Track Welder, SEIU (Pool Posting)

Pay Rate SEIU Maintenance (Grade 301) – Step 76 ($42.72/hourly) to Step 99 ($55.84/hourly). External candidates will start at Step 76. Reports To Section Manager or designee. Current Assignment This job announcement will be used to establish a pool of eligible candidates for vacancies that may occur within the next twelve (12) months. The selection process for this posting will be used to determine the most qualified candidates to fill four (4) vacancies. Overview The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) is seeking a highly skilled and safety-focused Track Welder to support the maintenance, renewal, and modernization of the District’s rail infrastructure. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and longevity of BART’s track system, which is fundamental to delivering safe and dependable service to the Bay Area. Under general supervision, the Track Welder performs specialized welding and fabrication work on rail, track components, and related structures throughout the BART system. The incumbent supports critical maintenance and capital improvement programs, including rail replacement, defect remediation, and infrastructure reinvestment projects. Work is performed in active rail environments and requires strict adherence to safety protocols, technical standards, and operational procedures. Current priorities for this assignment include supporting systemwide rail replacement and rehabilitation efforts, addressing rail defects through high‑quality welds and repairs, and contributing to preventive maintenance strategies that reduce service disruptions. The Track Welder will work closely with Track Maintenance, Engineering, and Operations staff to ensure welding work meets District standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. Key Responsibilities Perform thermite, electric arc, and other specialized welding processes on rail and track components. Support rail replacement, rail grinding preparation, and defect repair initiatives. Ensure all welding work complies with BART standards, safety rules, and applicable federal and state regulations. Inspect welded joints and track components to verify quality, integrity, and service readiness. Operate welding equipment, tools, and vehicles safely in rail right‑of‑way environments. Respond to emergency track conditions and perform time‑sensitive repairs to restore service safely. Collaborate with supervisors, inspectors, and other skilled trades to meet maintenance and construction schedules. Required Competencies Rail Welding Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in thermite welding, electric arc welding, and other rail welding techniques used in transit or heavy industrial environments. Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Strong understanding of rail safety practices, lockout/tagout procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations. Technical Precision & Quality Control: Proven ability to produce high‑quality welds, inspect finished work, and identify defects or corrective actions. Operational Awareness: Experience working in active rail or right‑of‑way environments while coordinating effectively with operations and maintenance teams. Problem‑Solving Skills: Ability to assess track conditions, troubleshoot welding issues, and perform corrective repairs under time‑sensitive conditions. Equipment & Tool Proficiency: Skilled in the safe operation, maintenance, and setup of welding equipment, tools, and support vehicles. Reliability & Teamwork: Demonstrated dependability, adaptability to shift work or emergency callouts, and ability to work collaboratively in a safety‑critical environment. This position requires flexibility to work off‑hours, including night shifts, in accordance with seniority‑based scheduling. Education Possession of a high school diploma, GED, or recognized equivalent. Experience Two (2) years of full‑time equivalent verifiable experience in welding of track, rails and their appurtenances; or journey level general welding experience which includes experience in welding frogs, exothermic welding of rails. Other Requirements Must possess and maintain a valid California Class A driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record. Must be able to obtain and maintain District certification for the operation of high‑rail vehicles. Must have the physical ability to lift and carry various materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds for 100 yards or more. Must have physical mobility to walk, climb, stoop, bend, crawl, twist, work in confined spaces, work underground, and heights up to 60 ft. and walk on uneven surfaces. Must climb and work from ladders. Must be able to perform strenuous labor both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. Must wear a respirator and work in dusty environment subject to various fumes and noise levels in the proximity of live voltage. Must have physical capability to climb in and out of vehicles with steps up to 25" from the ground in close clearances. Must be willing to work off‑hours shifts. Knowledge of Methods and techniques of arc and oxyacetylene welding, particularly as applied to field situations. Types of welding rods and materials and their applications. Types of welding gasses and mixtures. Storage and handling requirements of various types of welding rods. Safety practices pertaining to the work, including the use of eye, respiratory and hand protection. Skill in Performing field welding of track, rails and their appurtenances. Preparing surfaces to achieve effective welds. Grinding, smoothing and finishing welded or other metal surfaces. Treating and tempering metals. Fabricating parts to effect field welding repairs. Using precision measuring devices accurately. Reading and interpreting diagrams, blueprints, written instructions and welding symbols. Working independently or in a crew situation. Keeping basic written records of work performed. Operating and maintaining equipment and vehicles as required to perform work. #J-18808-Ljbffr