Heavy Equipment Operator I/II (DOE)

North County Transit District • Oceanside, CA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Maintenance of Way Supervisor, this position performs maintenance activities within the railroad right-of-way, enabling the safe and efficient movement of trains along the San Diego and Escondido Subdivisions. This is a bargained position represented by the Southwest Mountain States Regional Council of Carpenters (Carpenters) Union. This position involves the safe and efficient operation of various types of construction equipment including loaders, backhoes, skid steers, excavators, truck cranes, bulldozers, haul trucks, water trucks, railroad track equipment, on track equipment tampers, regulators, track stabilizers, tie cranes, tie inserters, spike pullers, spike drivers, and speed swings, as well as other equipment. When not operating equipment, incumbents also perform physical labor in the maintenance, repair, and modification of tracks system wide. This class is distinguished from the Track Maintainer in that the Heavy Equipment Operator I performs physical labor incidental to the primary function of equipment operation. This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and will participate in a random testing pool under those guidelines.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to deliver information to coworker(s) and supervisor(s)
• Experience reading and understanding instructions (examples may include: operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents)
• Experience using hand tools, power tools and hydraulic equipment.
• Possess and maintain a California driver’s license, Class C, with less than 6 points in the prior 36 month period and no DUI’s in the prior 7 year period.
• Maintain compliance with the District’s policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.
• Must be able to become GCOR Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain annual access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.
• Must be able to become RWP Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties.
• Must be able to become qualified on territory and pass physical characteristics examinations.
• Must be able to become CFR 213 qualified.
• Must be capable of performing physically strenuous work on a continuous basis.
• Must be able to read and comprehend regulations and instructions as well as possess good verbal communication skills.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors and/or customers and effectively handle conflict situations.
• Ability to maintain alertness, awareness, and vigilance.
• Be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information.
• Physically travel between District locations and other destinations.
• Have flexibility sufficient for track maintenance tasks such as flexing to pick up tie plates.
• Be able to work in hazardous conditions and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way and have balance sufficient to walk on ballast.
• Capable of standing for more than half of each workday with periodic breaks.
• May be subject to fumes, odors, dust, gases, chemicals.
• Must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.
• Walk extensively on uneven surfaces.
• Capable of occasional climbing on ladders.
• Good eye-hand coordination; and bilateral dexterity.
• Continuous bending, stooping, and kneeling are required for this position.
• Lift/carry and push/pull equipment and other objects weighing 25 lbs. (frequently), 50 lbs. (occasionally), and 100 lbs. (infrequently).
• Must be willing to work at heights of 20 feet or more above the ground if it is required.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment and trucks, including but not limited to: loaders, backhoes, skid steers, excavators, truck cranes, bulldozers, haul trucks, water trucks, railroad track equipment, on track equipment tampers, regulators, track stabilizers, tie cranes, tie inserters, spike pullers, spike drivers., and speed swings.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.
• Ability to use two-way radios.
• Ability to carry and operate a mobile device.

Nice To Haves

• Technical school or apprenticeship program in related field is preferred.
• Previous operation of on track equipment preferred.
• One (1) year Railroad Maintenance of Way work experience preferred.
• A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Safely and effectively operate various types of equipment such as loaders, backhoes, skid steers, excavators, truck cranes, bulldozers, haul trucks, water trucks, railroad track equipment, on track equipment tampers, regulators, track stabilizers, tie cranes, tie inserters, spike pullers, spike drivers., and speed swings.
• Inspects and maintains trucks and equipment daily including but not limited to any attached apparatuses such as boom, hi-rail gear, tools, etc.
• Perform inspection, maintenance, and repair on related equipment used in Maintenance of Way activities, as necessary.
• Follow proper safety and housekeeping procedures pertaining to the job and employees under management.
• Operates equipment safely and efficiently in accordance with regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Performs daily equipment safety and maintenance checks, making emergency adjustments as necessary, in accordance with regulatory requirements and NCTD policies, and documentation per daily inspection and repairs reports as requested by company management.
• Takes actions to avoid potential hazards and obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, and falling objects, this includes Underground Service Alert (USA) mark outs.
• Performs mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic repairs in the field and/or the shop.
• Communicates with direct supervisor on daily production, safety issues, and mechanical repairs.
• Drives machines onto truck trailers.
• Identifies and reports material and equipment usage and problems.
• Identifies parts/material needs and process requests in accordance with NCTD policy and procedures.
• Repair and rebuild railroad track using hand tools and specialized equipment.
• Specific duties will include tasks such as removing, and replacing ties, pulling and driving spikes, shoveling rock ballast, loading, and unloading equipment and material, repairing, and replacing rail, right of way clearing and cleaning, removing and replacing rail anchors and other various maintenance tasks as may be assigned.
• Perform railroad track maintenance, repair, and installation.
• Handle, unload and move track materials and equipment from rail cars, carts, or trucks.
• Maintain track beds by cutting vegetation and brush when needed, and sweeping, picking, and digging dust from movable track parts.
• Inspect, clear, and maintain drainage facilities.
• Remove and replace ballast; tamp ballast; unload or assist in unloading ballast from ballast cars.
• Safely and effectively operate various types of tools and equipment such as hammers, jacks, and other mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic tools.
• Observe and inspect the condition of the railroad tracks, track beds and right-of-way for problems or defects per the Federal Railroad Administration and California Public Utilities Commission regulations.
• Through visual inspections identify broken rails, defective switches, and signals, deteriorating track bed, track obstructions and weather-related problems; check switch points; observe right-of-way and passing trains for shifted loads and spillage.
• Must be willing and able to work around large equipment such as railcars, locomotives cranes, off track equipment and on on-track equipment.
• Understand and follow NCTD and industry safety rules, practices, and procedures.
• Wear prescribed safety apparel and personal protective equipment.
• Complete written forms and reports as required.
• Perform flagging duties as may be required.
• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety and maintenance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The hourly rate of pay for this position is $41.04 per the Carpenters' Union Agreement.
• Position may be upgraded to Heavy Equipment Operator II with a starting wage aligned to the Carpenters Union Agreement, currently $42.87.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED