Track Worker 3600 Hiring Process

[Marcel876]

Just a heads up to anyone with nice full beards who enjoy grooming their beards etc and maintaining it. 

There will come a time when you will need to go to respirator training and you will need to cut that growth on your face. 

I had a nice bush growing on mine and now its all gone.

 

Butt Face in full effect 

 

So enjoy it while you can for now and just prepare yourself for the inevitable.

[newyorkNYC11]

Steve and Marcel. Where you picked for your mini pick. Enjoy training. Subway is a different beast.

[Stephen]

Steve and Marcel. Where you picked for your mini pick. Enjoy training. Subway is a different beast.

 

These were X jobs, so who knows how long they will last. There was one 10pm-6am Capital spot at 16th and 8th that I took. Allot of people were bitching about our jobs.

[brooklynborn]

just gpt home from medical. i start monday. good luck to everyone who is waiting.

[BigBuckzz]

Can one of you guys in this class record the highest list number sworn in please.

[Marcel876]

I got maintenance job at East Tremont.in the bronx, which is perfect because I lived in the BX as well.

A lot of day jobs for our picks. Tremont was one of those. 

However not sure how long it will last before we pick for permanent positions. 

Had a few capital jobs in the Bronx as well. 

[Bobbyv2k7]

Hey for the guys that just finished classes. How many weeks are the classes? And what is the paycheck range ? Will it be a struggle in the beginning ?

[Stephen]

Hey for the guys that just finished classes. How many weeks are the classes? And what is the paycheck range ? Will it be a struggle in the beginning ?

 

The training is 6 weeks, plus the 9 days of flagging. You get paid every 2 weeks, and depending you deductions after taxes 401K/457, NYCERS Pension, how many dependents you have, you should clear anywhere from $1000-$1300. That's for 80 hours, and no OT. The 401K/457 is optional, but it would be wise to put a weekly percentage into it.

 

As far as it being a struggle, everyone's definition varies. If you are used to bigger checks from previous employment, then yes it can be a jolt to the eyes, and the pockets. But in the long run with all of the benefits, and the eventual hourly increases, it's well worth it. Plus you can move into dual rate/specialist titles in Track, which can bump you into a higher pay scale quickly. But that depends on what is available in the job picks.

 

Remember also, once you are in Transit you can take promotional exams ( when available ) if you want to go a higher pay scale. Just remember when you change departments, your seniority goes back to the bottom of the list, in whatever new department you choose. If I was told correctly, if you are unhappy with your new promotional title, you can go back to Track, within one calendar year, and you will still retain your seniority. Seniority basically determines the chances of you getting a better job such as Capital, where the OT is. Or getting a Dual Rate/Specialist job, which would bump you to top pay before the 6 years. Seniority will also determine the chances of you working days, or nights. But be prepared to work nights for a long time.

 

Good Luck !

[Bobbyv2k7]

The training is 6 weeks, plus the 9 days of flagging. You get paid every 2 weeks, and depending you deductions after taxes 401K/457, NYCERS Pension, how many dependents you have, you should clear anywhere from $1000-$1300. That's for 80 hours, and no OT. The 401K/457 is optional, but it would be wise to put a weekly percentage into it.

 

As far as it being a struggle, everyone's definition varies. If you are used to bigger checks from previous employment, then yes it can be a jolt to the eyes, and the pockets. But in the long run with all of the benefits, and the eventual hourly increases, it's well worth it. Plus you can move into dual rate/specialist titles in Track, which can bump you into a higher pay scale quickly. But that depends on what is available in the job picks.

 

Remember also, once you are in Transit you can take promotional exams ( when available ) if you want to go a higher pay scale. Just remember when you change departments, your seniority goes back to the bottom of the list, in whatever new department you choose. If I was told correctly, if you are unhappy with your new promotional title, you can go back to Track, within one calendar year, and you will still retain your seniority. Seniority basically determines the chances of you getting a better job such as Capital, where the OT is. Or getting a Dual Rate/Specialist job, which would bump you to top pay before the 6 years. Seniority will also determine the chances of you working days, or nights. But be prepared to work nights for a long time.

 

Good Luck !

Thanks for that info. I figured the paycheck would be around that. I think I can deal with it for alittle while but I want to try to move up as quickly as possible. I have my CDL and someone told me that I can use that for driving some thr equiment trucks.

What about working your days off? Can you do that ? And also how long before you can take a supervisor test. I know I am way ahead of myself right now just trying to get as much info as possible.

[Stephen]

Thanks for that info. I figured the paycheck would be around that. I think I can deal with it for alittle while but I want to try to move up as quickly as possible. I have my CDL and someone told me that I can use that for driving some thr equiment trucks.

What about working your days off? Can you do that ? And also how long before you can take a supervisor test. I know I am way ahead of myself right now just trying to get as much info as possible.

 

If you have your CDL B, you'll be in a better position than most. But again those Specialist Chauffeur/Truck driving jobs are based on what's available in the job picks. The good thing about Transit is you only need your CDL B Permit to be able to bid on Dual Rate Specialist jobs ( the ones that require a CDL ). Transit will help you get your CDL on their dime, as long as you have your permit. Some Specialist jobs you don't need a CDL, such as Welder/Burner, and Concrete Wet Saw Operator. But you would have to start off as a Dual Rate, before you would qualify for full Specialist pay.

 

From talking to quite a few senior Trackworkers, and Track Specialists, the information above is what you'll be told once you're in. As far as becoming a Foreman/Supervisor, my honest advice would be to learn the job inside and out, as in working 5-10 years on the Tracks. Take my word for it, I'm 34, and I've been in the construction trades on the books since I'm 18. I became a Foreman after about 10 years in my previous job/trade. Your men will respect you more once you establish yourself as a worker, and know the job from a practical standpoint. I know you can take the test for Track Inspector after 1 year on the job. Track Inspector is a Specialist title. But again, learn the job before you make the leap.

 

You'll be working with guys with anywhere from 5-25+ years experience above you. Being a Foreman isn't hard, it's just more responsibilities. The hardest part about being a Foreman is having to be the good guy, and the bad guy. On top of dealing with the multitude of personalities you'll come across. From my personal experience outside of Transit, I wouldn't go near any Foreman/Supervisor/Superintendent positions. I would rather get into a Specialist title, and make my extra few dollars that way. That's my opinion from my own experiences, choice is yours though.

 

Not too sure about working days off. I know if you work another job on the books, you have to fill out a Dual Employment Form. Since Track is a safety sensitive position, you need a certain about of downtime, and sleep. They'll explain that further at orientation those first 2 days once you're in. And you really don't wanna burn yourself out working another job, and getting 3 hours of sleep at night. It's very dangerous, and you need to have all of your mental, and physical faculties at 100% when you're down there.

Edited April 25, 2016 by SteveNYC

[+Young+]

If you have your CDL B, you'll be in a better position than most. But again those Specialist Chauffeur/Truck driving jobs are based on what's available in the job picks. The good thing about Transit is you only need your CDL B Permit to be able to bid on Dual Rate Specialist jobs ( the ones that require a CDL ). Transit will help you get your CDL on their dime, as long as you have your permit. Some Specialist jobs you don't need a CDL, such as Welder/Burner, and Concrete Wet Saw Operator. But you would have to start off as a Dual Rate, before you would qualify for full Specialist pay.

 

Good information...how about the CDL A instead of CDL B? I took a road test in both a tractor trailer and a full-sized bus...

[Stephen]

Good information...how about the CDL A instead of CDL B? I took a road test in both a tractor trailer and a full-sized bus...

 

CDL class A or B will help you the same. The Class A drivers work in Fleet Ops, which is the Tractor Trailer division of Track. The drivers I've seen at the 38th st yard, were delivering material on 50 ft flatbed trailers. Also seen a few driving dump trucks, not sure if the dump truck is an A or a B license though.

[+Young+]

Also seen a few driving dump trucks, not sure if the dump truck is an A or a B license though.

 

According to this, the rule of thumb is that the "A" license is for combination vehicles, aka, those that have a trailer attached (tractor trailers, car carriers). The "B" license is for straight vehicles (Sanitation garbage truck, box truck, buses, etc). Therefore, you need a minimum of a "B" to drive the dump truck. If you have an "A" like me, that's also acceptable.

[Moose]

Ive been in track for 11 years. I have no complaints. Its a good living if you accept it for what it is. Ive been a track inspector for just over 8 years now.

The best advice i can give to all you fresh pineapples, dont come out of school acting cocky. Take your time to learn the job. Learn the moves. You dont have to be loud and act cool to try and fit in with the senior guys. They will take notice and accept you if you are a good worker. With all due respect, you dont know shit down here. And thats how you will be viewed for a while. Dont take it personally, we all went thru it. And you will put new guys thru it too in a few more years. Dont worry about making friends. This is a job, not high school. But dont make any enemies either. Keep you head down, but your eyes and ears open. Your top priority every day is to go home in one piece, alive. Just the way you came to work. I wish you all the best of luck with this new job. And i hope to see some of you out on the tracks puttin in work.

And remember, dont sit in my chair in the quarters lol

[Bobbyv2k7]

Ive been in track for 11 years. I have no complaints. Its a good living if you accept it for what it is. Ive been a track inspector for just over 8 years now.

The best advice i can give to all you fresh pineapples, dont come out of school acting cocky. Take your time to learn the job. Learn the moves. You dont have to be loud and act cool to try and fit in with the senior guys. They will take notice and accept you if you are a good worker. With all due respect, you dont know shit down here. And thats how you will be viewed for a while. Dont take it personally, we all went thru it. And you will put new guys thru it too in a few more years. Dont worry about making friends. This is a job, not high school. But dont make any enemies either. Keep you head down, but your eyes and ears open. Your top priority every day is to go home in one piece, alive. Just the way you came to work. I wish you all the best of luck with this new job. And i hope to see some of you out on the tracks puttin in work.

And remember, dont sit in my chair in the quarters lol

Thanks for the helpful advice. How is the salary after 11 years ?

[Moose]

The salary is ok. Im making $34.50/hr (specialist pay) plus $1.50/hr night differential. So $36 an hour is decent. I dont feel that its enough for the danger that we are in, constantly. But i survive on it.

[Bobbyv2k7]

The salary is ok. Im making $34.50/hr (specialist pay) plus $1.50/hr night differential. So $36 an hour is decent. I dont feel that its enough for the danger that we are in, constantly. But i survive on it.

 

That's not bad money ...... I guess after I'm on the job awhile I will have to be chasing that OT. I have a family of 4 to take care of. So hopefully there is OT . You are really helpful with answering all my questions.

[Moose]

The OT is there if you want it. I dont take OT. Never have. I dont have anyone to support. And i value my weekends lol. But you will have access to more than enough.

 

Can anyone give me one of the last numbers called in? My buddy is 79X and hes panicking about being called, even though i tell him constantly that it just takes a while lol.

[Stephen]

The OT is there if you want it. I dont take OT. Never have. I dont have anyone to support. And i value my weekends lol. But you will have access to more than enough.

 

Can anyone give me one of the last numbers called in? My buddy is 79X and hes panicking about being called, even though i tell him constantly that it just takes a while lol.

 

The class I'm in started 3/28, we have about 2 more weeks left of training. The last number appointed into the class I'm in is 521. There is another class that just started Monday 4/25. If I were to make an educated guess they might have reached anywhere from 560-600 range. DCAS usually updates the latest appointee every 2 classes, so the information there will be fairly old.

 

The instructors also made a note that there might be 3 or 4 more classes after the 4/25 one. The key word is might, so if your friend is in the 790 range, he shouldn't worry at all. It took Transit an entire year and change just to get to 521.

Edited April 26, 2016 by SteveNYC

[+Young+]

Can anyone give me one of the last numbers called in? My buddy is 79X and hes panicking about being called, even though i tell him constantly that it just takes a while lol.

 

Your buddy is panicking? My apologies if I am rude, or anything to that nature, but I am in the 2800's, and like I mentioned earlier, at this point, I am just worried about the list being extended for a total of 6 years. I guess a score of 95% might not do it...

Edited April 26, 2016 by YoungNYCSubwayFan
spelling error...

[Moose]

Thanks Steve. Who is your instructor? I know a lot of those guys down there. Good people!

 

Young, im sorry if it came out wrong. I just meant that my friend is freaking out cause he hasnt been workin and his unemployment ran out and he is hoping to get in soon. Thats all. Lol

[+Young+]

Young, im sorry if it came out wrong. I just meant that my friend is freaking out cause he hasnt been workin and his unemployment ran out and he is hoping to get in soon. Thats all. Lol

 

That's okay. Once you mentioned about the unemployment, then I knew where you were coming from...

[Stephen]

Thanks Steve. Who is your instructor? I know a lot of those guys down there. Good people!

 

Young, im sorry if it came out wrong. I just meant that my friend is freaking out cause he hasnt been workin and his unemployment ran out and he is hoping to get in soon. Thats all. Lol

 

No problem Moose. The classroom instructors are Dundas and Spezzano. Both really good guys. I've been at 38th st yard training, we have this foreman "Leeks" or "Leaks", another good guy as well. Even all the senior guys there have been good to us. I haven't really seen one miserable person that works for Transit yet.

[brooklynborn]

just a update. 19 people in the 4/25 class. not sure about highest list number.

[Steelers]

The highest number in the 4/28 class is 58*