Track Worker 3600 Hiring Process

[Stephen]

Besides what I've mentioned, after 1 year you can take the Foreman's test, which would be a big jump in pay. If you pass and are granted the promotion. Personally I find that a little ridiculous, especially being in the construction trades for a majority of my life. 1 year experience with anything in my eyes doesn't qualify you as a Foreman.

 

If you have a college background, you could make the right connection once you're in, and get guided into a white collar position in Transit. There is a guy in my quarters who is going to school for programming, and reads this 2000 page book of computer coding on his downtime. He hopes to get out of Track, and go into IT. Once you're in the opportunities are there.

Edited June 4, 2016 by SteveNYC

[Bobbyv2k7]

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.

Thanks so much for answering my question and giving me more helpful information.

Thanks so much for answering my question and giving me more helpful information.

And yes I would like to take the next PDM test..... Not bc heavy work is not for me but like you said I have a family to feed . But we will see how things go. One day at a time.

[BigBuckzz]

Smh i thought the authority wouldve contacted people for the next class by now, Its like a race with a turtle and a snail.

[Marcel876]

Patience grasshopper .. in the mean time wax on and wax off 

 

The 4/25 class already out of school .. I met one of them on the tracks here in the Bronx. 

 

He wasn't sure if there was another class behind him but I am sure there is .. 

 

Hang in there 

[Moose]

^ FACT

[cptjcz]

Updates on experience

 

They identify the new guys buy the color of their blue hats. The senior guys have darker helmets. Low seniority guys have powered blue

 

Seniority in terms of an undesirable job that day, is not really seniority, it’s a "custom" based upon seniority. Seniority only applies to job picks and bids. Other words foremen can ask a senior guy at any time to carry "the heaviest tool" but it’s customary for junior to carry heaviest tool. Follow the trend but don’t be abused or unsafe

 

Get sole support for your feet, there are many obstacles and tripping hazards on tracks, look before stepping

 

There are self-proclaimed track foremen junior and senior will attempt to tell you what to do, if unsure check with foremen, those same guys will not back you in an incident. Senior guys are more trust worthy than a "joe railroad" junior guy. Try not to be annoyed at this behavior.

 

They will tell u there is some special "technique" to do something, often u learn u own or you "just get", because there are different techniques to doing something. Dexterity, varies person to person... some people never get it all. But they will always get something

 

Often, foremen don’t know how to really supervise, they just let the senior guys do as they please or they get annoyed if your are not doing enough

 

Foremen and Supervisory vary hugely in personality types. Some are really nice and calm, others no so much. What’s common is that they came from trackmen. So they know exactly what going on and job environment and customs

 

The break the jerry thing is really a myth, because most ppl are too cheap to buy chicken at some random time; other times maybe.

 

OT continues to be on and off. Most OT is done on off days. Expect to work harder those OT days

 

Deductions and Taxes continue to be a significant burden on pay. In term of cost of living of NYC. Shack up, stay home, get a roommate etc. cut the cable, moving area strategy etc.  Until you pay reaches a little higher or you get a higher position.

 

IN PD AKA THIRD RAIL, the junior guys appear to be mostly days while seniors are nights. Reverse of track.

 

Leave balances can only be produced by a printout from payroll via your track mail man or "paperwork guys" or a supervisor, unfortunately the technology hasn’t caught up with other governmental agencies.

 

If you're quiet, some guys or foremen will "shit test" just to see how capable you are in shooting the shit or being a track alpha. Do your job, don’t play into this, if u so happen to make "friends" then that’s also good

 

Females have interesting roles in track dept. I wish they would train management/trackmen on how to handle women in male dominated work environments

 

CDLs will help. But there additional administrative hoops you still have to jump thru. First, for NY you only have a 1 year CDL permit, which basically means you have pass a road test and get your actual  license within that year-before starting over and reapplying for a permit. Second, if you have a permit, transit has to send you training/road test. This is not guaranteed even if you pick into the spot.  There have been some back logs with some titles in terms of training-w/o training u can’t do the job or get paid for it...with little exceptions. Third, there are trucks that are NON AIR BRAKE; many drivers have not been able to draw specialist pay for smaller non airbrake trucks that transit often uses.

[+Young+]

CDLs will help. But there additional administrative hoops you still have to jump thru. First, for NY you only have a 1 year CDL permit, which basically means you have pass a road test and get your actual  license within that year-before starting over and reapplying for a permit. Second, if you have a permit, transit has to send you training/road test. This is not guaranteed even if you pick into the spot.  There have been some back logs with some titles in terms of training-w/o training u can’t do the job or get paid for it...with little exceptions. Third, there are trucks that are NON AIR BRAKE; many drivers have not been able to draw specialist pay for smaller non airbrake trucks that transit often uses.

 

Good information, thanks for posting. Just a couple of questions based on the above paragraph:

 

You elaborated on the CDL permit. Are there any advantages of having the CDL license, either Class A or B with no restrictions? Even if you have the CDL license, how long does Transit train you for to drive their vehicles?

[cptjcz]

around a week long of driving for training, u will be trained even if already are liscensed with an A or B.there might be an advantage for picking a dual rate spot, but still have to reach a higher enough seniority to pick it. its up to management to let u drive with out going thru the familiarity training for mta trucks. If i were a supt, i wouldnt let u drive without that familarity or at least give u time with a full rate or full time driver.

 

  they key with permits is that u have to pick or bid into a spot and get trained before that state forces u to reapply. Another words, dont depend on mta to get ur CDL if u really want one in a timely manner.

[Moose]

Update!

My buddy is 79X on the list. He just recieved his first call letter today to report to livingston street the first week of july. Check your mailboxes everyone. Good luck

[HardWork]

I'm 82X on the list and I just got my letter today. Good luck guys

[dannykapps]

My number is 75X and I just received my 2nd call letter in the mail. I sure hope this is the call that lands me In a class. Its a far shot I know, being 150 spots away from the last person to get in to a class. Its unfortunate for the 100s like myself that were put on the very end of the list as far as 100s are concerned, but our moment will come! I have read that very often people called for the 2nd time take another drug test and are then recalled again quite quickly to go through with the rest of the hiring process, I'm hoping this holds true. With roughly 30 people a class and roughly 150 people ahead of me, that is a lot of people that have to be tied up in the process with medical holds and such, disqualified, or turned down the job already. I guess I will find out July 5th!

[mmarcial617]

# 600 - 610

 

(Update)

 

I received a letter to comeback for 2nd drug test last week. I'm currently at 180 Livingston. I got here at 7am. No lines. In October I got here at 7:45. Lines were rediculous.

[dannykapps]

Congratulations dude! 600 - 610, they ended off at 601, you are a shoe in for this class. Good for you man, keep us updated,  let us know how it went. Did you just take the drug test,, or did they administer any other tests to you that day? Did you hand in the paperwork they gave you on the first day you got called? Let us know!

[mmarcial617]

# 600 - 610

 

(Update)

 

I got out around 1:30. Definitely worth getting there by 7am. Took my pee test and left. Now waiting medical. Was told the next class starts in aug 8. Good luck guys

Edited June 30, 2016 by mmarcial617

[Stephen]

Good luck everyone, so that will be the 4th class of this year, and 8th class over all since the hiring went active with this list.

[BigBuckzz]

Just a small outline for those who are still waiting.

 

Filing period for Track worker 3600

July 25,2012 - August 8,2012 fee:61.00

My exam date : March 23,2013

List made public : October 22, 2014

1st drug test. October 5,2015

2nd drug test June 30,2016

Possible/Expected class entry August 8,2016

Score:100 %

average wait expected : 2 1/2 3 years.

[vespa]

Update:  I went in for 2nd drug test today. Got there at 7 was done by 9:30. Not very crowded like it was back in Oct. I was told I would be contacted via email for medical. Glad this part is over. Its been a looong nine months waiting. I hope this is the beginning of the end of the wait. 

#72x

 

Best of luck to everyone

[jfiggz]

#65x

Just a quick question, and it might have been answered but when you are called for the physical is it through email? or a phone call? , i keep hearing different stories ( also a little worried , dont know if i put the right email)

[mmarcial617]

# 600 - 610

 

when I went in, I was told a call or an email.  so make sure you have both up to date.. good luck

 

fyi i'm still waiting for medical..

[jfiggz]

Alright thanks alot , im praying i wrote in the right info but will probably submit a update form just incase , good luck to you too.

Hey #600-610 , please give an update on whether they call or email you , thanks

[BigBuckzz]

#65x

Just a quick question, and it might have been answered but when you are called for the physical is it through email? or a phone call? , i keep hearing different stories ( also a little worried , dont know if i put the right email)

When i reached the counter when leaving,the hiring manager asked me how do i wanted to be contacted by the transit authority and my response was phone only so he took the form and white out the email info i filled in. That email info i filled in was too outdated Lol. Im also in the #65X range as well. Did anyone else completed the 21 page booklet and ready for medical..??

[jfiggz]

The thing is some of the desk clerks are more helpful than others the 1st time i was there i was lost (even waited in the wrong section for 40 mins) , and the second time i went in for the urine sample , i was told everything in detail , step by step ... even when the next class would start , really depends on who you go to , unfortunately i was given that option so im checking my email at least 6 times a day , thanks for the info

[dannykapps]

Yeah very true, some of the clerks are useless. So I went for my 2nd lab today, got out about 130. Much longer wait for me today compared to my first lab. It didn't take long to get called initially, but the lab room was full and I was one of the last to be called. Brought my big packet of paperwork in fully completed, but they didn't take; was told to bring it when I get called for my medical. I spoke to a very friendly and very helpful clerk in the front, both when I came in and before I left. He gave me a business card with a woman's number who he says is in charge of the track workers list. He informed me that the next upcoming class is 08/08 and that I should be in it. I feel being 150 something spots away from the last number called is pretty far, but I informed him of my list number before he said this to me. Perhaps he knows something that I don't, such as many people that already have declined the offer or been disqualified between 601 and my list number. Anyway, he told me to call this woman in about a week and bother her haha. I'm not sure if I actually will, or if it will help my process at all, but what do I got to lose?

[HardWork]

# 82x

 

Went in for my first letter today. The letter says to go to 180 livingston 5th floor at 7:30am. Did myself a favor and got there around 7:10am. Trust me, it was a good choice because about 80 people were already waiting in line by that time. Once you wait in line and show your ID and appointment letter, You will get a number then you will get the 21 page packet for home and the clipboard to fill out around 6 pages or so of basic info.

 

Around 9:20 a lady went into the middle of the seats to instruct most of us on how to fill out the paperwork mailed to us and the 6 or so pages given to us when we got there.

 

After another half hour or so, They called me by my last name. I handed in my paperwork and he reviewed it. He made sure there were NO gaps in Employment or Education all the way from high school. He checked for my social security card and my drivers license again. also i handed him my passport. Once he was satisfied with the paperwork, he handed me a form to take to the Lab in the back.

 

At the lab in the back i handed over my paper and my social and my drivers license one more time. The lab lady gave me a cup for urine and sent me in the bathroom. She collected my cup and sent me back with a receipt for the front desk to finally sign me out.

 

I got there at 7:10 and because of that, I was able to leave around 11am.

 

They are Very strict on social security cards, ID and Traffic/parking tickets.

 

The lady told us that even if we have a pending ticket case, if we don't report it, they will find out and kick us out of training. and you CANNOT START TRAINING WITH PENDING TICKETS!

that was a shocker.

 

Let me know if you have any questions

[BigBuckzz]

Question : I have a close friend on this same exam list #41X and hes looking to reinstate his name back on the list,does anyone thinks he have a shot at making this class August 8, 2016 if not maybe the next class?? Hes currently a (OA)bus operator.