Rail MOW Maintainer, Traction Power

Department: Charlotte Area Transit System Department

Salary: $29.71 - $46.42 Commensurate with Experience

Thank you for your interest in joining the team that keeps Charlotte moving at a very exciting time for our organization. At the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) were committed to delivering safe reliable and innovative transit services for our growing community and we value employees who bring professionalism passion and a commitment to public service.

This position is currently employed by CATS a department of the City of Charlotte. With the passage of the PAVE Act and last years sales tax referendum CATS is preparing to transition from a City department to the newly created Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA). The MPTA was established to strengthen regional transit governance improve accountability and support longterm investment in mobility. Its an important and exciting step forward for transit in our region.

Employees hired into this role will remain City employees through December 31 2026 and will transition to MPTA employment on January 1 2027. Benefits and compensation will follow City provisions through 2026 and shift to MPTA provisions in 2027 with clear information shared in advance. Your core duties reporting structure and daily responsibilities will remain consistent with no break in service. If anything delays the transition your City employment including compensation and benefits will remain in place until the move to the MPTA occurs.

The creation of the MPTA positions us for a more modern sustainable and efficient transit system one that can better support the Charlotte region for decades to come. Were excited about whats ahead and appreciate your interest in being part of it.

SUMMARY

The Power Maintainer performs inspection testing troubleshooting maintenance and repair work on traction power substations power distribution equipment feeder systems protective devices and associated electrical infrastructure that support rail operations. Reporting to the MOW Power Supervisor this role carries out assigned field maintenance work in accordance with established procedures technical guidance safety requirements and quality standards to help maintain safe reliable and service-ready traction power systems.

This position supports the day-to-day maintenance of rail power systems by performing scheduled inspections and tests diagnosing equipment issues completing corrective repairs documenting work and assisting with service restoration and infrastructure readiness activities. The Power Maintainer works as part of a team-based field maintenance environment and may assist with outage response switching support commissioning support emergency response and other activities needed to support service continuity and infrastructure performance.

The role requires sound technical skills attention to detail and the ability to work safely and effectively in a safety-sensitive infrastructure maintenance environment. This position contributes directly to traction power system reliability maintenance quality and the overall effectiveness of the Maintenance of Way function.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Power System Maintenance and Repair

• Perform scheduled inspections testing preventive maintenance troubleshooting maintenance and corrective repair work on traction power substations switchgear rectifiers breakers transformers feeder systems grounding systems and related electrical infrastructure.
• Diagnose and repair equipment issues using established procedures technical manuals drawings one-lines test equipment and diagnostic tools.
• Complete assigned work in accordance with work instructions maintenance schedules technical guidance and quality expectations.
• Assist in identifying defects abnormal conditions alarms and equipment issues affecting safe operation or service reliability.
• Help ensure traction power systems are maintained in a safe reliable and service-ready condition.

Inspection Testing and Technical Support

• Conduct required inspections functional tests relay checks breaker timing tests insulation resistance testing thermal scan follow-up and other verification activities related to system condition maintenance completion and readiness for service.
• Assist with commissioning support acceptance testing system checks and related technical activities as assigned.
• Verify that completed work meets established maintenance and operational standards before equipment is returned to service or advanced to the next stage of work.
• Report unresolved technical issues recurring faults or unusual equipment conditions to the appropriate supervisory or lead staff.
• Support troubleshooting and repair follow-up needed to maintain dependable system performance.

Switching Grounding and Work Practices

• Execute switching grounding clearance and related work protection activities under supervision and in accordance with established authority and procedures.
• Support safe isolation of equipment and help maintain appropriate work boundaries grounding protection and related field protections.
• Follow established procedures for switching logs work control records and related outage documentation as assigned.
• Read and apply technical manuals electrical drawings one-lines job aids and maintenance instructions in the performance of assigned work.
• Help maintain safe and consistent work practices during routine maintenance outages and abnormal conditions.

Documentation and Equipment Readiness

• Complete work orders inspection forms test sheets logs parts usage records and other required maintenance documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintain tools PPE test equipment vehicles and work areas in a clean organized calibrated and serviceable condition.
• Follow established procedures for tool use documentation parts handling and work control.
• Help maintain accurate maintenance records that support asset history accountability and operational follow-up.
• Support reliable documentation and equipment readiness within the power maintenance function.

Safety and Operational Support

• Perform work in accordance with applicable safety rules maintenance procedures PPE requirements arc-flash precautions roadway worker protection lockout/tagout practices and organizational expectations.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions hazards equipment concerns and procedural issues through appropriate channels.
• Support emergency response outage restoration and other service-restoration activities related to power system failures or abnormal electrical conditions as assigned.
• Work rotating shifts nights weekends holidays overtime or extended hours as needed to support infrastructure maintenance and service requirements.
• Communicate promptly regarding maintenance issues delays or conditions affecting assigned work or system readiness.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

Infrastructure Maintenance Execution Ability to perform assigned maintenance inspection testing and repair work on traction power systems safely and effectively.

• Completes assigned work in accordance with procedures and technical requirements.
• Supports dependable system condition and service readiness.
• Carries out maintenance work with care consistency and accountability.

Technical Troubleshooting Ability to identify equipment issues and apply sound troubleshooting methods to diagnose and support repair of traction power and electrical distribution systems.

• Uses technical information and tools to identify likely causes of faults.
• Supports practical and effective repair work.
• Recognizes when additional technical guidance is needed.

Safety and Procedural Compliance Ability to follow safety rules maintenance procedures and work standards consistently in a safety-sensitive environment.

• Adheres to arc-flash PPE grounding roadway worker protection and lockout/tagout requirements.
• Performs work with attention to safety and procedural discipline.
• Helps support a safe and orderly maintenance environment.

Documentation and Attention to Detail Ability to maintain accurate work records and complete maintenance tasks with attention to technical and procedural detail.

• Completes work orders logs and records accurately.
• Pays close attention to testing inspections and required follow-up.
• Helps ensure maintenance documentation is reliable and complete.

Teamwork and Dependability Ability to work effectively as part of a maintenance team and provide reliable support to daily infrastructure maintenance needs.

• Works cooperatively with supervisors leads and fellow maintainers.
• Demonstrates dependability in attendance readiness and work completion.
• Supports shared maintenance goals through consistent performance.

Adaptability and Responsiveness Ability to respond effectively to changing work priorities urgent repairs and service-impacting maintenance needs.

• Adjusts to changing assignments and operational needs.
• Supports urgent maintenance response when required.
• Maintains effectiveness in both routine and time-sensitive situations.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Traction power systems including substations rectifiers breakers transformers feeder systems and related electrical distribution equipment.
• Basic electrical theory power distribution concepts and equipment functions relevant to rail traction power systems.
• Electrical safety practices including arc-flash protection grounding lockout/tagout and PPE requirements.
• Maintenance procedures inspection standards testing requirements and documentation practices for electrical systems.
• Technical drawings one-line diagrams equipment manuals and maintenance instructions.

Skill in:

• Performing inspection testing troubleshooting and repair of electrical and traction power equipment under direction.
• Using electrical test equipment meters and diagnostic tools safely and effectively.
• Reading and applying electrical drawings one-lines and technical manuals to support maintenance work.
• Supporting switching grounding and outage-related activities in accordance with procedures.
• Completing work orders test sheets logs and related documentation accurately.
• Communicating clearly with supervisors leads and team members regarding system conditions and work progress.

Ability to:

• Follow established procedures and technical guidance to complete maintenance work safely and effectively.
• Identify equipment issues and support troubleshooting and repair under direction from leads or supervisors.
• Maintain strong awareness of electrical hazards and adhere to safety requirements at all times.
• Work effectively as part of a team in a field-based safety-sensitive environment.
• Respond to changing priorities outage needs and service-impacting conditions.
• Perform physically demanding work in varied environments while maintaining attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience in electrical maintenance utility maintenance substation maintenance industrial power systems or another closely related technical maintenance environment.
• Ability to read and apply technical manuals electrical drawings one-lines job aids and maintenance procedures.
• Ability to use electrical test equipment diagnostic tools and other job-related maintenance tools safely and effectively.
• Valid drivers license and ability to obtain and maintain any job-related licenses qualifications or certifications required for the role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical electrical utility industrial maintenance or related formal training or education.
• Experience in a rail transit light rail commuter rail utility or comparable infrastructure maintenance environment.
• Experience supporting outage restoration commissioning switching support or service-recovery activities

Working Environment and Physical Demands

• Works in a combination of substations field right-of-way yard shop and limited office environments including active rail infrastructure maintenance locations.
• Works in a safety-sensitive environment requiring strong electrical safety awareness sound judgment and the ability to perform hands-on maintenance under both routine and urgent conditions.
• May be required to work rotating shifts nights weekends holidays overtime extended hours or emergency assignments in support of rail service and infrastructure maintenance needs.
• Involves extended periods of standing walking climbing bending lifting using hand tools and diagnostic equipment reviewing technical documents and completing maintenance records.
• May be exposed to varying weather conditions noise levels energized systems arc-flash hazards right-of-way hazards moving equipment and other physical conditions associated with traction power maintenance and field response.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The Citys Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes but is not limited to: reference checks social security verification education verification criminal conviction record check and if applicable a credit history check sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidates written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process candidates may be asked to take a skills test and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race religion color sex national origin marital status age disability sexual orientation political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress appearance or behavior.

Our culture is to serve the community honorably.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where self-service application kiosks are available. They are located in our office at 700 East 4th Street Suite 200 Charlotte NC 28202. We are open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST) excluding official City holidays.

For questions about your application or the hiring process please email

The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request auxiliary aids written materials in alternate formats language access and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call View phone number on us.fitly.work.

BENEFITS

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.

Click hereto learn more about the City of Charlottes benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.