Track Welder

###### **DEFINITION** Under the direction of the Maintenance of Way Supervisor this position performs maintenance activities within the railroad right-of-way enabling safe and efficient movement of trains along the San Diego and Escondido Subdivisions. This is a bargained position represented by the Southwest Mountain States Regional Council of Carpenters (Carpenters) Union. ***Distinguishing Characteristics*** Safely and efficiently perform duties relating to inspection, maintenance, repair and improvement of the track structure and other railroad property/facilities. Operate and maintain equipment. Transport crew and equipment to/from jobsite. 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 Maintenance of Way Supervisor 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 way team. ***Working Conditions*** Normal working conditions for this position are in an operational field setting. Individuals in this position must be able to work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries, wear protective equipment including hearing protection, safety-toe boots, safety glasses and other Personal Protective Equipment items as assigned by NCTD. The railroad operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This position may be subject to shift changes and overtime. They must be able to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Work may include exposure to inclement weather conditions. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants’ facilities, and other locations as required. ***Essential Functions*** Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: - Perform railroad track maintenance, repair, and installation. - Repair and rebuild railroad track using hand tools and specialized equipment. Specific duties will include tasks such as removing, and replacing ties, pulling and driving spikes, shoveling rock ballast, loading, and unloading equipment and material, repairing, and replacing rail, right of way clearing and cleaning, removing and replacing rail anchors and other various maintenance tasks as may be assigned. - Perform maintenance welding of frogs, switch points and other special trackwork utilizing arc and wire feed welding equipment. - Repair or replace broken or cracked rail and build-up rail, trim weld, grind the surface of rail, and grind gauge sides. - Inspect all welding equipment daily to check for leaky cylinders, hoses, or connections. - Clean welding work pieces to remove impurities, such as slag, rust, and grease. - Monitor and maintain flow of gases, light torch and adjust gas mixture and pressure to obtain desired flame when making field welds. - Inspect welding after grinding to check for hairline cracks or any visible defects. - Operate propane torches, electric and gas welding equipment. - Test rail after using the thermite welding procedure to detect voids, lack of fusion or other defects in the rail. - Safely and effectively operate various types of equipment such as loaders, backhoes, track hoes, haul trucks, water trucks, railroad track equipment, on track equipment tampers, regulators, track stabilizers, tie cranes, tie inserters, spike pullers, spike drivers, and speed swings. - Inspects and maintains trucks and equipment daily including but not limited to any attached apparatuses such as boom, hi-rail gear, tools, etc. - Perform maintenance and repair on related equipment used in Maintenance of Way activities, as necessary. - Follow proper safety and housekeeping procedures pertaining to the job and employees under management. - Operates equipment in a safe…