Train Attendant - SPRINTER

Salary : $42,411.20 - $47,132.80 Annually

Location : Escondido, CA

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: FY2023-00120

Department: Operations - Rail

Division: RAIL OVERSIGHT

Opening Date: 10/01/2023

Closing Date: Continuous

Description

DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Manager of Train Operations, the SPRINTER Train Attendant is responsible for the providing safe, efficient and customer-friendly passenger transportation by ensuring the safe movement of trains in accordance with applicable regulations and operating rules/practices. This is a bargained position represented by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation workers (SMART) Union.

Starting rate for this position per the Agreement with the SMART Union is $20.39/hour. Upon successful completion of a minimum 6-month probationary period, the rate of pay increases to $22.66/hour.

Hiring Bonus: ($2,000 bonus is paid in two increments.)
-First $1,000 is paid after passing your probationary period (minimum 6 months subject to extension if needed based on performance).
-Remaining $1,000 bonus is paid after passing probation and being with NCTD for 9 months.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position is distinguished by its responsibility for the provision of passenger transportation by ensuring the safe movement of trains. This position is required to obtain and maintain qualification as a Train Operator (if hired on/after June 9, 2017). This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive in accordance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 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 Manager of Train Operations but will also take direction from the SPRINTER Supervisor personnel. S/he has no direct supervisory responsibility. Further, this position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted.

Working Conditions

Normal working conditions for this position are in an operational field setting, including the SPRINTER Operations & Maintenance Facility, onboard the SPRINTER trains, at rail stations, and anywhere along the SPRINTER railroad right of way. 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. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants' facilities, and other locations as required.

Examples of Duties

Essential Functions

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Fulfills the District's mission to provide of safe, reliable, and user-friendly public transit services for the SPRINTER rail mode. Emphasis is on providing high-quality, customer-friendly services, that reflect unified operations throughout the District.
  
• Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, railroad operating rules and regulations for safety, operations, and compliance with all DOT and CPUC rules and regulations.
  
• Assist with the safe boarding and de-boarding of passengers, including passengers with disabilities or any passenger needing assistance.
  
• Review instructions from dispatchers and discuss with Train Operator and any other train crew members to ensure comprehension and compliance.

• Inspect all equipment on cars prior to departures and document on pre-trip inspection checklists.
  
• Clear passengers from trains at the end of each run and help ensure train cleanliness by picking up light trash, spills, etc.
  
• Assist in response to passenger medical emergencies on board trains.
  
• Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses.
  
• Diagnose minor malfunctions and perform minor maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure ongoing safe and efficient operations.

• Report to Operations Control Center by radio to give or receive information and instructions concerning stops, delays, or service changes.
  
• Ensure passenger safety and situational awareness during any delays or disruptions to service due to emergencies, mechanical issues, etc., in accordance with applicable NCTD Standard Operating Procedures.
  
• Promote compliance with NCTD Rider Guide Rules of Riding, Ordinances, and any other applicable NCTD Policies and Procedures.
  
• Complete applicable reports and any other required documentation as needed based on the specific nature of any incident or issue that occurs while on duty.
  
• Perform fare checks and issue citations for violations of the regional fare policy.

• Perform duties as Train Operator which include but are not limited to: Inspect train for operational readiness by making Federal Transit Administration and District required checks and tests; Operate a passenger train consist in a safe and proficient manner, understanding air brake and train handling principles (if required to maintain dual qualification under Union Agreement).
  
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent GED.
  
• Minimum two years prior work experience in a service-focused position.
  
• Basic mechanical skills to perform simple procedures and repairs.

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.

Certificates/Licenses

• Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver's license, Class C, with less than 6 points in the preceding 36-month period and no DUIs in the prior seven years.
• Must be able to become GCOR Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties.
  
• Must be able to become RWP Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties.

• Must be able to pass and maintain DOT physical examination requirements.
  
• Must have or be able to obtain P.C. 832 certification.
  
• Must be able to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR certification.
  
• Maintain compliance with the District's policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.

General Requirements

• Knowledge of U.S. Federal, State, local, and rail transit industry safety, operations, mechanical, and maintenance procedures, standards, and practices.
  
• Able to create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public.
  
• Must have strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to successfully interact with individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds through excellent communication, teambuilding, and customer service skills.
  
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to gather, organize, and analyze facts and data.

• Demonstrated use of discretion and judgment in execution of duties.
  
• Must be able to manage and maintain simultaneous, transitional, and emerging priorities.
  
• Able to respond in-person to system emergencies and system problems on any shift and under any weather or time-of-day circumstances.

Supplemental Information

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must possess the ability to use the phone and computer, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions, and lift equipment up to 50 pounds on a periodic basis. The employee must be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information. The employee must be able to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way. The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals. The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.

Machines / Tools / Equipment

• Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
  
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.
  
• Ability to operate a 2-way radio.

Application Information:

Bonus:

The $2,000 bonus offered is paid in two increments. The first $1,000 is paid after passing a 6-month probation. The remaining $1,000 bonus is paid after being with NCTD for 9 months.

All applicants must complete and submit an online application at .

A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Retirement: NCTD participates in the CalPERS retirement program with a benefit formula of 1.5% @ 65 for PEPRA new members. Benefits are calculated based on your age at retirement, the number of years of service credit with CalPERS and the average of your monthly compensation over the past 36 months (36 months average highest hourly pay rate). The current employee contribution rate each payroll is 4.75% for new members. Taxes are deferred to retirement.

457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan: NCTD offers a Voluntary Deferred Compensation Savings Plan through VOYA Financial Services. Employees are eligible to enroll any time after the date of hire. The plan allows you to contribute pre-tax and/or post-tax dollars into selected funds of your choice. The plan also allows you to:

• Contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Catch-up plan for those 50+ of up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Is portable, can be rolled over into another qualified retirement plan
• Employer match into a 401(a) account (50% up to 8% of employee compensation; Max NCTD contribution of 4%)

Medical Insurance: NCTD offers a rich variety of HMO and PPO plans to choose from and contributes towards your monthly medical premiums, if the coverage you select costs more than the amount NCTD contributes, then payroll deductions will be withheld on a pre-tax basis.

If medical insurance is selected, NCTD will contribute the listed amount towards your selection:

• $550/month for single coverage
• $1,040/month for employee + one dependent
• $1,392/month for employee + 2 or more dependents

Dental Insurance: NCTD offers two different dental plans for employees and their eligible dependents (HMO and PPO) from a reliable dental insurance provider. Human Resources can provide information regarding annual insurance provider and available plans. Both plans are part of NCTD's cafeteria plan (pre-tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).

Vision Insurance: NCTD offers vision services for employees and their eligible dependents through a reliable vision insurance provider. Human Resources can provide information regarding annual insurance provider and available plan. The plan is part of NCTD's cafeteria plan (pre-tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).

Life Insurance: NCTD cares for its employees, and thus provides at no cost to the employee group life insurance in the amount of $50,000 (coverage includes Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Accelerated Death benefits). Additional life insurance is available for you and your eligible dependents at your expense. * Tax reporting is required for any amounts over $50,000, per IRS guidelines. Supplemental life insurance coverage premiums are deducted on a post-tax basis.

Long Term Disability Insurance: NCTD offers voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance. You may elect units of $100 up to 60% of your hourly wage to a maximum of $6,000/month. Deductions are post-tax, coverage 24/7, limitations or exclusions, and benefits are payable to age 65 or for two years (whichever is longer).

Flexible Spending Account Plan: NCTD offers two core FSA plans and two Commuter plans. Health Care and Dependent Care plans are "Use It OR Lose It" calendar year plans (Jan. 1st - Dec. 31st). The Commuter Transit and Parking plans do not have a "use it or lose it" policy. Plans are as follows:

• Health Care Spending Account:
  • May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Dependent Care Spending Account:
  • May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS (including limitations if married)
• Commuter Transit Accounts:
  • May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS

Disability Insurance: Employees contribute to California State Disability Insurance (SDI). The current contribution rate is 1.1% of earnings and is totally paid by the employee. After the 7-day waiting period, SDI pays a percentage of employee's salary up to a maximum of $1,540.00per week, for up to 52 weeks. SDI may be coordinated with Paid Time Off (PTO).

Accident Insurance: NCTD offers voluntary accident insurance. You may elect coverage for you and your dependents for a flat monthly rate. Deductions are post-tax.

Critical Illness Insurance: NCTD offers voluntary Critical Illness insurance. You may elect coverage up to $10,000 in increments of $2,500, for you and be...