Track Equipment Operator (External)

Track Equipment Operator

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 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.

The most qualified candidates for this position will have highly developed competencies in the following areas, which will be reinforced with related work experience and will be clearly articulated during the selection process:

• Safe and efficient operation of heavy construction or maintenance equipment
• Knowledge of track maintenance principles, rail safety practices, and roadway worker protection
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to identify equipment defects or irregularities
• Compliance with safety rules, procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Effective communication and teamwork in a safety-sensitive crew-based environment
• Problem-solving and decision-making under time-sensitive conditions
• Dependability, adaptability, and willingness to work non-standard schedule

This is a SEIU Local 1021 Bargaining unit position. All full-time SEIU District employees must follow the "Bid Form" process and deposit their bids in the bid box. Failure to comply may invalidate the employee's bid. As actual vacancies occur, District employees on the internal eligibility list will be considered before external candidates.

All EXTERNAL and current non-SEIU applicants must apply online at Applications must be completed in full and include all requested information, including dates of employment, positions held, hours worked, and a detailed description of duties performed.

Applicants may attach a resume to their application or bid form to provide supplemental information; however, the resume does not substitute for completing the application or bid form in its entirety. Only information included on the application or bid form and resume at the time of submission will be used to determine whether applicants meet the minimum qualifications for the position. All application and bid form materials must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications and bid forms received after the closing deadline will not be considered.

The selection process for this position may include one or more of the following: a skills or performance demonstration, written examination, and/or panel or individual interview. External applicants will not be considered until all employees who have applied have been considered first.

All applications and bid forms will be reviewed by the Talent Acquisition Division to determine whether applicants meet the established Minimum Qualifications (MQs). Applicants who meet the MQs may be referred to the hiring department for further evaluation as part of the selection process.

The selected candidate must demonstrate a work history reflecting reliability and dependability and may be required to provide copies of certificates, diplomas, or other documentation required by law, including proof of authorization to work in the United States, and pass a pre-employment medical examination which includes a drug screen, which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre-employment processing will also include a background check. This requirement does not apply to current full-time District employees unless the position requires additional evaluations or clearances.

Examples of duties include:

1. Operates varied high-rail vehicles used to transport equipment, supplies and employees to various work sites.
2. 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.
3. Assists track maintenance crews in removing and replacing track fastenings, ties, joints, switches, turnouts and rails.
4. Cleans and clears debris, weeds, shrubbery, dead animals and other trash and obstructions from tracks and associated wayside; uses appropriate hand or power equipment.
5. Reads diagrams and specifications to determine appropriate measurements.
6. 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.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Education: Possession of a High School Diploma, GED, or recognized equivalent.
• Experience: 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. Experience in operating specialized heavy equipment related to the maintenance and repair of heavy rails is desirable.
• Other Requirements: 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. A valid California Class A driver's license is preferred. 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 and skills include:

• Knowledge of: Operational characteristics and minor maintenance requirements of specialized equipment used in the installation. Maintenance and repair of heavy rails and appurtenances. Operational characteristics and minor maintenance requirements of varied heavy and light construction equipment. Track maintenance procedures, methods, supplies, tools and equipment. 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. Operating and transporting heavy construction and track maintenance equipment skillfully and safely. Using hand tools and power equipment to perform semi-skilled track maintenance and repair work. Following oral and written directions. Working independently without immediate supervision. Working cooperatively with others in a crew. Reading and working from blueprints, drawings and schematics.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and above), religion, national origin (including language use restrictions), disability (mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), ancestry, marital status, military status, veteran status, medical condition (cancer/genetic characteristics and information), or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. The BART Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities or for religious reasons. Please advise the Human Resources Department of any special needs in advance of the examination by emailing at least 5 days before your examination date at View email address on talent.com. Qualified veterans may be eligible to obtain additional veteran's credit in the selection process for this recruitment (effective Jan. 1, 2013). To obtain the credit, veterans must attach to the application a DD214 discharge document