Assistant Signal Maintainer

Assistant Signal Maintainer

Salary

$63,993.49 - $95,990.23 Annually

Location

810 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

FY2027-00026

Department

Rail Operations Division

Division

MAINTENANCE OF SIGNALS

Opening Date

10/06/2026

Closing Date

10/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

DEFINITION

The Assistant Signal Maintainer is responsible for performing FRA and NCTD required signal system testing. They lead in the installation, repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance of various railroad signals and grade crossing warning devices and infrastructure to support the high-quality delivery of commuter, freight, and hybrid rail services along NCTD's San Diego and Escondido Subdivisions. The Assistant Signal Maintainer ensures the railroad signal communication facilities and systems function to support safe and efficient rail operations and comply with the specifications and regulations of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and other regulatory and governing agencies. This is a bargained position represented by the Southwest Mountain States Regional Council of Carpenters (Carpenters) Union.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position will be responsible for the inspection, testing and diagnostic analysis of NCTD's grade crossing warning devices, wayside signal systems, and rail safety communication systems under the direction of other members of the Signal and Communications Department. This position will perform maintenance on railway signal and communications equipment such as track signals. Individuals hired into this position are expected to complete all requirements to support a promotion to Signal Maintainer, typically within 12 to 24 months of employment. 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 Signal Manager 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 signals team.

Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment are characteristic of a train, station, yard and maintenance environment; the essential functions and responsibilities of this position are performed in a field environment in various weather conditions around moving vehicles and equipment. This position works in assigned areas such as high places, support structures and poles and may include work on ladders, bridges, open track trestles and walking on uneven ground. The Signal Maintainer has frequent exposure to electrical, weather, mechanical and physical hazards and uses hand tools to perform a wide range of construction, installation, maintenance, and repair activities.

Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultant's facilities, and other locations as required. Work hours will vary in length and schedule. Night, evening, and weekend work will be required.

Examples of Duties

Essential Functions

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

• Inspects, tests, modifies, maintains, and repairs all signal and communication related equipment including electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic equipment including grade crossings mechanisms, switch machines, power supplies, battery systems, CCTV, surveillance cameras, display systems, and other complex machinery and equipment.
• Conducts fault diagnosis.
• Troubleshoot malfunctions through download review and schematic interpretation.
• Build and dismantle signal crossing warning device equipment.
• Maintain, repair, and replace signal communication circuitry, systems, and components.
• Locates and repairs cables.
• Records and documents maintenance and diagnostic data.
• Responds to emergency calls as necessary and per operating guidelines.
• Determines work priorities for emergency maintenance tasks in the absence of on-site supervision.
• Operates switch machines manually and by local control panels under revenue and non-revenue conditions.
• Flag trackway to provide safe rail work zones and set up work zone traffic control areas.
• Operates assigned vehicles including hi-rail.
• Works in assigned areas such as utility support structures and poles under a variety of weather conditions.
• Works closely with NCTD Operations Control Center and follows instructions while working on or near the right-of-way.
• Assists other workers and divisions in routine and emergency situations affecting the safe movement of trains.
• Assists Maintenance of Way personnel as needed.
• Enters data into NCTD's Maintenance Management Information System.
• Knows and adheres to NCTD, FRA and CPUC standards and regulations.
• References parts catalogues and other sources to determine correct parts for specific applications.
• References manufacturer schematics (manual and online) to resolve maintenance issues.
• Maintains work area in a clean and orderly fashion.
• Safely operates equipment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience/Education

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Knowledge of electrical, electronic and microprocessor-based control systems as well as analog and digital communication systems preferred.

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position may be considered.

Certificates/Licenses

• Ability to successfully complete a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) approved apprentice program resulting in certification of expertise in signal and train control inspection by the FRA.
• Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver's license, Class C, with less than 6 points in the preceding 36-month period, and no DUI's in the prior seven (7) years.
• Must be able to become and maintain GCOR Qualified on NCTD-owned railroad properties.
• Maintain compliance with the District's policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics policies.
• 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

• Able to successfully complete NCTD Training program and post-training qualification period.
• Experience reading and understanding instructions (examples may include operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents)
• Ability to complete written forms and reports.
• Ability to effectively and accurately understand, interpret, reference, evaluate, organize, and record non-technical and technical information.
• Become 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.
• Ability to maintain alertness, awareness, and vigilance.
• Good oral and written communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions).

Successfully

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 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.

• Lift/carry and push/pull equipment and other objects weighing 25 lbs. (frequently), 50 lbs. (occasionally), and 75 lbs. (infrequently).

Machines / Tools / Equipment

• 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.
• Ability to carry and operate a mobile device.

Application Information:

All applicants must complete and submit an online application at www.gonctd.com/careers.

A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NCTD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if NCTD is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right's Department Fair Chance Act webpage.

The hourly rate of pay for this position is $42.06 per the Carpenters Union Agreement.

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).

01

Do you have a High School diploma or GED? (required)

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have knowledge of electrical, electronic and microprocessor-based control systems as well as analog and digital communication systems? (preferred)

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer North County Transit District

Address 810 Mission Avenue

Oceanside, California, 92054

Website http://www.gonctd.com/