Track Equipment Operator I-II

Associated Universities Inc.

2d • $20 - $27 • Onsite

About The Position

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), is a leading research organization operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities. NRAO is seeking a full-time Track Equipment Operator I-II for its VLA radio telescope site in New Mexico. This safety-sensitive position involves construction, loading, lifting, installation, and maintenance of track systems, as well as assisting in the repair of heavy equipment related to the observatory's extensive track network used for antenna reconfiguration.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• Minimum of two years of related experience; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated broad knowledge in the operation of railway maintenance equipment.
• Experience with arc and MIG welding.
• Effective decision-making ability.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and/or using sketches or drawings.
• PC experience including e-mail, word processing, and data entry.
• Must have (or obtain within twelve months of employment or transfer) and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License (minimum of a Class B; Class A preferred).
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment/pre-placement drug screen.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of experience maintaining and operating specialized production railway maintenance equipment.

Responsibilities

• Repairing and rebuilding railroad track using hand tools and power tools.
• Performing track maintenance, repairs, and installations, including driving spikes, pulling spikes, installing/removing rail anchors, placing tie plates, cutting rails, and lifting rails.
• Removing and replacing ties, shoveling rock ballast, and loading/unloading equipment and materials.
• Operating heavy equipment such as dump trucks and tractor trailers.
• Assisting with track inspections for defects, obstructions, and weather-related issues.
• Handling and moving track material and equipment.
• Loading/unloading equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Removing and installing rail and ties with assistance.
• Moving debris away from work sites.
• Performing track bed maintenance, including ballast replacement and tamping.
• Operating track-specific equipment such as hydraulic spike pullers, air/hydraulic wrenches, rail drills, and portable abrasive rail saws.
• Assisting with the repair and maintenance of track equipment and related machinery/vehicles.
• Performing preventative maintenance on equipment.
• Transporting equipment locally and potentially to other NRAO sites.
• Using survey equipment, including levels and theodolites, to measure rail and intersection levels.
• Proactively complying with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• Medical, dental and vision plans effective on the first day of employment.
• Retirement benefit: AUI contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.

What This Job Offers

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