National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Title: Track Equipment Operator I-II (90)
Location: NRAO Very Large Array, Magdalena, New Mexico, United States of America
Requisition Number: 90
Job Family: Track Equipment Operator
Pay Type: Hourly
Required Education: CRA

POSITION SUMMARY

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.
The NRAO is recruiting a full-time Track Equipment Operator I-II for our team in New Mexico. Under specific guidelines and directions from the group supervisor or lead operator, performs a variety of tasks involving construction, loading, lifting, installation and maintenance of track system and regularly assists in the maintenance and repair of heavy equipment involving work related to the over 40 miles of double tracks and standard gauge used to reconfigure the antennas. This is a “Safety Sensitive” position as noted in the Position Requirements Section.
The position is based at the VLA radio telescope site, 50 miles west of Socorro, NM. Socorro is a small, historical town in the Rio Grande Valley, 75 miles south of Albuquerque.

COMPETENCY SUMMARY

Experience should demonstrate effective decision-making ability. Must be able to effectively communicate orally and/or using sketches or drawings. PC experience includes e-mail, word processing and data entry.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have (or obtain within twelve months of employment or transfer) and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License (minimum of a Class B; Class A preferred).

General duties of Track Equipment Operator I include repairing and rebuilding railroad track using hand tools and power tools. Examples of the duties include, but are not limited to:

• Performing track maintenance, track repairs and installations consisting of driving spikes into ties with spike maul; pulling spikes with claw bar; installing and removing rail anchors; sliding, placing, and aligning tie plates under rail; cutting rails with rail saw, and lifting rails with manual track jacks.
• Removing and replacing ties, pulling and driving spikes, shoveling rock ballast, loading and unloading equipment and materials;
• May be required to operate heavy equipment such as a dump truck and tractor trailer;
• Assisting in making track inspections such as visual inspections for broken rail, defective switches and signals, track obstructions or weather related problems such as track washouts;
• Handling and moving track material and equipment;
• Loading/unloading equipment weighing up to 50 pounds (chop saw, air tools, hydraulic tool, hand tampers); with assistance, remove and install rail using rail tongs; with assistance, remove ties and slide new ties into place using tie tongs; with assistance, move debris away from work site (spike cans, anchors);
• Performing track bed maintenance which involves removing and replacing ballast; tamping ballast; unloading or assisting in unloading ballast from trucks or ballast cars;
• Operating the following track specific equipment safely and effectively: hydraulic spike puller; air or hydraulic wrenches to loosen or tighten track bolts; rail drill; portable abrasive rail saw to cut rail;
• Assisting with repair and maintenance of track equipment and other related machinery or vehicles; perform preventative maintenance on equipment, as directed; may be required to transport equipment locally;
• Use survey equipment including levels and theodolites to measure rail and intersection levels.
• Possession and maintenance of appropriate certification and license is required.
• Occasional local and domestic travel may be required. May be required to transport equipment to other NRAO sites.
• Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work areas.
• Other related duties as assigned