Light Rail Power Supervisor

Salary : $148,090.02 - $180,048.44 Annually
Location : San Jose, CA 95134-1927, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25_CK_02368
Division: Maintenance
Department: Way, Power & Signal Maintenance
Opening Date: 05/29/2026
Closing Date: 7/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Job Description

The Position
VTA's Way, Power & Signals department is looking for a highly skilled and safety-driven Light Rail Power Supervisor to join our team! The ideal candidate brings extensive experience with operation, maintenance and improvement of traction-powered substations and the overhead catenary system, and a strong understanding of electrical and electronic components, and a commitment to upholding safety standards. If you are ready to take the next step in your career and help keep our rail system moving safely and efficiently, we encourage you to apply!

The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a Light Rail Power Supervisor who is detail-oriented and safety-conscious individual with a strong background in high-voltage and electrical and electronic systems. The ideal candidate thrives in working in a team environment, brings strong leadership, communication and critical thinking skills and is passionate about traction powered substations and overhead catenary systems.
We are looking for a self-starter and team player who can manage multiple initiatives while adapting to changing priorities and emergency calls. The successful candidate will have knowledge of the overhead and substation equipment and tools, ensuring compliance with all safety and operational standards, and will have proven experience in inspecting, maintaining, and repairing light rail electric power systems, including overhead, substations and lighting, Additionally, the candidate is proactive in identifying potential hazards or system failures and takes pride in supporting the safe and efficient operation of the light rail network.

What You'll Be Doing
Definition
Under general supervision, the Light Rail Power Supervisor supervises and coordinates the overhead power and substation maintenance and repair of the light rail system.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the first full supervisory level in the maintenance and repair of electric power systems for light rail, including overhead and substations. The next higher class of Light Rail Way, Power and Signal Superintendent manages the overall activities of the program and supervises this class.

About the Way, Power, and Signals Department
Way, Power & Signal Maintenance is located at the Zanker Building. Way, Power & Signal Maintenance is responsible for timely and reliable maintenance, preventive maintenance, inspections, repair and servicing of the light rail right-of-way, rail system power, tracks, signals, station facilities and related equipment. Components of the Way, Power & Signal unit are:

• Station & Wayside Maintenance: Station & Wayside Maintenance maintains and repairs (including graffiti removal) light rail stations, terminal buildings, restrooms, park & ride lots, landscaping, fences, guardrails, and other trackside areas. The staff is currently located at the Cerone Division.
• Track Maintenance: Track Maintenance maintains (including right-of-way weed eradication, vegetation control, and graffiti removal), performs preventive maintenance, inspects, services and repairs rail, switches, ties, roadbed, and track systems.
• Power Maintenance: Power Maintenance maintains (including trackside right-of-way tree trimming), performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services light rail electric power systems, including overhead, substations, lighting, and other electrical systems.
• Signal Maintenance: Signal Maintenance maintains, performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services signal systems, crossing gates, fare machines, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) controls, and station audio/video equipment.

About VTA
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County's authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region.
VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.
As the county's congestion management agency, VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit oriented development.
VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County.
As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.
For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit:
Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP)
The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families.
Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work/family balance.
Essential Job Functions

Typical Tasks

• Plans, schedules and supervises the inspection, maintenance and repair of overhead power and substations;
• Coordinates with all affected personnel to maintain safety and continued operations;
• Supervises and performs inspections and repairs of all overhead contact wires, poles, support cables, insulators, switch gears and rail bonds;
• Supervises and performs inspection and repairs of traction power voltage, monitor systems, charging systems, circuit breakers and other electrical substation systems;
• Supervises and performs inspections and repairs of lighting and other electrical systems;
• Operates hi-rail vehicles;
• Serves as department representative in interaction with other VTA departments and outside agencies;
• Responds to calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;
• Hires, trains, counsels and disciplines workers;
• Performs safety training and supervises safe work practices;
• Prepares written reports, documents defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders, or designated computer programs;
• Operates computer for related data input and retrieval;
• May represent VTA at disciplinary hearings;
• Makes estimates of labor, time, costs and materials;
• Maintains records and prepares reports;
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Employment Standards
Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate possession of the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Development of the required knowledge, skills and abilities is typically obtained through the equivalent of six (6) years of experience in electrical/electronic maintenance, including one (1) year in an electrified rail or high voltage power supervisory position AND the equivalent of completion of a recognized apprenticeship program for electricians.

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to qualify for and maintain a Class B license.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

• Methods and procedures used to repair and maintain high voltage electrical systems;
• Principles of supervision, training, counseling and discipline;
• Theory and principles of electrical and electronic equipment and circuits;
• Principles and practices of electrical construction and insulation;
• Laws, ordinances and regulations governing electrical installation, maintenance safety and accident prevention.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret construction plans, specification and electronic schematics and diagrams;
• Read and understand blueprints and schematics;
• Supervise, train and discipline electronic/electrical workers;
• Develop and implement procedures for preventative maintenance programs;
• Understand, interpret and apply rules, regulations, union contract provisions, policies and procedures;
• Estimate costs for time, labor and materials;
• Evaluate cost effective methods and budgetary needs;
• Monitor expenditures;
• Coordinate with external contractors' production schedules;
• Prepare written reports, documents defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders, or designated computer programs;
• Perform computer related functions that allow for data input and retrieval;
• Maintain records and prepare clear and concise reports;
• Establish and maintain cooperative, working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

General Application Instructions

Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference.
To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as "continuous," we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an immediate email confirmation.
Important: Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, Job Interest Notification Cards, or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application.
Communication & Contact Information
All updates regarding your application-including notices for testing and interviews-will be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid, up-to-date email address. Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles.
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at View phone number on click.appcast.io, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays.
Application Review & Processing
All current and prior relevant work experience-including experience with VTA-must be fully detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as "see resume" are not acceptable. Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected, even if you meet the minimum qualifications.
While you are welcome to upload a resume, it does not substitute for completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position.
Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications, experience, education, or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA.
This classification is represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union.
Conditions of Employment
Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment.
For sensitive positions,VTA requires all safety-sensitive positions to have a 6-month DOT physical clearance. Obtained at the time of preboarding from a VTA-contracted Concentra Location.
Eligibility List
The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur. Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment.
Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations
VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io at least five business days before the test.
Equal Employment Opportunity
VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.
VTA offers a generous benefit package including: vision care, a choice of health plans, dental coverage, an employee assistance program, life insurance, and liberal holiday, vacation, and sick leave. A credit union and deferred compensation are also available to employees at their option. Detailed information on VTA's benefits may be found here:


As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA):

• Classic Members' retirement benefit formula is 2% @55.
• New Members' retirement benefit formula is 2% @62.

All Classic AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees hired on or after 01/09/2012 pay 7.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.

All New/PEPRA AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees pay 8.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.

Social Security taxes will be deducted from each employee's bi-weekly salary.
01


Please describe your experience in supervising and training employees. Include details regarding the number of employees you supervised and level of staff, and the length of time you supervised these employees.
02


Please describe your experience with electrified rail and high-voltage power. Please include any experience you may have had in substation maintenance and overhead line work.
03


Please describe your experience and training in reading and interpreting engineering plans, specifications, schematics, and diagrams.
04


Please describe your experience and training in understanding and applying laws, ordinances, and regulations governing electrical installation maintenance, safety, and accident prevention.
05


Please describe your experience in maintaining records and preparing reports that will be audited by local, state and federal regulators.
Required Question