Track Worker 3600 Hiring Process

[Bobbyv2k7]

Question ? I thought a mini pick straight out of school is for only a couple of months ? But I been hearing different people saying it could last 1-2 years ? Anyone else know about this ?

[dp142]

Once you have your mini-pick out of school it will last as long as the general pick does.

 

Track just had their change over meaning a new pick is in effect now. Anyone coming out of Track School now, wherever they picked on their mini-pick, will last until the next general pick. Could be a year, 2 years, 2 1/2 years....

Edited May 19, 2016 by dp142

[Bobbyv2k7]

Once you have your mini-pick out of school it will last as long as the general pick does.

Track just had their change over meaning a new pick is in effect now. Anyone coming out of Track School now, wherever they picked on their mini-pick, will last until the next general pick. Could be a year, 2 years, 2 1/2 years....

Good to know ....., but if a bid comes out and I am qualified I can bid on one ?

[dp142]

If a bid comes out and your seniority number as a Track worker (not the one used for your mini pick in school) allows you to be eligible, meaning the person gone had a lower seniority number, then yes, you can bid for it.

The only exception is if it's a specialist job where your required to be a dual rate first.

[nyi66]

question- realistically what should my expectations be if my list number is 187x's? any other recommendations for up coming tests, ect.?

[Stephen]

question- realistically what should my expectations be if my list number is 187x's? any other recommendations for up coming tests, ect.?

 

I actually ran into a person on the tracks from the last exam (5016) who has 2 years on. His number was in the low 2000's, but also with the last exam, there was a hiring freeze, and the list was extended. He was one of the last to make it in from that test. Anything is possible, they are up to 601 with the current class. Like with most TA exams, they will most likely extend the list for an extra year. Realistically at the current pace the list is moving, I would say 50/50. As far as other tests, I know the Train Operator is postponed. The filing was suppose to be in June, but they extended the current list that they are drawing candidates from. The only other Open competitive exam active current is Telephone Maintainer, but you need a background in the field. The rest of the exams active are promotional exams.

[nyi66]

I actually ran into a person on the tracks from the last exam (5016) who has 2 years on. His number was in the low 2000's, but also with the last exam, there was a hiring freeze, and the list was extended. He was one of the last to make it in from that test. Anything is possible, they are up to 601 with the current class. Like with most TA exams, they will most likely extend the list for an extra year. Realistically at the current pace the list is moving, I would say 50/50. As far as other tests, I know the Train Operator is postponed. The filing was suppose to be in June, but they extended the current list that they are drawing candidates from. The only other Open competitive exam active current is Telephone Maintainer, but you need a background in the field. The rest of the exams active are promotional exams.

thanks for the reply man, i appreciate it!

[nyi66]

one more question- how much longer do you think this current list will be active? without any extensions of course 

[Stephen]

one more question- how much longer do you think this current list will be active? without any extensions of course

 

The list was established on December 17th 2014, and is scheduled to end on December 17th 2018. That is without any extensions. The list has roughly 2 1/2 years to go. As I said you still have a 50/50 shot at the current hiring pace. If the list gets extended that ratio will fall more into the positive. Hopefully you do get in.

[nyi66]

The list was established on December 17th 2014, and is scheduled to end on December 17th 2018. That is without any extensions. The list has roughly 2 1/2 years to go. As I said you still have a 50/50 shot at the current hiring pace. If the list gets extended that ratio will fall more into the positive. Hopefully you do get in.

thank you, you've been a lot of help

[BigBuckzz]

I really hope they start calling people off this list for the next class sometime soon. Im ready to give it a try...

[dp142]

question- realistically what should my expectations be if my list number is 187x's? any other recommendations for up coming tests, ect.?

My list number was similar (1600's i believe) when I was hired in '92.

I waited 2 1/2 years.

 

Just stay on top of where they are up to on the list, be patient and keep taking tests.

[Stephen]

thank you, you've been a lot of help

 

You're welcome man, anytime.

[BigBuckzz]

I know the pain, i scored 100% and didnt expect to wait this long and still waiting on the next class... track dept must be great...

[Bobbyv2k7]

Question : Are there any weekend days off in capital ? I know maintenance some workers have fri/sat off or sun/mon. Is there anything like that in capital ?

[Stephen]

Question : Are there any weekend days off in capital ? I know maintenance some workers have fri/sat off or sun/mon. Is there anything like that in capital ?

 

The majority of the days off in capital nights and days are Monday and Tuesday.

 

If you work capital nights 10pm-6am, it would be Sunday night for Monday, then Monday night for Tuesday.

 

Then you would go back to work Tuesday night for Wednesday.

 

But if you work capital days, it would be Monday and Tuesday off.

 

Depending on what location you get for nights, or gang, you could get Friday and Saturday, which would be Thursday night for Friday, and Friday night for Saturday.

 

Then you would go back to work Saturday night for Sunday.

 

There is one night location which has Sunday and Monday off, or Saturday night for Sunday, and Sunday night for Monday.

 

Then you would go back in Monday night for Tuesday. ( It takes allot of seniority to pick this location )

 

Linden Shop which is also considered capital days in the pick book, has allot of 6am-2pm, and 7am-3pm tours with Saturday and Sunday off. But it takes a ton of seniority to get in there, even with a CDL.

 

Bottom line if you get into capital, expect either Monday Tuesday, or Friday Saturday RDO. ( Regular Days Off )

Edited May 23, 2016 by SteveNYC

[Bobbyv2k7]

The majority of the days off in capital nights and days are Monday and Tuesday.

 

If you work capital nights 10pm-6am, it would be Sunday night for Monday, then Monday night for Tuesday.

 

Then you would go back to work Tuesday night for Wednesday.

 

But if you work capital days, it would be Monday and Tuesday off.

 

Depending on what location you get for nights, or gang, you could get Friday and Saturday, which would be Thursday night for Friday, and Friday night for Saturday.

 

Then you would go back to work Saturday night for Sunday.

 

There is one night location which has Sunday and Monday off, or Saturday night for Sunday, and Sunday night for Monday.

 

Then you would go back in Monday night for Tuesday. ( It takes allot of seniority to pick this location )

 

Linden Shop which is also considered capital days in the pick book, has allot of 6am-2pm, and 7am-3pm tours with Saturday and Sunday off. But it takes a ton of seniority to get in there, even with a CDL.

 

Bottom line if you get into capital, expect either Monday Tuesday, or Friday Saturday RDO. ( Regular Days Off )

 

I got you .....

I need the OT so I would have to go with capital. Just hard for the guys with kids. But it will work out.

[dannykapps]

Hey guys, I have been following this forum for a while; I just want to say you guys are all great and there is a ton of awesome information on here and I just now actually made an account. I have a question, I am list number 75X, got a 100 on the test but unfortunately am at the end of the 100s like a few others on here. So I have been calling DCAS for a while now and for the longest time it would give me the information and it would say "you are currently on an outstanding certification". However I called the other day and it said, "you are not currently on an outstanding certification". Does anyone know the reason/cause for this, or what it means?

[Stephen]

Hey guys, I have been following this forum for a while; I just want to say you guys are all great and there is a ton of awesome information on here and I just now actually made an account. I have a question, I am list number 75X, got a 100 on the test but unfortunately am at the end of the 100s like a few others on here. So I have been calling DCAS for a while now and for the longest time it would give me the information and it would say "you are currently on an outstanding certification". However I called the other day and it said, "you are not currently on an outstanding certification". Does anyone know the reason/cause for this, or what it means?

 

Outstanding Certification = Transit has your information, and you're in the process of being called for an upcoming class.

 

Not On An Outstanding Certification = Transit has sent your information back to DCAS, because they are not currently drawing candidates from the list for a class.

 

But also, even when you're back on outstanding doesn't mean you'll make it to the next available class. Right now they have certified up to 1896, and the last number appointed was 601. Once transit starts gearing up for another class, those 1896 will be on an outstanding certification. I was on an outstanding certification quite a few times before I got my letter for the drug test. But if you're in the 750's, and at the pace it's moving, I would say you'll get in the next 1-3 of the upcoming classes. Could be sooner could be later. That also depends on how many people, who were placed on medical holds that would have had them in earlier classes. Some people miss 2 classes because of medical holds. Classes are roughly 24-27 people. At least that's what it has been lately.

Edited May 26, 2016 by SteveNYC

[dannykapps]

Ah okay makes sense. I had been called for a drug test several months back, needless to say there is no possibility that I failed that drug test. From what I read on these forums, when I am called back for another one it is quite promising as they don't like wasting their money and the drug test is only valid for 30 days if I read correctly. So here is to hoping with the 150 people in front of me, many people have found other jobs they'd prefer or failed their drug tests.

[Stephen]

Ah okay makes sense. I had been called for a drug test several months back, needless to say there is no possibility that I failed that drug test. From what I read on these forums, when I am called back for another one it is quite promising as they don't like wasting their money and the drug test is only valid for 30 days if I read correctly. So here is to hoping with the 150 people in front of me, many people have found other jobs they'd prefer or failed their drug tests.

 

The drug test, and pre-employment application you receive with your letter for the drug test are good for 90 days. I took my first drug test in September, waited the 90 days with no response. I got a letter at the end of January for my second drug test, in which I was told I would receive an email for medical, and final processing within 90 days. I got that email in about 2 1/2 weeks after I took my second drug test. 2 drug tests is usually the max for most. But I've read elsewhere on this forum of people having to take 3 and 4 before they were sworn into their title. As far as Transit wasting money, they have too much to waste.  They could drug test all 12.500 applicants 10 times each, and it wouldn't even scuff their overall principal lol.

 

Once you're in there is a good chance you can get 2+ randoms during your year of probation. It happened to a guy in my gang who was in one of the first classes off of the list. But yes most of the people who don't make it in, it's usually because they can't leave the kush alone. Or a medical disqualification which could be myriad of things. Hearing and your eye sight ( color blindness ) would be 2 of the top I would think. Problems with those 2 things, would hurt you more than a blood pressure issue, or protein in your urine which can be corrected, and controlled with medication. Also if you do get in, make sure you wear your hearing protection, that I do know they test you yearly. A guy in my quarters was sent last night to have his checked, and he was also in one of the first classes off of the list.

Edited May 27, 2016 by SteveNYC

[dannykapps]

Awesome! This is all great information, thank you. I should have made an account months ago. So I have another question while I'm at it. When I get in, and make it through the training, and it comes time to make a pick, where should I be or not be, to be away from high structures as much as possible. I'm not deathly afraid of heights but they definitely make me mighty uncomfortable haha. I saw a post not that far back about someone talking about being UP on a structure and I know these raised track structures definitely exist like in a few places in Brooklyn. I would totally be most comfortable working underground everyday, the closer to ground or further below it for me would be pristine.

[Stephen]

Awesome! This is all great information, thank you. I should have made an account months ago. So I have another question while I'm at it. When I get in, and make it through the training, and it comes time to make a pick, where should I be or not be, to be away from high structures as much as possible. I'm not deathly afraid of heights but they definitely make me mighty uncomfortable haha. I saw a post not that far back about someone talking about being UP on a structure and I know these raised track structures definitely exist like in a few places in Brooklyn. I would totally be most comfortable working underground everyday, the closer to ground or further below it for me would be pristine.

 

You'll have a mini pick, and depending on what jobs are available, or they create, there is a 99.5% probability you'll be working nights in the hole. Either 10pm-6am or 11pm-7am. Day tours for the most part are for people with a good amount of seniority. But if structure isn't for you, you could pick nights forever. They're never short of night spots.

[dp142]

What Steve posted is all correct.

 

Also, as the years go by and your seniority moves you may eligible for one of the Day Track jobs in the Yard or a dual rate where you're not on the elevated structure as much like specialist operator.

During the week it's a small job not to crazy and safer feeling compared to the weekend panel jobs.

 

Wherever you go, get your foreman to the side and let him know your not comfortable with structure but you'll do your best.

That's all they want to hear. Not "I can't do it" but "I tried."

 

When I was in Track a few guys I came in with on our mini pick had no choice but a day job. They made the attempt up top but it made the foreman nervous and slowed the job down. After that they did street flagging during the week and worked closing off the street on weekends, prepping the panels in the street, cleaning up debris etc. Usually senior man work but it's still up too the foreman.

[dannykapps]

Awesome, thank you very much guys. That is a huge load off my mind.