SIGNAL MAINTAINER JOBS OPEN THROUGH JULY 22

Pays $27.26 Hourly; Need Two Years Of Related Experience; Must Pass Practical Test; Work in NYC Transit Shops, Subways

New York City Transit is looking to hire 200 Signal Maintainers over the next four years to maintain, install, inspect, test, alter and repair subway signal systems on the road and in the shop. The deadline for application is July 22.

The starting rate is $27.26 per hour. The filing fee is $60. City residency is not required

Benefits and Work Hours

After three years, the pay at the 40-hour-a-week job raises to $28.33 per hour. The Signal Maintainer job also features night and weekend differentials, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, a comprehensive health plan and a pension plan.

Signal Maintainers may be required to work rotating shifts including nights, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

New Signal Maintainers will maintain, service and repair various types of railroad signal equipment, including all-electric, electro-pneumatic, all relay and mechanical interlocking machines, centralized traffic control machines, electronic code systems, train identity systems, microprocessors, switch machines, automatic train stops, color light signals and related power and control equipment. They will also keep records, drive motor vehicles, carry tools and equipment and perform related work.

Signal Maintainers will work on or near tracks where live high-voltage equipment is present. They will also climb and descend ladders and stairways; walk along trackways in dimly lit areas where tripping hazards may be present; when in work areas, have to be alert to warning whistles and the sound of oncoming trains; work outdoors in inclement weather; carry tools and equipment; and operate heavy machinery.

Experience Needed

Applicants must have two years of full-time satisfactory experience as an electrician or an electronic technician at the journeyman/journeywoman level (i.e., a fully trained, knowledgeable, experienced, proficient and competent mechanic). To achieve this distinction, an applicant must have one of three things: two years of full-time satisfactory experience as a mechanic's helper, apprentice or trainee performing or assisting in installing, maintaining or repairing electrical, electronic or electro-mechanical systems; graduation from a trade school, technical school or vocational high school, approved by a state's Department of Education or comparable agency with a major course of study in electrical, electronic or electro-mechanical technology, or a closely related field, totaling 600 hours; or an A.A.S. degree or higher in electrical, electronic or electro-mechanical technology or a closely related field from an accredited college or university by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

In addition, an applicant must have completed a four-year full-time apprenticeship in an electrical, electronic or electro-mechanical trade recognized by the state Department of Labor, the U.S. Department of Labor, or any state apprenticeship council that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Qualifying experience must have been obtained within the past 10 years. A valid driver's license is also a requirement. There will be a medical exam. Applicants must pass a drug screening. Applicants must speak English.

There will be a practical test given beginning Jan. 13, 2009. A score of at least 70 percent is required to pass the test. The score will determine a candidate's place on the eligible list.

What Test Will Cover

The practical test may require applicants to perform tasks related to the installation, testing, maintenance, and repair of electrical, electronic and electro-mechanical systems, including the selection and use of appropriate tools, materials and measuring devices; related mechanical work; reading and interpreting technical drawings; shop math; safe work practices and procedures and other related areas.

There are two ways to apply for this examination: by mail or at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services' Online Application System at www.nyc.gov/examsforjobs by following the onscreen application instructions for electronically submitting your application and completing any required forms. The application fee is $60. Major credit cards, a bank card associated with an account, or prepaid debit cards are acceptable forms of payment. Mail applicants may send completed forms to: DCAS Application Unit, 1 Centre Street, 14th floor, New York, N.Y. 10007.