Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
Light Rail Track Maintenance Supervisor
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
Salary :
$129,773.34 - $157,783.54 Annually Location :
CA 95134-1927, CA Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
2025_KW_3462 Division:
Maintenance Department:
Way, Power & Signal Maintenance Opening Date:
11/03/2025 Closing Date:
11/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
The Position VTA is looking for a dedicated leader to join our team as a Light Rail Track Maintenance Supervisor! This role is responsible for the inspection, repair, and maintenance of our light rail track systems, ensuring safety, reliability, and smooth operations for the community we serve. If you have hands-on track experience and a passion for leading teams, apply today to help keep Santa Clara County moving forward.
Ideal Candidate Statement The ideal candidate for Light Rail Track Maintenance Supervisor is an experienced track maintenance professional with at least six years of progressively responsible experience, including supervisory responsibilities. They are skilled in inspection, repair, and preventative maintenance of electrified rail systems and excel at leading teams to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable track operations. Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational abilities allow them to effectively manage resources, coordinate with stakeholders, and respond to operational needs 24/7.
What You'll Be Doing Definition Under general supervision, the Light Rail Track Maintenance Supervisor supervises and coordinates the track maintenance and repair of the light rail system.
Distinguishing Characteristics This is the first full supervisory level in the maintenance and repair of the track system. The next higher class of Light Rail Way, Power and Signal Superintendent manages the overall activities of the program and supervises this class.
About
Way, Power & Signal Maintenance Way, Power & Signal Maintenance is located at the Zanker Building. Way, Power & Signal Maintenance is responsible for timely and reliable maintenance, preventive maintenance, inspections, repair and servicing of the light rail right-of-way, rail system power, tracks, signals, station facilities and related equipment. Components of the Way, Power & Signal unit are:
Station & Wayside Maintenance: Station & Wayside Maintenance maintains and repairs (including graffiti removal) light rail stations, terminal buildings, restrooms, park & ride lots, landscaping, fences, guardrails, and other trackside areas. The staff is currently located at the Cerone Division. Track Maintenance: Track Maintenance maintains (including right-of-way weed eradication, vegetation control, and graffiti removal), performs preventive maintenance, inspects, services and repairs rail, switches, ties, roadbed, and track systems. Power Maintenance: Power Maintenance maintains (including trackside right-of-way tree trimming), performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services light rail electric power systems, including overhead, substations, lighting, and other electrical systems. Signal Maintenance: Signal Maintenance maintains, performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services signal systems, crossing gates, fare machines, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) controls, and station audio/video equipment. Passenger Facilities Maintenance: Passenger Facilities Maintenance maintains, performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services all VTA-maintained passenger facilities, including bus stops. Services include: bench installation, painting and repair, core drilling for poles at new bus stops, garbage collection, trash receptacle installation and relocation, graffiti abatement, litter removal, pressure washing, red curb painting, signage inspection, route updates, and sweeping services. Janitorial services for transit centers are provided daily through a Facilities Maintenance service contract with a third-party vendor.
About VTA
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County's authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region.
VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.
As the county's , VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit oriented development.
VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County. As we continue to implement our , we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.
For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit:
Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP)
The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families.
Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work/family balance. Essential Job Functions
Typical Tasks
Plans, schedules and supervises the inspection, maintenance and repair of roadbed and track systems; Coordinates with all affected personnel to maintain safety and continued operations; Supervises and performs inspection, maintenance and repair of rail, switches, ties and roadbeds; Inventories rail hardware and initiates replacement orders; Supervises and performs daily inspection by operating a hi-rail vehicle; Assists in re-railing and loading equipment; Hires, trains, counsels and disciplines workers; Performs safety training and supervises safe work practices; May represent VTA at disciplinary hearings; Serves as department representative in interaction with other VTA departments and outside agencies; Responds to calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; Makes estimates of labor, time, costs and materials; Prepares written reports, documents defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders, or designated computer programs; Operates computer for related data input and retrieval; Maintains records and prepares reports; Performs related work as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Employment Standards Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate possession of the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Development of the required knowledge, skills and abilities is typically obtained through the equivalent of six (6) years of experience in track maintenance and repair, including one (1) year in a supervisory position.
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to qualify for and maintain a Class B license. Supplemental Information
Knowledge of:
Methods and procedures used to repair and maintain an electrified track system; Principles of supervision, training, counseling and discipline; Switching mechanisms; Methods of installing track and welding; Re-railing methods and equipment; Laws, ordinances and regulations as applied to electrified rail systems; General safety rules and methods for safely handling hazardous materials; Operation of common office equipment, including personal computers and common software applications.
Ability to:
Repair and maintain a track system; Supervise, train and discipline track workers; Develop and implement procedures for preventative maintenance programs; Understand, interpret and apply rules, regulations, union contract provisions, policies and procedures; Read and understand blueprints and schematics; Estimate costs for time and materials; Evaluate cost effective methods and budgetary needs; Monitor expenditures; Prepare written reports, document defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders, or designated computer programs; Perform computer related functions that allow for data input and retrieval; Maintain records and prepare clear and concise reports; Establish and maintain cooperative, working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
General Application Instructions
Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference.
To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as "continuous," we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an immediate email confirmation.
Personalized responses to Supplemental Questions that connect your past experiences to this specific role are the most effective. AI-generated content may lack the specificity required to address the key criteria outlined in the job description. While we encourage the use of AI as a tool to enhance your work, we want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills. You may use AI to generate ideas, but please ensure your final responses are in your own voice and reflect your unique experience. Overreliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish your chances of success.
Important: Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, Job Interest Notification Cards, or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application.
Communication & Contact Information All updates regarding your application-including notices for testing and interviews-will be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid, up-to-date email address. Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles.
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays.
Application Review & Processing All current and prior relevant work experience-including experience with VTA-must be fully detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as "see resume" are not acceptable. Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected, even if you meet the minimum qualifications.
While you are welcome to upload a resume, it does not substitute for completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position.
Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications, experience, education, or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA.
This classification is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME),Transportation Authority Engineers and Architects Association(TAEA).Wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union.
Tentative Examinations:
Oral Panel: Week of December 8, 2025
Conditions of Employment
Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment.
For sensitive positions,VTA requires all safety-sensitive positions to have a 6-month DOT physical clearance. Obtained at the time of preboarding from a VTA-contracted Concentra location.
Eligibility List
The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur. Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment.
Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations
VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at least five business days before the test.
Equal Employment Opportunity
VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc. VTA offers a generous benefit package including: vision care, a choice of health plans, dental coverage, an employee assistance program, life insurance, and liberal holiday, vacation, and sick leave. A credit union and deferred compensation are also available to employees at their option. Detailed information on VTA's benefits may be found here:
As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA):
Classic Members' retirement benefit formula is 2% @55. New Members' retirement benefit formula is 2% @62.
All
Classic
AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees hired on or after 01/09/2012 pay 7.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.
All
New/PEPRA
AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees pay 8.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.
Social Security taxes will be deducted from each employee's bi-weekly salary. 01
Describe your experience with track inspection and maintenance. 02
Describe your experience with maintenance planning and reporting. 03
Describe your experience with addressing a defect on a trackway. 04
Describe your experience working with regulatory agencies (e.g., CPUC, FRA). Be sure to include your specific role, responsibilities, and level of involvement. Required Question
$129,773.34 - $157,783.54 Annually Location :
CA 95134-1927, CA Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
2025_KW_3462 Division:
Maintenance Department:
Way, Power & Signal Maintenance Opening Date:
11/03/2025 Closing Date:
11/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
The Position VTA is looking for a dedicated leader to join our team as a Light Rail Track Maintenance Supervisor! This role is responsible for the inspection, repair, and maintenance of our light rail track systems, ensuring safety, reliability, and smooth operations for the community we serve. If you have hands-on track experience and a passion for leading teams, apply today to help keep Santa Clara County moving forward.
Ideal Candidate Statement The ideal candidate for Light Rail Track Maintenance Supervisor is an experienced track maintenance professional with at least six years of progressively responsible experience, including supervisory responsibilities. They are skilled in inspection, repair, and preventative maintenance of electrified rail systems and excel at leading teams to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable track operations. Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational abilities allow them to effectively manage resources, coordinate with stakeholders, and respond to operational needs 24/7.
What You'll Be Doing Definition Under general supervision, the Light Rail Track Maintenance Supervisor supervises and coordinates the track maintenance and repair of the light rail system.
Distinguishing Characteristics This is the first full supervisory level in the maintenance and repair of the track system. The next higher class of Light Rail Way, Power and Signal Superintendent manages the overall activities of the program and supervises this class.
About
Way, Power & Signal Maintenance Way, Power & Signal Maintenance is located at the Zanker Building. Way, Power & Signal Maintenance is responsible for timely and reliable maintenance, preventive maintenance, inspections, repair and servicing of the light rail right-of-way, rail system power, tracks, signals, station facilities and related equipment. Components of the Way, Power & Signal unit are:
Station & Wayside Maintenance: Station & Wayside Maintenance maintains and repairs (including graffiti removal) light rail stations, terminal buildings, restrooms, park & ride lots, landscaping, fences, guardrails, and other trackside areas. The staff is currently located at the Cerone Division. Track Maintenance: Track Maintenance maintains (including right-of-way weed eradication, vegetation control, and graffiti removal), performs preventive maintenance, inspects, services and repairs rail, switches, ties, roadbed, and track systems. Power Maintenance: Power Maintenance maintains (including trackside right-of-way tree trimming), performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services light rail electric power systems, including overhead, substations, lighting, and other electrical systems. Signal Maintenance: Signal Maintenance maintains, performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services signal systems, crossing gates, fare machines, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) controls, and station audio/video equipment. Passenger Facilities Maintenance: Passenger Facilities Maintenance maintains, performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services all VTA-maintained passenger facilities, including bus stops. Services include: bench installation, painting and repair, core drilling for poles at new bus stops, garbage collection, trash receptacle installation and relocation, graffiti abatement, litter removal, pressure washing, red curb painting, signage inspection, route updates, and sweeping services. Janitorial services for transit centers are provided daily through a Facilities Maintenance service contract with a third-party vendor.
About VTA
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County's authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region.
VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.
As the county's , VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit oriented development.
VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County. As we continue to implement our , we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.
For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit:
Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP)
The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families.
Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work/family balance. Essential Job Functions
Typical Tasks
Plans, schedules and supervises the inspection, maintenance and repair of roadbed and track systems; Coordinates with all affected personnel to maintain safety and continued operations; Supervises and performs inspection, maintenance and repair of rail, switches, ties and roadbeds; Inventories rail hardware and initiates replacement orders; Supervises and performs daily inspection by operating a hi-rail vehicle; Assists in re-railing and loading equipment; Hires, trains, counsels and disciplines workers; Performs safety training and supervises safe work practices; May represent VTA at disciplinary hearings; Serves as department representative in interaction with other VTA departments and outside agencies; Responds to calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; Makes estimates of labor, time, costs and materials; Prepares written reports, documents defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders, or designated computer programs; Operates computer for related data input and retrieval; Maintains records and prepares reports; Performs related work as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Employment Standards Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate possession of the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Development of the required knowledge, skills and abilities is typically obtained through the equivalent of six (6) years of experience in track maintenance and repair, including one (1) year in a supervisory position.
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to qualify for and maintain a Class B license. Supplemental Information
Knowledge of:
Methods and procedures used to repair and maintain an electrified track system; Principles of supervision, training, counseling and discipline; Switching mechanisms; Methods of installing track and welding; Re-railing methods and equipment; Laws, ordinances and regulations as applied to electrified rail systems; General safety rules and methods for safely handling hazardous materials; Operation of common office equipment, including personal computers and common software applications.
Ability to:
Repair and maintain a track system; Supervise, train and discipline track workers; Develop and implement procedures for preventative maintenance programs; Understand, interpret and apply rules, regulations, union contract provisions, policies and procedures; Read and understand blueprints and schematics; Estimate costs for time and materials; Evaluate cost effective methods and budgetary needs; Monitor expenditures; Prepare written reports, document defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders, or designated computer programs; Perform computer related functions that allow for data input and retrieval; Maintain records and prepare clear and concise reports; Establish and maintain cooperative, working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
General Application Instructions
Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference.
To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as "continuous," we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an immediate email confirmation.
Personalized responses to Supplemental Questions that connect your past experiences to this specific role are the most effective. AI-generated content may lack the specificity required to address the key criteria outlined in the job description. While we encourage the use of AI as a tool to enhance your work, we want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills. You may use AI to generate ideas, but please ensure your final responses are in your own voice and reflect your unique experience. Overreliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish your chances of success.
Important: Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, Job Interest Notification Cards, or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application.
Communication & Contact Information All updates regarding your application-including notices for testing and interviews-will be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid, up-to-date email address. Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles.
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays.
Application Review & Processing All current and prior relevant work experience-including experience with VTA-must be fully detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as "see resume" are not acceptable. Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected, even if you meet the minimum qualifications.
While you are welcome to upload a resume, it does not substitute for completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position.
Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications, experience, education, or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA.
This classification is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME),Transportation Authority Engineers and Architects Association(TAEA).Wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union.
Tentative Examinations:
Oral Panel: Week of December 8, 2025
Conditions of Employment
Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment.
For sensitive positions,VTA requires all safety-sensitive positions to have a 6-month DOT physical clearance. Obtained at the time of preboarding from a VTA-contracted Concentra location.
Eligibility List
The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur. Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment.
Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations
VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at least five business days before the test.
Equal Employment Opportunity
VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc. VTA offers a generous benefit package including: vision care, a choice of health plans, dental coverage, an employee assistance program, life insurance, and liberal holiday, vacation, and sick leave. A credit union and deferred compensation are also available to employees at their option. Detailed information on VTA's benefits may be found here:
As defined by the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA):
Classic Members' retirement benefit formula is 2% @55. New Members' retirement benefit formula is 2% @62.
All
Classic
AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees hired on or after 01/09/2012 pay 7.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.
All
New/PEPRA
AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees pay 8.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.
Social Security taxes will be deducted from each employee's bi-weekly salary. 01
Describe your experience with track inspection and maintenance. 02
Describe your experience with maintenance planning and reporting. 03
Describe your experience with addressing a defect on a trackway. 04
Describe your experience working with regulatory agencies (e.g., CPUC, FRA). Be sure to include your specific role, responsibilities, and level of involvement. Required Question