Overhead Line Worker

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

San Jose, CA

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JOB DETAILS

SALARY

$59.58–$67.70 Per Hour

SKILLS

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Audiovisual, Background Investigation, CDL Driver's License, Class A License, Class C License, Collective Bargaining, Communication Skills, Construction, Construction Planning, Core Drilling, Cost Estimates, Custodial Services, Data Entry, Data Recovery, Driver's License, Electrical Components, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Power Systems, Electricity, Emergency Response, Employment Law, Federal Laws and Regulations, Funding, High Voltage (HV), Landscaping, Lead Management, Maintenance - Electrical, Maintenance Services, Painting (Facilities and Maintenance), Payroll Forms and Checks, Payroll Tax, Physical Demands, Preventative Maintenance, Real Estate, Record Keeping, Reference Verification, Regulations, Regulatory Requirements, Relocation Services, Reporting Skills, Retirement Plan, Roadway Construction, Safety Compliance, Safety Process, Safety/Work Safety, Schematics, Staff Training, State Laws and Regulations, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Team Player, Technical Writing, Test Equipment, Testing, Time Management, Transportation Planning, User Documentation, Waste/Garbage/Recycle Collection, Welding

LOCATION

San Jose, CA

POSTED

Today

Salary: $59.58 - $67.70 Hourly
Location : San Jose, CA 95134-1927, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 02311_June2025_KW
Division: Maintenance
Department: Way, Power & Signal Maintenance
Opening Date: 03/26/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Job Description
The PositionAre you a safety-focused, journey-level electrical line tech with hands-on experience in high-voltage overhead systems? VTA islooking for a dedicated professional to help power the light rail system and keep our community moving. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of high-voltage infrastructure, including overhead contact systems and power distribution lines.
The Division, Way, Power & Signal Maintenance
Way, Power & Signal Maintenance is responsible for timely and reliable maintenance, preventive maintenance, inspections, repair and servicing of the light rail right-of-way, rail system power, tracks, signals, station facilities and related equipment. Components of the Way, Power & Signal unit are:

Station & Wayside Maintenance: Station & Wayside Maintenance maintains and repairs (including graffiti removal) light rail stations, terminal buildings, restrooms, park & ride lots, landscaping, fences, guardrails, and other trackside areas.
Track Maintenance: Track Maintenance maintains (including right-of-way weed eradication, vegetation control, and graffiti removal), performs preventive maintenance, inspects, services and repairs rail, switches, ties, roadbed, and track systems.
Power Maintenance: Power Maintenance maintains (including trackside right-of-way tree trimming), performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services light rail electric power systems, including overhead, substations, lighting, and other electrical systems.
Signal Maintenance: Signal Maintenance maintains, performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services signal systems, crossing gates, fare machines, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) controls, and station audio/video equipment.
Passenger Facilities Maintenance: Passenger Facilities Maintenance maintains, performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services all VTA-maintained passenger facilities, including bus stops. Services include: bench installation, painting and repair, core drilling for poles at new bus stops, garbage collection, trash receptacle installation and relocation, graffiti abatement, litter removal, pressure washing, red curb painting, signage inspection, route updates, and sweeping services. Janitorial services for transit centers are provided daily through a Facilities Maintenance service contract with a third-party vendor.

What you will be doing:
Definition
Under general supervision, the Overhead Line Worker performs journey level inspections, maintains and repairs overhead lines, power distribution cables, communication cables and overhead signal cables.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the Overhead Line Worker position is a safety-conscious journey-level electrical line technician with extensive experience working on high-voltage overhead and underground systems. This person thrives in physically demanding environments and demonstrates knowledge in the construction, maintenance, and repair of overhead lines. They possess a certificate of completion of a state certified electrical line worker apprenticeship program, complemented by extensive field experience working with energized and de-energized lines. They bring at least two years of verifiable experience as a journey level electrical line worker, maintaining, inspecting, and repairing electrical infrastructure, including overhead contact wires, power distribution systems and associated hardware. The candidate must have proven proficiency in operating boom and tower trucks, line equipment, welding tools, electrical testing equipment, keeping detailed records and preparing accurate reports, and following stringent safety protocols at all times.

This individual is a reliable team player with excellent communication skills, able to work effectively in a crew and adapt quickly to dynamic field conditions. They are committed to minimizing service interruptions, responding to emergency outages, and maintaining the integrity of the light rail system. The ideal candidate also demonstrates a strong understanding of electrical theory, the principles of electrical construction, and the proper application of safety regulations and procedures.
About VTA

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County's authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region.

VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well asparticipatesas a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.

As the county's, VTAis responsible forcountywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion oftransit orienteddevelopment.

VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara,Saratogaand Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County.
As we continue to implement our, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.

For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit:

Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP)

The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families.

Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work/family balance.

Opened continuously until vacant positions are filled.
Essential Job Functions

Typical Tasks

Performs inspections and repairs of all overhead contact wires, poles, support, distribution, communication and signal cables, insulators and switch gears;
Performs inspections and repairs of lighting and other electrical systems;
Operates boom and tower trucks and other equipment and tools;
Operates welding equipment;
Keeps tools and equipment clean and in good condition;
Keeps records of work performed;
May provide lead supervision and assist in training other workers;
Prepares written reports, documents defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders, or designated computer programs;
Operates computer for related data input and retrieval;
Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Employment Standards
Training and education equivalent to a high school diploma and the following experience:

Two (2) years of verifiable experience as a journey level transit electrical line worker, working with over 600 Volts D.C.

OR

Two (2) years of verifiable experience as a journey level electrical line worker working with over 750 Volts A.C. in the construction, installation, maintenance, and repair of overhead and underground lines.

Completion of a state certified electrical line worker apprenticeship program or equivalent is preferred.

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to qualify for and maintain a Class A license. Applicants must obtain a Class A driver's license within 6 months of appointment. Failure to obtain a Class A driver license will be cause for termination.

Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and odd and unusual hours.
Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

Methods and procedures used to repair and maintain high voltage electrical systems;
Theory and principles of electrical and electronic equipment and circuits;
Tools and equipment used in the testing and repair of electrical and electronic equipment and installations;
Principles and practices of electrical construction and installation;
Proper tensioning and positioning of catenary wires;
Welding procedures used in electrical work;
General shop safety procedures;
Laws, ordinances, and regulations governing electrical installation, maintenance, safety, and accident prevention.

Ability to:

Test and repair electrical and electronic equipment and installations;
Work independently and safely with 750 volt DC power;
Work in high places;
Operate welding equipment used in electrical work;
Perform work in compliance with safety rules and regulations;
Read and interpret construction plans, specification and electronic schematics, diagrams, and maintenance manuals;
Estimate costs for time, labor, and materials;
Maintain records;
Assign, review the work of, and train others;
Prepare written reports, document defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders, or designated computer programs;
Perform computer-related functions that allow for data input and retrieval;
Learn and stay current on all new technologies introduced into the transit industry as it relates to electrified rail;
Effectively read, understand, and use technical information found in repair manuals, service change bulletins, and applicable technical documents, including parts and supply manuals;
Establish and maintain effective relations with those encountered in day-to-day performance of tasks.

General Application Instructions

Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference.

To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as "continuous," we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an immediate email confirmation.

Personalized responses to Supplemental Questions that connect your past experiences to this specific role are the most effective. AI-generated content may lack the specificity required to address the key criteria outlined in the job description. While we encourage the use of AI as a tool to enhance your work, we want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills. You may use AI to generate ideas, but please ensure your final responses are in your own voice and reflect your unique experience. Overreliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish your chances of success.

Important: Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, Job Interest Notification Cards, or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application.

Communication & Contact Information
All updates regarding your application-including notices for testing and interviews-will be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid, up-to-date email address. Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles.

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays.

Application Review & Processing
All current and prior relevant work experience-including experience with VTA-must be fully detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as "see resume" are not acceptable. Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected, even if you meet the minimum qualifications.

While you are welcome to upload a resume, it does not substitute for completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position.

Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications, experience, education, or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA.

This classification is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU). Wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union.

Conditions of Employment

Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment.

For sensitive positions, VTA requires all safety-sensitive positions to have a 6-month DOT physical clearance. Obtained at the time of preboarding from a VTA-contracted Concentra Location.

Eligibility List

The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur. Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations

VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or emailat least five business days before the test.

Equal Employment Opportunity

VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.
VTA offers a generous benefit package including: a defined benefit pension plan, vision care, a choice of health plans, dental coverage, an employee assistance program, life insurance, transit passes, and liberal holiday, vacation, and sick leave. A credit union and deferred compensation plan are also available to employees at their option. Detailed information on VTA's benefits may be found here:

ATU employees hired on or after January 1, 2016 contribute one-half of the "normal cost" toward the required employee contribution to the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority-Amalgamated Transit Union (SCVTA-ATU), Local 265 Pension Plan effective 01/01/16 (1/8/16 pay date).

Social Security taxes will be deducted from each employee's bi-weekly salary.

As a condition of employment, each employee in this class must sign a payroll deduction authorization form providing for deduction of ATU union membership dues.
01

I acknowledge that I have accurately entered my Work Experience and Education on the employment application, and I am aware these are required fields. If they are not completed, the application is considered incomplete, and I will be disqualified as an applicant for the position. Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified any aspect of the application, including but not limited to: their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA.

I have read this information and am aware of the importance of accurately entering in all Work Experience and Education on the employment application.

02

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has implemented updates to Limited Term Legal Presence Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requirements. Please review the information at the following link before responding: you understand that you must meet all California DMV legal presence requirements to obtain and maintain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required for this position?

03

Do you have the ability to qualify for a California Class A license within 6 months of appointment? Please note that failure to obtain a Class A will result in termination.

04

Do you possess at least a high school diploma or GED?

05

Have you completed a state-certified electrical line worker apprenticeship program or equivalent?

06

Describe your experience with maintenance and repair of overhead power lines. Please include what type of equipment you have used to make repairs.
07

Describe your experience rigging and/or utilizing a crane. Please include how many years of experience you have, and if you are a certified crane operator.
Required Question

About the Company

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

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