Track Welder

Salary : $77,596.69 - $124,125.30 Annually
Location : Maintenance of Way (MOW), Oceanside, CA, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: FY2026-00077
Department: Rail Operations Division
Division: MAINTENANCE OF WAY
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Closing Date: 7/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description

DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Maintenance of Way Supervisor this position performs maintenance activities within the railroad right-of-way enabling safe and efficient movement of trains along the San Diego and Escondido Subdivisions. This is a bargained position represented by the Southwest Mountain States Regional Council of Carpenters (Carpenters) Union.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Safely and efficiently perform duties relating to inspection, maintenance, repair and improvement of the track structure and other railroad property/facilities. Operate and maintain equipment. Transport crew and equipment to/from jobsite. This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and will participate in a random testing pool under those guidelines.
Supervision Received and Exercised
This position reports to the Maintenance of Way Supervisor and has no direct supervisory responsibility. This position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of the maintenance of way team.
Working Conditions
Normal working conditions for this position are in an operational field setting. Individuals in this position must be able to work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries, wear protective equipment including hearing protection, safety-toe boots, safety glasses and other Personal Protective Equipment items as assigned by NCTD.
The railroad operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This position may be subject to shift changes and overtime. They must be able to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Work may include exposure to inclement weather conditions.
Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants' facilities, and other locations as required.

Examples of Duties
Essential Functions

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform railroad track maintenance, repair, and installation.
• Repair and rebuild railroad track using hand tools and specialized equipment. Specific duties will include tasks such as removing, and replacing ties, pulling and driving spikes, shoveling rock ballast, loading, and unloading equipment and material, repairing, and replacing rail, right of way clearing and cleaning, removing and replacing rail anchors and other various maintenance tasks as may be assigned.
• Perform maintenance welding of frogs, switch points and other special trackwork utilizing arc and wire feed welding equipment.
• Repair or replace broken or cracked rail and build-up rail, trim weld, grind the surface of rail, and grind gauge sides.
• Inspect all welding equipment daily to check for leaky cylinders, hoses, or connections.
• Clean welding work pieces to remove impurities, such as slag, rust, and grease.
• Monitor and maintain flow of gases, light torch and adjust gas mixture and pressure to obtain desired flame when making field welds.
• Inspect welding after grinding to check for hairline cracks or any visible defects.
• Operate propane torches, electric and gas welding equipment.
• Test rail after using the thermite welding procedure to detect voids, lack of fusion or other defects in the rail.
• Safely and effectively operate various types of equipment such as loaders, backhoes, track hoes, haul trucks, water trucks, railroad track equipment, on track equipment tampers, regulators, track stabilizers, tie cranes, tie inserters, spike pullers, spike drivers, and speed swings.
• Inspects and maintains trucks and equipment daily including but not limited to any attached apparatuses such as boom, hi-rail gear, tools, etc.
• Perform maintenance and repair on related equipment used in Maintenance of Way activities, as necessary.
• Follow proper safety and housekeeping procedures pertaining to the job and employees under management.
• Operates equipment in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Performs daily equipment safety and maintenance checks, making emergency adjustments as necessary, in accordance with regulatory requirements and NCTD policies, and documentation per daily inspection and repairs reports as requested by company management.
• Takes actions to avoid potential hazards and obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, and falling objects, this includes Underground Service Alert (USA) mark outs.
• Performs mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic repairs in the field and/or the shop.
• Communicates with direct supervisor on daily production, safety issues, and mechanical repairs.
• Operates heavy duty trucks to carry equipment to and from the work site.
• Drives machines onto truck trailers.
• Identifies and reports material and equipment usage and problems.
• Identifies parts/material needs and process requests in accordance Handle, unload and move track materials and equipment from rail cars, carts, or trucks.
• Maintain track beds by cutting vegetation and brush when needed, and sweeping, picking, and digging dust from movable track parts.
• Inspect, clear, and maintain drainage facilities.
• Remove and replace ballast; tamp ballast; unload or assist in unloading ballast from ballast cars.
• Safely and effectively operate various types of tools and equipment such as hammers, jacks, and other mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic tools.
• Observe the condition of the railroad tracks, track beds and right-of-way for problems or defects. Through visual inspections identify broken rails, defective switches, and signals, deteriorating track bed, track obstructions and weather-related problems; check switch points; observe right-of-way and passing trains for shifted loads and spillage.
• Must be willing and able to work around large equipment such as railcars, locomotives cranes, off track equipment and on on-track equipment.
• Understand and follow NCTD and industry safety rules, practices, and procedures.
• Wear prescribed safety apparel and personal protective equipment.
• Complete written forms and reports as required.
• Perform flagging duties as may be required.
• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety and maintenance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• High School diploma or GED required.
• One (1) year Railroad Maintenance of Way work experience preferred.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to deliver information to coworker(s) and supervisor(s)
• Experience reading and understanding instructions (examples may include: operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents)
• Preferred CFR 49 213 Part A - F qualification.

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and


abilities for this position may be considered.
Certificates/Licenses

• Possess and maintain a California driver's license class A or B commercial driver's license (CDL) and maintain the license in accordance with state requirements for CDL's
• Be a Certified Welder, with experience in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and/or Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) preferred.
• Maintain compliance with the District's policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.
• Must be able to become GCOR Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain annual access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton.
• Must be able to become RWP Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties.

General Requirements

• Be qualified on territory and pass physical characteristics examinations.
• Must be capable of performing physically strenuous work on a continuous basis.
• Must be able to read and comprehend regulations and instructions as well as possess good verbal communication skills.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors and/or customers and effectively handle conflict situations.
• Working knowledge of and familiarity with equipment such as tampers, regulators, torches, hammers, jacks, and other mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic tools.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot problems on equipment.
• Ability to maintain alertness, awareness, and vigilance.
• Good oral and written communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions).
• Successfully complete, maintain and pass any required safety certification and testing on an annual basis.

Supplemental Information
Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee must:

• Be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information.
• Physically travel between District locations and other destinations.
• Work evenings when required.
• Work in hazardous conditions and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way.
• May be subject to fumes, odors, dust, gases, chemicals.
• Must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.
• Walk extensively on uneven surfaces.
• Continuous bending, stooping, and kneeling are required for this position.
• Able to lift/carry and push/pull equipment and other objects weighing 25 lbs. (frequently), 50 lbs. (occasionally), and 100 lbs. (infrequently);

Machines / Tools / Equipment

• Ability to operate equipment such as propane torches, electric and gas welding equipment, tampers, regulators, torches, hammers, jacks, and other mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic tools.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.
• Able to operate two-way radios.
• Ability to carry and operate a mobile device.

Application Information: All applications must complete and submit an online application at . A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check. The hourly rate of pay for this position is $42.87 per the Carpenters' Union Agreement. NCTD is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Southwest Regional Mountain States Carpeters Union. Benefits include the following:

Retirement: Carpenter's Southwest Administrative Corporation manages the pension program. The current employee contribution rate for each payroll is shown below. Taxes are deferred to retirement. Contributions are paid up to all hours worked up to 2200 hours per calendar year.


Employee Contributions per hour:

• Track Inspector $1.69
• Track Maintainer $2.24
• Track Welder $1.83
• Track Maintainer Foreman $1.90
• Material Handler $2.10
• Heavy Equipment Operator I $1.97
• Heavy Equipment Operator II $1.83
• Equipment Operator Foreman $1.83
• Assistant Signal Maintainer $1.89
• Signal Maintainer $1.58
• Signal Inspector $1.26
• Systems & Comms Tech $1.26

457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan: NCTD offers a Voluntary Deferred Compensation Savings Plan through VOYA Financial Services. Employees are eligible to enroll any time after the date of hire. The plan allows you to contribute pre-tax and/or post-tax dollars into selected funds of your choice. The plan also allows you to:

• Contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Catch-up plan for those 50+ of up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Is portable, can be rolled over into another qualified retirement plan
• Employer match into a 401(a) account (50% up to 8% of employee compensation; Max NCTD contribution of 4%

Medical Insurance: Carpenter's Southwest Administrative Corporation offers two plans that include HMO and PPO plans to choose from: the Active Plan Coverage and the Bronze Plan Coverage.

• Active Plan (Gold) Coverage Includes:
• Coverage for employee AND eligible dependents
• Medical Coverage:PPO Copay Plan or Kaiser HMO Network
• Dental Coverage: DPPO with United Healthcare
• Vision Coverage: standard plan with United Healthcare
• Prescription Coverage
• Total cost per paycheck: $355.20 (pre-tax)

• Bronze Plan Coverage includes:
• Medical PPO Plan Only
• Total cost per paycheck Employee Only: $35.20 (pre-tax)
• Total cost per paycheck Employee + 1 dependent: $110.20 (pre-tax)
• Total cost per paycheck Employee + 2 or more dependents: $160.20 (pre-tax)
• ( Optional with Bronze Plan Coverage) Dental Insurance: NCTD offers two different dental plans for employees and their eligible dependents (HMO and PPO) from United Concordia. Human Resources can provide information regarding available plans. Both plans are part of NCTD's cafeteria plan (pre-tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).
• ( Optional with Bronze Plan Coverage) : Vision Insurance: NCTD offers vision services for employees and their eligible dependents through EyeMed. Human Resources can provide additional information regarding the available plan. The plan is part of NCTD's cafeteria plan (pre-tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).

Life Insurance: NCTD cares for its employees, and thus provides at no cost to the employee group life insurance in the amount of $50,000 (coverage includes Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Accelerated Death benefits). Additional life insurance is available for you and your eligible dependents at your expense. * Tax reporting is required for any amounts over $50,000, per IRS guidelines. Supplemental life insurance coverage premiums are deducted on a post-tax basis.

Additionally, Carpenter's Southwest Administrative Corporation offers $20,000 for group term life insurance, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment at $5,000-$20,000 coverage levels.


Short Term Disability Insurance : NCTD offers two Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance plans. Plans will cover 20% of your total weekly earnings up to $1,500 per week.

• Choice 1 benefits begin after 1 day of disability for Accident, and 8 days of disability for Sickness. Deductions are post-tax and benefits are payable up to 26 weeks.
• Choice 2 benefits begin after 8 days of disability for Accident, and 15 days of disability for Sickness. Deductions are post-tax and benefits are payable up to 26 weeks.

Long Term Disability Insurance: NCTD offers voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance. You may elect units of $100 up to 60% of your hourly wage to a maximum of $6,000/month. Deductions are post-tax, coverage 24/7, limitations or exclusions, and benefits are payable to age 65 or for two years (whichever is longer)
Flexible Spending Account Plan: NCTD offers two core FSA plans and two Commuter plans. Health Care and Dependent Care plans are "Use It OR Lose It" calendar year plans (Jan. 1st - Dec. 31st). The Commuter Transit and Parking plans do not have a "use it or lose it" policy. Plans are as follows:

• Health Care Spending Account: May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Dependent Care Spending Account: May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS (including limitations if married)
• Commuter Transit Accounts: May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS

CA State Disability Insurance: Employees contribute to California State Disability Insurance (SDI). The current contribution rate is 1.1% of earnings and is totally paid by the employee. After the 7-day waiting period, SDI pays a percentage of employee's salary up to a maximum of $1,540.00per week, for up to 52 weeks. SDI may be coordinated with Paid Time Off (PTO).

Social Security : All NCTD employees pay into Social Security.

Accident Insurance: NCTD offers voluntary accident insurance. You may elect coverage for you and your dependents for a flat monthly rate. Deductions are post-tax.

Critical Illness Insurance: NCTD offers Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance which can fill a financial gap if you experience a serious illness such as cancer, heart attack or stroke. You may elect coverage up to $10,000 in increments of $5,000, for you and between $2,500 - $5,000 for your dependents, not to exceed 50% of coverage amount. Deductions are post-tax.

Hospital Indemnity Insurance: NCTD offers Voluntary Hospital Indemnity Insurance. You may elect coverage for you and your dependent for a flat monthly rate. The plan provides benefits due to hospital stays for covered accident or sickness. Deductions are post-tax.


Administrative Holidays: 9 recognized paid holidays per year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

PTO (Paid Time Off): All NCTD Regular, Probationary, and Limited-Term employees shall receive Paid Time Off (PTO). PTO shall be earned equally in each pay period during the year in accordance with the following schedule, based on the number of years of NCTD service completed:

• 0 through 3.99 years of service completed: 120 hours per year (15 days)
• 4.00 through 9.99 years of service completed: 176 hours per year (22 days)
• 10 and more years of service completed: 216 hours per year (27 days)

Bereavement: NCTD offers paid bereavement leave.


Transportation Passes: All NCTD employees receive an identification "PRONTO Card" which can be used to ride the following NCTD/MTS transit services (BREEZE, FLEX, SPRINTER, COASTER, MTS Bus, Trolley) at no charge. Eligible family members also receive a pass for NCTD public transportation at no charge (paratransit excluded).