Track Worker

Track Worker

Salary

$44.69 - $50.79 Hourly

Location

San Jose, CA 95134-1927, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-MLJ-3471

Division

Maintenance

Department

Way, Power & Signal Maintenance

Opening Date

06/17/2026

Closing Date

7/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

Help keep the light rail on track! VTA is hiring Track Workers responsible for performing routine maintenance and repairs on train tracks, including replacing damaged rails, ties, and switches.

The Position

Under supervision, the Track Worker performs inspection, maintenance and repair of roadbed, ties, rails, frogs, and switches, and performs general clean up of the track area.

The Division

Way, Power & Signal Maintenance

Way, Power & Signal Maintenance is located at the Zanker Building. 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. The staff is currently located at the Cerone Division.
• 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.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate possesses maintenance experience and strong mechanical skills.. They are reliable, detail-oriented, and able to effectively operate equipment, follow technical procedures, and work collaboratively to maintain track infrastructure.

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 as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.

As the county's congestion management agency, VTA is responsible for county wide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit oriented development.

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, Saratoga and 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 VTA Forward Plan, 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:https://www.vta.org/VTAForward

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.

Essential Job Functions

Typical Tasks

• Makes daily inspection of the track system and reports problems needing repair;
• Picks up debris along the right-of-way;
• Tightens track bolts, adjusts switches, replaces ties, tamps, and aligns track, and lubricates rail and rail curves;
• Spreads and cleans ballast;
• Installs rail, frogs, switches and ties;
• Operates air compressors and heavy tools and equipment used to maintain and repair track systems;
• Operates hand and power tools;
• Assists in re-railing and loading equipment;
• Keeps tools and equipment clean and in good condition;
• Welds track and operates heavy equipment;
• Operates hi-rail, trucks, tamper, and other vehicles;
• Acts as flag person;
• Inspects for broken welds and broken rail;
• Operates computer for related data input and retrieval;
• Prepares written reports, documents defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders, or designated computer programs;
• Familiarizes other Track Workers in the proper method of performing their job;
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Employment Standards

Training and experience equivalent to a high school diploma and one year of experience performing inspection, maintenance and repair of roadbed, ties, rails, frogs, and switches, including welding track and operating heavy equipment.

Possession of a valid California Class C drivers license and the ability to qualify for and maintain a Class A license.

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

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

• Methods, procedures, tools and equipment used to repair and maintain an electrified track system;
• Switching mechanisms;
• Methods of installing track, welding, and bonding;
• Re-railing methods and equipment;
• Mathematics used in rail and track bed maintenance;
• General shop safety procedures;
• Laws, ordinances, and regulations governing track systems.

Ability to:

• Follow oral and written instructions;
• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude;
• Perform heavy manual labor;
• Inspect, repair, and maintain road bed and track systems;
• Weld track and operate heavy equipment and other equipment used in track maintenance and repair;
• Perform computer-related functions that allow for data input and retrieval;
• Work under established deadlines;
• Effectively read, understand, and use technical information found in repair manuals, service change bulletins, and applicable technical documents, including parts and supply manuals;
• Learn and stay current on all technologies introduced into the transit industries as it relates to track technology;
• Familiarize other Track Workers in the proper method of performing their job;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

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 Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees(AFSCME),Transportation Authority Engineers and Architects Association (TAEA) .Wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union.

Tentative In Person Examinations:

Written: TBD

Performance Test: TBD

Conditions of Employment

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

For safety-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 emailPersonnel@vta.orgat 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 VTAs benefits may be found here: https://app.strivebenefits.com/santa-clara-valley-transportation-authority

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 employees 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.

• Yes
• No

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: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/important-changes-to-limited-term-legal-presence-cdl-requirements/ Do 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?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid California Class A license?

• Yes
• No

04

VTA operates 24/7, including weekends, holidays, evenings, nights, early mornings, etc. Are you willing to work any shift required? This is a requirement for the Track Worker position.

• Yes
• No

05

Please describe in detail your experience with performing inspection, maintenance and repair of roadbed, ties, rails, frogs and switches, including welding track and operating heavy equipment.

06

Please describe, in detail, your welding experience.

07

How many years of experience do you have in performing inspection, maintenance and repair of roadbed, ties, rails, frogs and switches, including welding track and operating heavy equipment?

Required Question

Employer Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

Address 3331 North First Street, Bldg. B-1

San Jose, California, 95143

Phone 4083215504

Website http://www.vta.org