Traction Power Systems Technician

Valley Metro, AZ

$73K — $111K *
Transportation
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED with at least one year of relevant electrical maintenance experience.
  • Proven track record in electrical maintenance of traction power and catenary systems.
  • Experience working with high-voltage systems in skilled trades environments.
  • Competent in equipment and tool maintenance in electrified settings.
  • Ability to obtain a Class B CDL permit within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

  • Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair overhead catenary systems and traction power substations.
  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on both AC and DC electrified rail systems.
  • Work from heights and in confined spaces, utilizing appropriate safety equipment.
  • Assist in training junior technicians on traction power systems.
  • Diagnose and resolve electrical issues using specialized tools and methods.
  • Respond to routine and emergency maintenance requests, operating necessary equipment.
  • Maintain accurate records and participate in team safety activities.

Benefits

  • Health coverage including Medical, Dental, and Vision effective from the first month after hire.
  • Short Term Disability and Life/AD&D Insurance.
  • Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System and optional Deferred Compensation Plan.
  • Paid holidays and tuition assistance offered.
  • Free light rail and bus transportation for employees.
Full Job Description
Salary: $35.60 - $53.40 Hourly
Location : Operations Maintenance Center 605 S. 48th St. Phoenix 85034, AZ
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: ST03080-3
Division: Maintenance
Department: Maintenance of Way
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: 7/29/2026 5:00 PM Arizona

Summary

The full pay range for the position is $35.60 to $53.40 per hour with an anticipated starting rate between entry ($35.60) and midpoint ($44.50) of the range. It's essential to note that the actual hourly rate offered will be determined based on several factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, training and internal equity considerations.

Purpose of Role:
Ensures the safe, reliable, and continuous operation of rail services by inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing traction power substations and overhead catenary systems. Performs high-voltage electrical maintenance, preventive and corrective repairs, and emergency response.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

High School Diploma or GED and one (1) year of experience in:
  • Electrical maintenance of traction power and catenary systems
  • Skilled trades involving high-voltage systems
  • Equipment and tool maintenance in electrified environments
  • Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed.
  • Additional education cannot be substituted for experience.
Human Resources reserves the right to call only the most qualified applicants to the selection process.

Medical Examination:Employment is contingent upon passing a DOT physical examination.Drug Test:This position is safety sensitive and subject to Valley Metro RPTA's Drug & Alcohol Program. Employment is contingent on passing pre-employment drug screening.Background Investigation:Employment is contingent upon the results of a background check.
Licenses:
Valid Arizona Driver's License and ability to maintain insurability under Valley Metro's Vehicle Insurance Policy.Incumbent is required to obtain a Class B CDL permit within 90 days of attending New Employee Orientation and obtain a full Class B CDL with air brake endorsement within 6 months of hire.Licensing/Certification Requirements:

Examples of Duties / Knowledge & Skills

The following functions are intended to provide a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of this position and are not an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed.
  • Inspect, test, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair overhead catenary systems, traction power substations, and related high-voltage electrical infrastructure.
  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on AC and DC electrified rail systems to ensure safe and reliable power delivery.
  • Perform work in high places using ladders and bucket trucks for access.
  • Safely work in confined spaces, using all required specialty equipment and PPE.
  • Assist in training less experienced Traction Power Systems Technicians.
  • Diagnose and resolve electrical malfunctions using appropriate tools, test equipment, and established troubleshooting methods.
  • Safely work around energized circuits and high-voltage systems in compliance with all safety rules, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
  • Respond to routine and emergency work orders, operate specialty vehicles and equipment, and support field operations as required.
  • Maintain accurate records, inspection logs, and inventory; participate in safety activities; assist team members and contractors; and complete special projects as assigned.
  • Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Required Knowledge & Skills:

Knowledge of:
  • Common overhead catenary system maintenance processes. Traction power substation equipment and operations.Electrical safety practices and procedures.
  • Troubleshooting methods for electrified systems.
  • Familiarity with inventory control and parts management procedures.
  • Record-keeping and maintenance documentation requirements.
  • Proper maintenance procedures for tools and equipment.
  • Using a computer and related software.
Skill in:
  • Inspecting and diagnosing issues with overhead and substation systems.
  • Repairing and maintaining electrified power components safely.
  • Operating high-rail vehicles, specialty tools and equipment proficiently.
  • Responding promptly to emergency maintenance calls.
  • Maintaining accurate logs and facilitating inventory efficiently.
  • Assisting colleagues and contractors as needed.
  • Performing routine cleaning and preventive maintenance tasks.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills to exchange information and receive work direction.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

Work is performed in a combination of office, vehicle, and outdoor environments with routine use of standard office and specialized equipment. The position requires the ability to perform heavy physical work, including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Essential physical functions include the ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, carry, push, and pull; climb, kneel, bend, reach, twist, crouch, crawl, and balance; and use fine motor skills, visual acuity, hearing, and verbal communication. The work environment may include noise, distractions, time pressure, detailed or exacting tasks, frequent task changes, multitasking, emergency situations, irregular schedules, overtime, and working as part of a team.

The position involves regular exposure to mechanical, respiratory, electrical, and physical hazards; extreme temperatures; noise and vibration; and moving equipment. Periodic exposure may include fire hazards, communicable diseases, wet or humid conditions, chemical hazards, and explosives.
Health Care Benefits
Effective on the first of the month following date of hire, benefited employees will be eligible for health coverage.
• Medical/Vision/Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life/AD&D Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
Retirement Plans
• Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (Optional)
Holiday Pay
• Paid Holidays
Optional/Additional Benefits
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Tuition Assistance
• Free Employee Bus/Light Rail Card
01

I understand that the hourly hiring range for this position is from the beginning of the range up to the midpoint based on factors that include candidate skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
  • Yes
  • No

02

Valley Metro operates 24 hours/day and 365 days/year. This position must be available to work a variety of shifts including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and odd and unusual hours or called in on days off to respond to emergencies, working outdoors in all types of weather conditions. Are you able to meet this need?
  • Yes
  • No

03

Describe your experience in maintenance, repair, and inspection of overhead lines (consistent tension) and cables and/or high voltage substations.
04

Describe your experience with DC power including the highest voltage that you have worked with.If you have none, please type None or N/A.
Required Question

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