Job & Business Opportunities

Job Summary

Using a variety of hand and power tools, performs routine physical labor and maintenance duties on light rail vehicles (LRV), related equipment, and/or other motorized vehicles; assists more experienced Light Rail Journey Mechanics in performing maintenance, repair, inspections, and/or re-building tasks; performs defined inspections and preventive maintenance functions as assigned; may make road calls taking corrective action as identified on defect reports; practices safe work processes and contributes to the creation and maintenance of a safe working environment for self and others; and performs related duties as assigned.

Supervision

Supervision Received
New employees receive close supervision within a framework of well-defined policies and procedures. Once proficiency is attained, assignments become more varied and are performed under general supervision within a framework of well-defined policies and procedures.

Supervision Exercised
Incumbents in this classification do not exercise supervision over other employees.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the entry level to the Mechanic job classification series. Incumbents learn and apply basic mechanical knowledge and skill to the performance of designated routine inspections and related maintenance and repair functions and assist more experienced light rail mechanics in the inspection, analysis, preventive maintenance and mechanical repair of light rail vehicles and related equipment.

Essential Functions

Performs designated and routine inspections on District light rail vehicles and equipment and makes repairs associated with those inspections, such as brake pad replacement, replacement of window glass, motor brushes and air filters; assists in pull out operations; may assist with emergency road calls; takes corrective action on defect reports; assists higher level classifications, in the replacement and removal of component parts, such as truck assemblies, camshaft controllers, motor/alternator sets, car, train and brake control units, air conditioning units, traction motors and gearboxes; may assist in sand blasting, general and special cleaning, and painting of vehicles and equipment; may operate and move LRVs and traction equipment as required for testing, service and repairs; may operate re-railing equipment and perform duties as a flag person for the protection of the public, employees and trains; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Demands

The essential functions of this job are primarily performed in an open air maintenance facility, though yard and mainline work are performed outside in varying weather conditions. Work is performed on ladders, around equipment and machinery with moving parts, and on slippery, uneven surfaces. Incumbents are frequently exposed to risk of electrical shock, airborne particles, vibration, intermittent loud noise, grease and oils; silica; fumes, smoke and gases. Incumbents are occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemical fumes, wet conditions, and a fast paced schedule.

On a daily basis, the essential functions of the job require incumbents to climb ladders, stairs, scaffolding and ramps; to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl stand, and walk and occasionally to crawl into confined spaces; to extend arms and use upper extremities, finger dexterity and hand strength to reach, pick, pinch and grasp tools and controls and/or to feel the attributes of objects by touch; to lift, and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds; to push and pull objects weighing up to 150 pounds; to hear and talk to receive and communicate instructions and other information; to rotate neck left and right and bend neck forward and backward; to bend and twist torso; to read and see objects clearly within one foot to twenty feet, requiring a full field of vision and good depth perception with the ability to adjust focus and to distinguish basic colors and shades of color; and to operate vehicles and equipment requiring the use of both feet and hands.

Knowledge and Abilities

Required Knowledge of:
- Basic methods, tools and equipment used in the servicing, routine maintenance and repair of light rail vehicles and related equipment.
- Standard first aid and safety practices.

Required Ability to:
- Understand and follow guidelines including the Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) for safe handling of toxic and/or caustic chemicals and other hazardous materials, including blood borne pathogens.
- Obtain and maintain a valid Class A California driver’s license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles with proper endorsements and current medical certificate.
- Comply with drug and alcohol testing provisions for safety-sensitive employees as required by the FTA, Department of Transportation (49 CFR, Parts 40 and 655).
- Perform routine maintenance work in a safe and effective manner.
- Understand and effectively follow written and oral instructions.
- Learn and effectively apply the District’s policies and procedures.
- Work independently in the absence of supervision.
- Safely operate LRVs and District vehicles and equipment.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
-Perform essential functions of the job without causing harm to self or others.

Minimum Qualifications — Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Required Prior Education:
High school diploma or equivalent. Maintenance or mechanical experience/training such as that obtained in automotive or diesel mechanics (or equivalent) is desirable.

Required Prior Experience:
Any IBEW Member having completed new hire probation, or one year of full time work experience successfully performing the maintenance, servicing and/or safety checking of electrical, mechanical, or electronics equipment.

Special Requirements, Licenses and/or Certificates:
Possession of a Class A California Driver’s License permit with endorsement(s) on the first day of appointment, and the ability to obtain a Class A California Driver’s License with endorsement(s) within 90 days of appointment; a satisfactory driving record; possession of a Forklift Operator Certification or the ability to obtain a forklift certificate within 90 days of appointment; the ability to pass the District’s LRV Operator’s License, including the Ishihara Eye Test; required to obtain the tools for the Light Rail Assistant Mechanic by the end of the probationary period.