Wireperson Foreperson at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in Charlestown, MA

: At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Wireperson Foreperson will oversee, direct, plan and assist work crews under his/her jurisdiction ensuring that the maintenance, repair, and inspections of the signal equipment is maintained in an efficient, effective and safe manner.

Duties & Responsibilities

Inspect work crew maintenance/repair activities to ensure that assignments are completed safely and according to established schedules and operating standards.
Inspection of job sites to ensure compliance with work schedules, standards of quality and safety requirements.
Maintain and repair a variety of signal equipment/systems/projects at various Authority locations.
Responsible for all aspects of the repair and upkeep of signal equipment.
Enforce the Authority safety standards to ensure the safety of workers and customers. Responsible for ordering, scheduling, and expediting all materials and equipment necessary to complete assigned projects.
Assume the responsibilities of their supervisor as needed.
Remain current with the MBTA's Safety Plan as well as the position's outline responsibilities. Ensure budgetary goals are met and that all work is performed in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Provide technical instruction when necessary.
Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and/or transport crews or equipment as needed.
Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or coworker in a courteous and professional manner.
Respond or report to work as directed by supervisory personnel for emergencies, extreme weather conditions, or any other abnormal conditions that impair service or the safety of service, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti- Retaliation policies.
Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Available to work all shifts and locations as assigned or directed.
Available to work as per assignment by the MBTA twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as directed by supervisory staff for severe weather conditions, emergencies or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
Have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations assigned or directed.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

A High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) from an accredited institution with the ability to comprehend, communicate and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
Five (5) years of experience in rail or transit signal system repair, maintenance, and construction.
Effective organizational and analytical skills the ability to use Word, Excel or Database applications.
A valid driver's license in accordance with MBTA policy.
Valid Journeyman's Electrical License
Have excellent customer service skills.
The ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience.
The ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed.
Be available to work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
The ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
Preferred Experience and Skills
Prior supervisory experience, including technical, analytical, and troubleshooting oversight experience with rail or transit signal systems.
Job Conditions
Adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the MBTA including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, background screening, and the MBTA's medical requirements, including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screening.
Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting, including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job, and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
Safety Sensitive: Incumbents will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing
On-call 24/7: Employee must be available to respond to page/text/call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority
Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management

Substitutions Include

None

Job Conditions:

Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English

Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.

Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences

Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team (or supervise, if required)

Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers

Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies

Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection)

Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings

Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service

Disclaimers and Definitions:

General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.

Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.

Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.

Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.

Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.

Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.

On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.

Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.

ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.