Radio Maintainer Job at Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York

Description

POSTING NO.: 9522

JOB TITLE: Radio Maintainer

DEPT/DIV: Radio H&H

LOCATION: Various

Full/Part Time: Full

Application Deadline: Open until Filled

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroad in the nation. MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service and rewarding opportunities to its employees.

Responsibilities

Radio Maintainers install, maintain, adjust, troubleshoot and repair radio communication and public address systems, cellular interconnected devices and variable messaging signage throughout Metro North territory.

To see what a Radio Maintainer does, click the following link: (58) What does an MNR Radio Maintainer do? - YouTube

Essential Functions (Inclusive of Responsibilities)

• Program software for equipment (e.g., base, mobile, radio and portable walkie-talkies, etc.) to ensure clear and uninterrupted radio communication
• Work with internal Metro-North departments and external parties (e.g., MTAPD, customer service, fire brigade, IT etc.) to resolve trouble reports
• Travel throughout Metro-North territory by motor vehicle and/or train to perform on site preventative maintenance and repair work
• Receive, monitor, test and respond to radio communication queries and trouble reports that are received by the Communication Control Center
• Identify, repair and report issues to appropriate department for resolution
• Provide on-site support and maintenance of public address (PA), radio and Info systems and Positive Train Control (PTC) systems within Metro-North territory
• Maintain emergency communication equipment and participate in emergency drills and incidents
• Perform periodic inspections on rolling stock radios, central dispatch, base stations, etc., according to Metro-North regulations and safety guidelines and complete required paperwork
• Repair circuits, wiring and soldering, using soldering irons and hand tools to install parts and adjust connections
• Test equipment functions such as signal strength and quality, transmission capacity, interference and signal delay, using equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, circuit analyzers, frequency meters, wattmeters, spectrum analyzers, etc
• Install, adjust and repair stationary and mobile radio transmitting and receiving equipment and two-way radio communication systems
• Examine malfunctioning radio, PA, PTC etc. equipment to locate defects such as loose connections, broken wires or burned-out components, using schematic diagrams and test equipment
• Install and repair equipment (Radio dept assets) at height working from a ladder, scaffolding, bucket truck, man lifts etc.
• Remove and replace defective components and parts such as conductors, resistors, semiconductors and integrated circuits, using soldering irons, wire cutters and hand tools
• Insert plugs into receptacles and bolt or screw leads to terminals to connect equipment to power sources, using hand tools
• Install/ repair antennas, associated cabling and connectors for a variety of radio system technology
• Read and interpret prints, wiring diagrams and schematic
• Update trouble tickets and Work Orders as required by Supervision
• Participate in Roadway worker safety briefings and conduct job safety briefings
• Attend mandatory training (e.g., Roadway Worker Safety, RF, etc.) to obtain and maintain all required qualifications to safely perform job duties
• Perform roadway worker duties to ensure safety while on or about the right of way
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, General Equivalency Diploma or Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC). An Associate’s degree in Railroad Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications or related field may be considered in lieu of experience
• Valid NYS or CT motor vehicle driver license or equivalent
• Pass electronics-specific written and practical exams in addition to structured interview
• Pass Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
• Must possess Federal Communications Commission (FCC) General Radio Operators License (GROL elements 1 and 3)
• Pass radio-specific written and practical exams within 150 days of hire

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience as a radio, broadcast, or repair technician in the field of radio, television or two-way radio communications performing adjustments, maintenance or internal repairs on FCC radiotelephone transmitters or performing closely related work
• Experience maintaining large multi-channel analog two-way radio systems
• Associate’s degree in electronics or related field

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Working knowledge of computer hardware and software; familiarity with networking concepts (Switches, routers) VoIP, IP, WAN/LAN, familiarity with operating systems software and dispatch equipment: Windows and Mac; familiarity with software defined radios (e.g., Motorola, Icom, etc.); basic knowledge of IP and VoIP protocols; familiarity with using computers; skilled in reading mechanical and electrical schematic diagrams; working knowledge of, and ability to use, electrical test equipment (e.g., multimeters, voltmeter, ohmmeter, wattmeter, oscilloscope, Spectrum analyzer, etc.); ability to use hand tools (e.g., pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, soldering iron, etc.); strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills; willingness to learn and ability to get along well with others; knowledge of physical characteristics
• Ability to quickly and accurately perform basic mental mathematical calculations; reading comprehension ability; interpersonal skills; customer service oriented; mechanical aptitude; skilled in exercising independent judgment; ability to work independently, ability to anticipate and analyze problems and take corrective actions; must be able to evaluate a situation to make decisions and work under pressure; written and verbal communication skills; ability to multi‑task; must be able to function effectively under changing priorities; must be safety conscious, ability and willingness to follow direction

Special Requirements

• Must obtain and maintain roadway worker qualification
• Some positions may require fall protection and lift operation
• Able to work at heights up to 100 ft.

Rate of Pay

Applicants with an FCC GROL license or who possess four (4) or more years of full‑time electronics repair experience will earn $42.68 per hour. The annual wage progression scale for this position is as follows: Year 1 = $42.68, Year 2 = $45.34, Year 3 = $53.35, as governed by the IBEW collective bargaining agreement.

Benefits

• Health care benefits, including medical, dental and vision plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Welfare Benefits, including basic and optional life, dependent life, basic and optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Disability benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts, including a Health Care Account and Dependent Care Account
• Retirement benefits, including a retirement plan, 401(k) and 457 savings plans

Seniority

Applicants will establish seniority in the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union (IBEW), the union representing Radio Maintainers, in accordance with the current collective bargaining agreement. Members of IBEW are subject to an initiation fee and monthly union dues.

Assignments

Ability to work various hours, days, shifts and locations throughout Metro-North territory is required.

Physical Activities

• Ability to walk long distances on uneven surfaces while navigating tracks and yard to access various field locations and other facilities located on or about the right of way
• Pushing and pulling ability required to handle coaxial cables, tool boxes, carts, etc.
• Ability to climb ladders to inspect, install and repair equipment
• Ability to regularly lift/carry tools, material and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs (e.g., tool bags, radios, signs, televisions, ladders, etc.) and occasionally weighing up to 75 lbs (e.g., television display cases, etc.)
• Crouching, reaching, bending when inspecting, maintaining and installing equipment
• Color vision required to read and interpret wires, resistors, cables and other components

Working Conditions

• Works primarily outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
• Must be able to work various days, shifts (including weekends and nights) and locations
• Must be available to be on call for assignments
• Works around moving machinery (e.g., elevators, equipment, etc.)
• Must be able to work at heights up to 80 ft from the ground when performing inspections and repairs, and occasionally over water up to 100 ft when installing and repairing equipment
• Works primarily with others, but must also be able to work independently

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences and abilities, including military service members, to apply. MTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.