices and infrastructure to support the high-quality delivery of commuter, freight, and hybrid rail services along NCTD’s San Diego and Escondido Subdivisions. The Assistant Signal Maintainer ensures the railroad signal communication facilities and systems function to support safe and efficient rail operations and comply with the specifications and regulations of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and other regulatory and governing agencies.

This is a bargained position represented by the Southwest Mountain States Regional Council of Carpenters (Carpenters) Union.

The Assistant Signal Maintainer is responsible for performing FRA and NCTD required signal system testing. They lead in the installation, repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance of various railroad signals and grade crossing warning devices and infrastructure to support the high-quality delivery of commuter, freight, and hybrid rail services along NCTD’s San Diego and Escondido Subdivisions. The Assistant Signal Maintainer ensures the railroad signal communication facilities and systems function to support safe and efficient rail operations and comply with the specifications and regulations of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and other regulatory and governing agencies.

This is a bargained position represented by the Southwest Mountain States Regional Council of Carpenters (Carpenters) Union.

This position will be responsible for the inspection, testing and diagnostic analysis of NCTD’s grade crossing warning devices, wayside signal systems, and rail safety communication systems under the direction of other members of the Signal and Communications Department. This position will perform maintenance on railway signal and communications equipment such as track signals. Individuals hired into this position are expected to complete all requirements to support a promotion to Signal Maintainer, typically within 12 to 24 months of employment.

This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Department of Transportation (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and will participate in a random testing pool under those guidelines.

This position reports to the Signal Manager and has no direct supervisory responsibility. This position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of the maintenance of signals team.

The physical demands and work environment are characteristic of a train, station, yard and maintenance environment; the essential functions and responsibilities of this position are performed in a field environment in various weather conditions around moving vehicles and equipment. This position works in assigned areas such as high places, support structures and poles and may include work on ladders, bridges, open track trestles and walking on uneven ground.

The Signal Maintainer has frequent exposure to electrical, weather, mechanical and physical hazards and uses hand tools to perform a wide range of construction, installation, maintenance, and repair activities. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultant’s facilities, and other locations as required. Work…