Track Worker 3600 Hiring Process

[Bobbyv2k7]

Hey guys ,

Is most of the overtime on weekends with capital ? Or is it on weekdays too ? I was hearing different things That there is usually not much during the week but a lot on weekends and then someone else said somethings different.

[dp142]

I would say 95% is on the weekends.

 

You might catch a wee bit during the week if a few guys are needed to stay late for something but overall it's all on the weekends.

[Bobbyv2k7]

I would say 95% is on the weekends.

You might catch a wee bit during the week if a few guys are needed to stay late for something but overall it's all on the weekends.

Oh ok. Thank you. Just trying to figure out schedule for during the weekend and weekend

[Stephen]

Hey guys ,

Is most of the overtime on weekends with capital ? Or is it on weekdays too ? I was hearing different things That there is usually not much during the week but a lot on weekends and then someone else said somethings different.

 

Overtime in capital is 10pm Friday - 2pm Saturday, which a double. Then if you want to do another double you could do a 10pm Saturday - 2pm Sunday. If you ever decide to do 16 hours of OT on the weekend ( double double ), my advice would be to sleep in the quarters before the next shift. Especially if you live a good distance away. But no matter what there needs to be an 8 hour gap of downtime before the next double shift. 

[dannykapps]

So does anyone have any information about when the next class is going to be called after the current class that is in session already? And/or how many more supposed classes there will be in 2016?

[Stephen]

So does anyone have any information about when the next class is going to be called after the current class that is in session already? And/or how many more supposed classes there will be in 2016?

 

Well according to the instructors when I was in class, there is a possibility of 3-4 more classes after the current 4/25/2016 class. Don't quote me though, the key word is possibility. This week should be their last week of yard training. The only way to know for sure when Transit is gearing up for another class is to call DCAS 1-212 669-1357 weekly, or bi-weekly, whichever you choose. Once you are placed back on an "Outstanding Certification" that means Transit has your information, and letters for pre-employment will be getting sent out to those in the next list number range group.

 

As I told you a few posts back, the last number appointed is 601. I would figure if there are going to be 3 more classes, you would have a shot in the second, or third class (educated guesstimate)  if you're in the 750ish range. How fast they get to you depends on a few factors. Class size, how many people who pass, or fail the drug test, also how many people who missed previous classes due to medical holds, and had to have their name reinstated to the list.

 

Just make sure between now and then all of your ducks are in a row. Make sure all of your tickets ( parking and moving ) are paid, get your dispositions if you have convictions. They don't care about criminal history as long as you don't lie about it. That or as long as you're not someone who has an open case or three every year. But if you have felonies, having your last felony conviction 7+ years ago will keep you more in the safe zone, compared to anyone who just was recently convicted. That's not just Transit that's any job in NYS.

 

Also go to Social Security and get a printout of your job history going all of the way back to High School. Beware it does cost allot $120-$125 range. You'll need the job history for pre-employment, and your CPD-B which is the 21 page packet where you have to disclose everything.

 

Pre-employment application they want 10 years of job history.

 

CPD-B 21 page booklet they want job history going all of the way back to High School.

[dannykapps]

How serious are they about the job history. I have my paperwork I received when I went in for my drug test all filled out and on that job history I just guess-timated all the dates. I didn't have many jobs and my main job I had for many years so it was easy enough. But the dates are probably off a month or two.

[Stephen]

How serious are they about the job history. I have my paperwork I received when I went in for my drug test all filled out and on that job history I just guess-timated all the dates. I didn't have many jobs and my main job I had for many years so it was easy enough. But the dates are probably off a month or two.

 

Well the SS earnings statement only gives you the years. A month or two being off wouldn't be detrimental. Being that there is no work experience requirements. They only need the month and the year, no exact dates. They just really want to know how you've been supporting yourself whether it's work, living at home with parents, or unemployment insurance, savings etc. But if you have unemployment history whether you were collecting or not just tell them. It won't hurt you. If I recall it's either 8 or 12 weeks of consecutive unemployment at any one given time you have to disclose on both the pre-employment and CPD-B.

 

In my case I worked in union construction for close to 15 years before coming here. I started at 18. I worked for quite a few contractors over the years. The funny thing was I listed every company I ever worked for, and they were all union contractors. When I went in for the interview after I passed medical, the woman who I was sworn in by told me all I had to do was list the Union itself I was a member of, and the years I was employed. Mind you had I known this from the get go, I would have saved myself from doing almost 5 hours of paperwork lol. My 21 page booklet was 33 pages after it was all said and done. But in retrospect it's better to disclose everything, and she was even impressed by it.

 

But yea, if you have a general idea of where you worked and the years you were employed, and you said yourself you were in one place for years, the SS job history probably isn't necessary in your case. It probably wouldn't have been necessary in my case as well, had I known that being a member of a construction trade union I didn't have to list the companies I've worked for, only the union, and the years I was an employed member. But like I said one paragraph above, it's better in my opinion to be honest about everything.

Edited May 30, 2016 by SteveNYC

[dannykapps]

Awesome, you got all the answers man, really do appreciate it. So if I once applied for unemployment but wasn't approved and therefore never collected that obviously I don't list that right?

[Stephen]

Awesome, you got all the answers man, really do appreciate it. So if I once applied for unemployment but wasn't approved and therefore never collected that obviously I don't list that right?

 

Exactly, as I said if you weren't collecting benefits, just state you were either living at home being supported by your parents, or living off of your savings. Just don't leave any gaps in time, make sure all of your months and years add up, and are accounted for. Bottom line is don't lie, dates don't have to be 100% accurate. Do not list off the books work, it will not count. If you were unemployed ( on the books ), and working off of the books, just state that you were living off of your savings, or living at home being supported by family.

[Bobbyv2k7]

Overtime in capital is 10pm Friday - 2pm Saturday, which a double. Then if you want to do another double you could do a 10pm Saturday - 2pm Sunday. If you ever decide to do 16 hours of OT on the weekend ( double double ), my advice would be to sleep in the quarters before the next shift. Especially if you live a good distance away. But no matter what there needs to be an 8 hour gap of downtime before the next double shift.

 

What if you are working days 8-4 ? How does the OT work with that ?

[dannykapps]

My last job was as a pizza delivery driver and I listed it as its what I've been doing the past few years. Should I not list it at all? I live at home with my parents as I have my whole life.

[Stephen]

What if you are working days 8-4 ? How does the OT work with that ?

 

Not really sure, I haven't ran into many capital days guys, but from what I was told in school by an instructor panel jobs can be from sun up to sun down. Don't worry though unless you get lucky out of school you won't be working days for a long long time.

 

My last job was as a pizza delivery driver and I listed it as its what I've been doing the past few years. Should I not list it at all? I live at home with my parents as I have my whole life.

 

If it was off of the books, and you didn't pay taxes it doesn't count as legitimate employment in their eyes. Now if you filed self employment taxes on your earnings for those years, that would be a different story. I'm guessing you're young, and remember with Track there is no education, or experience requirements. For some people this is their first on the books job, a few people in my class were fresh into the workforce. If you had jobs on the books list those. If you were working off of the books, list that time period as unemployed at home being supported by family members. If you were in school you could use that as well to fill the time gaps. Same goes for actual periods of total unemployment. If you were denied UE benefits, it tells me you working off of the books. MTA HR will tell you the same thing.

 

Give you an example, I had a friend of mine who tried to get into the Carpenters Union over a year ago. He worked for a contractor by me off of the books for close to 12 years. When the time came, he got selected, made it all the way to the interview, only to get told even with a letter from his boss, all of his experience didn't count. Needless to say he didn't get in, and he's an excellent carpenter. Now if he tried to get into the Structure Maintainer Group A, which is the carpenters for Transit. Even with all of his experience he would not get in, due to the fact his experience isn't documented on the books. As far as the practical portion of the exam, he would pass it with flying colors. But undocumented experience means nada, not only in the eyes of Transit, but many other potential employers.

 

Just remember with Track, there is no education or experience requirements, like there is in other titles.

 

Here is the NOE for the SMB A title.

 

http://web.mta.info/nyct/hr/archives/pdf/2612.pdf

Edited May 31, 2016 by SteveNYC

[dannykapps]

Hmmm, okay I see what you mean. I believe I was accidentally given 2 of the same type of forms in my packet after I took my drug test, so I will use the other form to re-do my work history. Unless of course I am suppose to fill out the same paperwork 2 times?

[+Young+]

Hmmm, okay I see what you mean. I believe I was accidentally given 2 of the same type of forms in my packet after I took my drug test, so I will use the other form to re-do my work history. Unless of course I am suppose to fill out the same paperwork 2 times?

 

Nah, you're supposed to fill it out once. From when I went through the hiring process, I first did it on scrap paper & took my time - you're lucky that you got 2 forms by accident!!

[Stephen]

Hmmm, okay I see what you mean. I believe I was accidentally given 2 of the same type of forms in my packet after I took my drug test, so I will use the other form to re-do my work history. Unless of course I am suppose to fill out the same paperwork 2 times?

 

Well if you've taken your first drug test already, and filled out the pre-employment paperwork, and handed it in ( not the CPD-B ). They are both valid for only 90 days. If Transit doesn't call you back within the 90 day time period, you have to submit the same pre-employment paperwork that came with your letter in the mail, besides having to retake the drug test. The CPD-B, that thick packet they gave you to fill out your life history, you'll submit that in once you pass your medical evaluation.

Edited May 31, 2016 by SteveNYC

[HardWork]

Hey guys my list number is in the 820's. What are your ideas on the chances of me getting a letter this year? The DCAS number still says im not on an outstanding certification.

[dannykapps]

Yeah I was thinking the same thing, I got lucky getting 2 copies of the paperwork haha. And yeah, I got called one time, and I filled in some very minor paperwork, assumedly the other paperwork you are talking about, and then took a drug test. This was several months ago, probably over 90 days already. So yeah I will need to retake the drug test, and I guess other paperwork I will have to redo. The CPD-B they told me to come in with completed next time I'm called. Is it possible that the next time I am called they have me take another drug test and the medical all in one shot? Or is it more likely it would be another short trip just taking the drug test and then be called back a week or 2 later for the medical?

[+Young+]

Yeah I was thinking the same thing, I got lucky getting 2 copies of the paperwork haha. And yeah, I got called one time, and I filled in some very minor paperwork, assumedly the other paperwork you are talking about, and then took a drug test. This was several months ago, probably over 90 days already. So yeah I will need to retake the drug test, and I guess other paperwork I will have to redo. The CPD-B they told me to come in with completed next time I'm called. Is it possible that the next time I am called they have me take another drug test and the medical all in one shot? Or is it more likely it would be another short trip just taking the drug test and then be called back a week or 2 later for the medical?

 

They will have you take a drug test one day, and do the medical another day. When I went for employment processing back in 2013, after I did my second drug test, they called me for medical 12 calendar days later.

[Stephen]

Hey guys my list number is in the 820's. What are your ideas on the chances of me getting a letter this year? The DCAS number still says im not on an outstanding certification.

 

Well the instructors informed us of the possibility of 3 or 4 more classes this year. I was in the March class ( second class of 2016 ). Currently they are up to 601 with the April class. So depending on a few factors, such as people who missed previous classes due to medical holds, how many pass or fail the drug test, also how many people who've turned it down initially, only to have their name restored to the list. It could either jump to your number very fast, or very slow. I would lean more towards the 3rd or 4th upcoming class with your number. My list # was in the 490's and I was in the 6th class overall. That's without medical holds, or anything detouring me. They had 4 classes in 2015, 2 spring, and 2 fall. 2016 there have been 3 classes so far. But as soon as you back on outstanding certification, the letters will follow shortly for pre-employment and the drug test.

Edited June 1, 2016 by SteveNYC

[dannykapps]

Okay, cool thanks guys. I really hope the stars are aligned and I somehow find my way in to the next class; even though I am 150 something list numbers away still haha. 

[Bobbyv2k7]

Did anyone ever go from conductor to trackworker ?

[Moose]

Probably. I know ppl have definitely gone track--> rto and back to track again, before the year was up. They didnt like it. To each his own i guess...

Edited June 4, 2016 by Moose

[Bobbyv2k7]

Probably. I know ppl have definitely gone track--> rto and back to track again, before the year was up. They didnt like it. To each his own i guess...

Yea I know ppl who went from TRACK to RTO also but I had a question about pay rate going from RTO - TRACK after they finished 1 year probation.

Wondering if they got full rate when they went to track ?

[Stephen]

Yea I know ppl who went from TRACK to RTO also but I had a question about pay rate going from RTO - TRACK after they finished 1 year probation.

Wondering if they got full rate when they went to track ?

 

Going from Track to RTO ( Train Operator ) would be a promotion in pay, ( Conductor ) would be a demotion by $1.39 an hr at the full rate.

 

Also top pay now for every title takes 5 years. So if a person who is Conductor, did their probation, and decided they wanted to go to Track via promotional, would start at the starting pay rate for Track, which is higher than that of a Conductor. They would also be starting fresh on the seniority chain.

 

Now if you started in Track, did your one year probation, then took the promotional for PD ( Power Distribution Maintainer ) 3rd Rail Ops. You would start off on a higher starting pay scale than track, but you would also progress at the same scale as everyone else to top pay. Some guys have already did their year of probation in Track, and took the PD test for the jump in pay scale, or because the heavy work isn't for them.

 

Here is the last NOE for PDM which was this past March. http://web.mta.info/nyct/hr/pdf_exams/6714.pdf

 

To answer your question no, you just cant jump to top pay, by title hopping. You can't be a conductor for 5 years, decide you want to go to Track, and expect to be at the top rate. Again you would be demoting yourself, because you would have been at top pay for Conductor.  You'll start over in pay scale, and seniority.

 

Now if you went to RTO ( Train Operator ) from Track, and decided it wasn't for you. You would have a one year time frame from promotion to return to Track to retain your seniority. Unless you were at top pay in Track, that would be the only way you would get your top rate. If you were in Track, did your one year probation and passed, went to RTO, and decided to come back to Track, you would be at your second pay rate level. Which would be the rate you would have received at your second year.

 

The only way you are jumping the pay scale fast in Track, is via dual rate, then specialist. You have to be a dual rate for a year, before you could pick that same dual rate job as a full rate specialist. Not to rain on your parade everything here is based on seniority, CDL will help, but you could be a dual rate for years before you even have a shot at full rate specialist. By that time you'll already be a full rate as a Trackworker. Though you could get lucky in Maintenance, or if a bid sheet came out. But as far as full specialist rate in capital, you have a longgg wait ahead of you. The best dual rate job in capital is the wet saw, which you don't need a CDL for. There is no full rate for the wet saw either.  But again all based on seniority, and sometimes luck.

 

To give you another example Bobby. I have AWS, NYC DOB, and NYC DOT welding licenses ( with 10 years of welding experience ), 5 FDNY certificates of fitness, and they mean absolutely jack shit down here. The specialist jobs are based on seniority. Like everyone else I have to wait my turn.

 

The CDL A or B will help you more than anything else. You'll see for yourself once you're in.

 

But if the starting pay scale for Track makes living tight, wait for the promotional for PDM to come out and try your luck there. I think they have it once a year. There's guys even my class talking about taking the next one, mainly because they have more mouths to feed besides themselves.