Track Welder - External; Pool

Overview

Ride BART to a satisfying career that lets you both:
1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and
2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program.

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) is seeking a highly skilled and safety-focused Track Welder to support the maintenance, renewal, and modernization of the District’s rail infrastructure. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and longevity of BART’s track system, which is fundamental to delivering safe and dependable service to the Bay Area.

Under general supervision, the Track Welder performs specialized welding and fabrication work on rail, track components, and related structures throughout the BART system. The incumbent supports critical maintenance and capital improvement programs, including rail replacement, defect remediation, and infrastructure reinvestment projects. Work is performed in active rail environments and requires strict adherence to safety protocols, technical standards, and operational procedures.

Current priorities for this assignment include supporting systemwide rail replacement and rehabilitation efforts, addressing rail defects through high-quality welds and repairs, and contributing to preventive maintenance strategies that reduce service disruptions. The Track Welder will work closely with Track Maintenance, Engineering, and Operations staff to ensure welding work meets District standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

• Performing thermite, electric arc, and other specialized welding processes on rail and track components.
• Supporting rail replacement, rail grinding preparation, and defect repair initiatives.
• Ensuring all welding work complies with BART standards, safety rules, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Inspecting welded joints and track components to verify quality, integrity, and service readiness.
• Operating welding equipment, tools, and vehicles safely in rail right-of-way environments.
• Responding to emergency track conditions and performing time-sensitive repairs to restore service safely.
• Collaborating with supervisors, inspectors, and other skilled trades to meet maintenance and construction schedules.

Education
Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent.

Experience
Two (2) years of (full-time equivalent) verifiable experience in welding of track, rails and their appurtenances; or journey level general welding experience which includes experience in welding frogs, exothermic welding of rails.

Other Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid California Class A driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain District certification for the operation of high-rail vehicles.
• Must have the physical ability to lift and carry various materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds for 100 yards or more.
• Must have physical mobility to walk, climb, stoop, bend, crawl, twist, work in confined spaces, work underground, and heights up to 60 ft. and walk on uneven surfaces.
• Must climb and work from ladders.
• Must be able to perform strenuous labor both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather.
• Must wear a respirator and work in dusty environment subject to various fumes and noise levels in the proximity of live voltage.
• Must have physical capability to climb in and out of vehicles with steps up to 25” from the ground in close clearances.
• Must be willing to work off-hours shifts.

Knowledge And Skills

• Knowledge of methods and techniques of arc and oxyacetylene welding, particularly as applied to field situations.
• Knowledge of types of welding rods and materials and their applications.
• Knowledge of types of welding gasses and mixtures.
• Knowledge of storage and handling requirements of various types…