Eserve Academy Rail Technician Apprenticeship

Overview
The City of Charlotte is the largest municipality in North Carolina and the 15th largest city in the United States, with a total population of more than 897,000 citizens. A major commerce center, Charlotte hosts several of the nation's largest banks and technology companies.
Also known as the Queen City, Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We work hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone - a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play. Join us in helping to keep our City thriving, ensuring upward mobility and advancement in the workplace.
Summary
The eSERVE Academy Rail Technician Apprenticeship is a one and a half year apprenticeship position with the goal of preparing the apprentice to be a Rail Car Maintenance Technician I which includes on-the-job training and classroom work. The apprenticeship program has a 6 month wage progression salary given the apprentice shows competence in the specified skills.
Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will perform various manual and semi-skilled tasks of average difficulty in maintenance and repair on the Charlotte Area Transit System Light Rail vehicle fleet with the ability to obtain a nationally recognized Department of Labor technician credential and potentially secure a full-time position with the City of Charlotte - Charlotte Area Transit System as a Rail Car Technician I.
Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with the maintenance of Light Rail Vehicles as outlined by Rail Operations Maintenance.
• Learn how to use the standard tools of the trade.
• Learn how to follow and adhere to all Rail Car Maintenance standards, policies, and procedures applicable to the day-to-day operations of the rail cars and revenue service.
• Assist Rail Car Maintenance workforce members and related vocations and departments to provide safe, reliable, and clean rail vehicles ready for daily revenue service.
• Learn how to maintain and repair all systems related to rail vehicle systems such as propulsion, braking, HVAC, automatic train protection, doors, auxiliary power, power collection, pneumatics and hydraulics, trucks, car body, and all maintenance and emergency support equipment using all the necessary tools and equipment to accomplish tasks.
• Read written plans and schematics when necessary to complete preventative and/or corrective maintenance.
• Comply with all safety regulations by CATS, OSHA, FTA, FRA, and NCDOT.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.
• As part of your responsibility to support the CATS Safety Culture, report safety concerns and issues through the various methods established by CATS as outlined in the ASP.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Attention to detail and ability to think critically and independently strongly desired.
• General interest in the following topics: preventative and corrective maintenance practices; testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of electronic, electrical, electro-mechanical, and mechanical systems; electrical, electronic, mechanical, and pneumatic schematics and drawings.
• Safely operate a variety of standard and specialized hand tools and shop power equipment.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills (oral and written).
• Ability to learn CATS processes and ask appropriate questions.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to participate and work well in a team environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry at least 60 lbs.
• Must be able to manipulate 100 lbs.
• Must be able to stand and walk on uneven surfaces while working.
• Must be able to work while in the following positions or conditions: sitting, bending, twisting, kneeling, reaching, crouching, lying down prone or supine, at shoulder level or above, or any combination listed above.
• Must be able to work at heights on platforms and man lifts.
• Must be able to work in pits and under lifted heavy equipment.
• Must be able to work in all required Personal Protective Equipment and Safety gear.
• Must be able to work in the assigned uniform approved by CATS.

Sensory Requirements:
NOTE: Employees must have the following sensory requirements:

• Speech
• Touch
• Hearing
• Vision-20/20 or correctable to 20/20 (near, distance and peripheral)

Special Provisions:

• This position is considered "Safety Sensitive" under FTA guidelines. Candidates/ Employees must pass pre-employment drug test and will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing under FTA guidelines.

Preferred Qualification
Completion of a pre-apprenticeship electrical, technology or related program.
Minimum Qualifications
High School diploma or GED and one year of work experience or military experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential job duties.
Valid driver's license
Salary
$24.02 per hour
The apprenticeship program has a 6 month wage progression salary given the apprentice shows competence in the specified skills.
Conditions of Employment
The City's Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.
Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate's written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.
Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.
The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
How To Apply
Apply online.
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.
You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where we have workstations available. Our office is located at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.
Anyone seeking an accommodation to apply for a job may call (704) 336-2285 for assistance or you may email questions to CityHrJobPostingsNotify@ci.charlotte.nc.us.
Benefits
The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to all employees.
Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte's benefits.
The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.
In Conclusion
If you have technical issues submitting your application, click here.