Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Job Classification Specification

TRACTION POWER INSPEC LDR
Pay Grade A17

Basic Function
Under moderate supervision, performs preventive and corrective maintenance and inspection of traction power substations, overhead catenary, and contact rail systems.

Classification Characteristics
Traction Power Inspector is an Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) journey-level position. It differs from the Traction Power Inspector Leader (ATU) in that a Traction Power Inspector performs preventive and corrective maintenance and inspection of traction power substations, overhead catenary, and contact rail systems while a Traction Power Inspector Leader oversees and coordinates the daily activities of a group of Traction Power Inspectors and assigns tasks within a work crew. The Traction Power Inspector Leader communicates and implements safety rules, policies, and procedures and maintains accountability for the safety of assigned employees. Differs from Signal Inspector in that Traction Power Inspector performs work on the system to provide power to move trains, while Signal Inspector works on equipment and systems controlling train movement. Differs from Track Inspector in that Traction Power Inspector performs work on the system to provide power to move the trains, while the Track Inspector works on track ballast and the rails on which the trains move. There is a Traction Power Inspector Leader who in addition to the regular Traction Power Inspector duties, is responsible for assigning duties and directing employees in the performance of their work under the supervision of his/her immediate supervisor with whom he/she shall consult in all matters affecting such work. A Leader receives one dollar ($1.00) per hour additional pay for all time worked.

Supervised by: Rail Traction Supervisor

Supervises:

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Work Environment
In order to achieve Metro’s goals in support of its mission, potential candidates are required to commit and continuously practice and demonstrate the following work values:

Examples of Duties
  • Performs inspection, testing, installation, maintenance and repair of a wide range of electrical power apparatus, including but not limited to, distribution systems, overhead catenary system, contact rail, transformers, rectifiers, power conversion equipment, high voltage AC and DC switch gear, high and low tension circuit breakers, and auxiliary equipment
  • Inspects overhead contact wire for gauge and integrity
  • Maintains, repairs, and replaces overhead contact wire and all related parts and devices
  • Responds to equipment failure, determines the cause, and restores equipment to service
  • Performs complex wiring and utilization of conduits, including measuring, cutting and welding using AC/DC electrical arc and gas welding equipment
  • Participates in electrolysis testing
  • Assists in emergency by-pass procedures and/or actuates alternative power routes during emergencies
  • Reads, interprets and makes corrections to electrical blueprints
  • Drives maintenance vehicles and transports tools and testing equipment to various locations along the rail line
  • Contributes to ensuring that the EEO policies and programs of Metro are carried out

Essential Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

  • Methods, materials, equipment, and safety procedures used in the maintenance of traction power equipment and high voltage electrical systems, including 750 VDC and up to 34
  • 5 KVAC
  • Safe operating procedures for entering and working on the mainline and wayside equipment
  • Desktop operating system and application software including MS DOS, Windows, Windows NT, MS Office, Outlook and other business application software
  • Microcomputer and network security concepts including virus protection

Ability to:
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions and procedures
  • Communicate effectively with others
  • Follow oral and written instructions
  • Communicate effectively with others
  • Inspect, install, repair, and maintain traction power equipment
  • Operate a variety of hand tools and power equipment
  • Safely operate Metro vehicles, troubleshoot and repair various electrical components
  • Repair or overhaul high voltage circuit breakers and switches
  • Use standard electrical and electronic test equipment
  • Learn, understand, and increase knowledge in other phases of power distribution systems and teach others
  • Interpret electrical blueprints and schematic diagrams
  • Apply safety procedures in a hazardous environment
  • Perform strenuous tasks on occasion
  • Work at heights up to 125 feet and in tunnels and enclosed areas
  • Move objects weighing up to 90 pounds
  • Tolerate outdoor work at night and in all types of weather
  • Interact professionally with various levels of Metro employees and outside representatives
  • Travel to offsite locations within a reasonable timeframe
  • Read, write, speak, and understand English

Minimum Qualifications
Potential candidates interested in the TRACTION POWER INSPEC LDR position MUST meet the following requirements:

  • Four years’ experience as an electrical technician, electrician, electrical line worker, or electro-mechanic, performing repair, maintenance, installation, and troubleshooting of electrical wiring, power distribution systems, equipment, electronics, and relay control logic, including 2 years’ experience performing maintenance of high voltage systems
  • Full-time related training in a recognized apprenticeship program may be substituted for equivalent experience
  • Valid California Class C driver’s license

Special Conditions
  • Must comply with all California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) regulations and utilize approved safety equipment and personal protective gear including, but not limited to, respirators, eye and hearing protective devices (HPD), if and when required
  • Must have normal color vision
  • Must be able to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Positions in this classification are considered safety sensitive under Federal Transit Administration (FTA) drug and alcohol regulations
Positions in this classification are considered safety sensitive under Federal Transit Administration (FTA) drug and alcohol regulations.

Disclaimer
This job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform other related job duties.


Date Originally Created: 4/24/1995
Date Last Revised: 1/5/2011
ATU: 0755A