Track Equipment Operator (Internal)

BART•Oakland Shops/Annex, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Ride BART to a satisfying career that lets you both: 1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and 2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program. This position is ideal for individuals who take pride in hands-on work, enjoy operating heavy equipment, and want to build a stable, long-term career maintaining one of the nation’s most visible public transit systems. In this assignment, the Track Equipment Operator works as part of a highly skilled Track Maintenance team responsible for the construction, renewal, inspection, and repair of BART’s rail infrastructure throughout the system. This is a critical safety-sensitive role that directly supports BART’s ability to provide safe, reliable service to the Bay Area. Under general supervision, Track Equipment Operators are entrusted with the safe and efficient operation of high-rail vehicles and specialized on- and off-road heavy equipment used in track maintenance activities. Work is performed in dynamic environments, often during non-revenue hours, requiring strict adherence to safety rules, roadway worker protection requirements, and regulatory standards. Operators must demonstrate strong situational awareness, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively as part of a crew in time-sensitive conditions. Key responsibilities include operating and transporting high-rail vehicles, trucks, cranes, and specialized maintenance equipment; supporting track crews with the removal and replacement of rails, ties, fastenings, switches, and turnouts; maintaining clean and safe work sites; and identifying potential equipment issues requiring maintenance or repair. Successful candidates will bring a strong mechanical aptitude, commitment to safety, and the flexibility to work varied schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments.

Requirements

Possession of a High School Diploma, GED, or recognized equivalent.
One (1) year of (full-time equivalent) verifiable track maintenance experience, which will have provided a familiarity with track maintenance procedures, equipment and supplies.
At least six months (6) of that year must have included the operation of a variety of heavy construction equipment or on-rail railroad equipment, preferably in a maintenance-related setting.
Must have the ability to obtain Class A permit within the first 60 days of employment or promotion.
Must obtain Class A driver's license within the first 120 days of employment or promotion.
Must have a satisfactory driving record
Must obtain and maintain District certification to operate heavy equipment.
Must have physical capability to: walk, climb, stoop, bend, crawl, twist, work in confined spaces, work underground, work at heights up to 200 ft., walk on uneven surfaces and climb into vehicles with steps up to 25 inches from the ground in close clearances.
Must climb and work from a ladder, perform strenuous physical labor both indoors and outdoors.
Must wear a respirator, work in a dusty environment subject to fumes and noise levels in the proximity of live voltage.
Must be willing to work on-call, weekends and off-hours shifts.
Knowledge of operational characteristics and minor maintenance requirements of specialized equipment used in the installation.
Knowledge of maintenance and repair of heavy rails and appurtenances.
Knowledge of operational characteristics and minor maintenance requirements of varied heavy and light construction equipment.
Knowledge of track maintenance procedures, methods, supplies, tools and equipment.
Knowledge of proper use and care of hand and power tools and equipment; safe working practices and techniques.
Skill in operating specialized high-railed equipment skillfully and safely.
Skill in operating and transporting heavy construction and track maintenance equipment skillfully and safely.
Skill in using hand tools and power equipment to perform semi-skilled track maintenance and repair work.
Skill in following oral and written directions.
Skill in working independently without immediate supervision.
Skill in working cooperatively with others in a crew.
Skill in reading and working from blueprints, drawings and schematics.

Nice To Haves

Experience in operating specialized heavy equipment related to the maintenance and repair of heavy rails is desirable.
A valid California Class A driver's license is preferred.

Responsibilities

Operates varied high-rail vehicles used to transport equipment, supplies and employees to various work sites.
Operates specialized rail settings, maneuvering repair equipment and common heavy on- and off-road heavy construction equipment including trucks and cranes to support the work of track maintenance crews.
Transports equipment to and from the work site as required.
Assists track maintenance crews in removing and replacing track fastenings, ties, joints, switches, turnouts and rails.
Cleans and clears debris, weeds, shrubbery, dead animals and other trash and obstructions from tracks and associated wayside; uses appropriate hand or power equipment.
Reads diagrams and specifications to determine appropriate measurements.
Cleans up work site after completion of assigned work; maintains tools, vehicles and equipment in a clean and orderly condition; reports the need for additional maintenance or repair to Foreworker.