As a Signals and Communication (S&C) Maintainer, your job will be to install, maintain, test, replace and repair railway signals and communications equipment. Troubleshooting is a large part of the job because you will need to analyze, isolate and resolve any malfunctions.
Responsibilities:
- Dig holes and trenches to install wiring, control cables and related hardware
- Replace defective or used wires, control cabinets and ancillary equipment
- Operate vehicles on tracks and highways
- Safely load and unload equipment and supplies from trucks or flat cars
- Test and verify the correct operation of S&C systems and equipment in your assigned territory
- Locate problems or failures, investigate and take the proper corrective action
- Install apparatus in accordance with prepared circuit drawings
- Perform a variety of maintenance work necessary to keep equipment running smoothly at all times
- Be 100 per cent committed to safety
Typical Working Conditions, Hours & Salary:
- Railways operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As an S&C Maintainer, you will not work a typical nine-to-five shift. You will work irregular hours and must be available to work weekends and holidays.
- S&C Maintainers work on a specific portion of territory assigned to them―this may be in urban, rural, or isolated areas. You will need the ability to work individually, and as part of a team.
- As an S&C Maintainer, you will work outdoors in all weather conditions, and will need to wear protective equipment such as a helmet, eyewear and steel-toed boots. This is a job that requires excellent physical health and conditioning.
- S&C Maintainers are paid on an hourly basis, plus additional stand-by pay for being on-call. The average yearly salary for this position is $60,000 to $75,000.
Training Requirements & Qualifications:
Railways typically put new S&C Maintainer recruits through months of training to learn track circuitry, crossing activation, and the mechanics of signals. Candidates must also pass the Canadian Rail Operating Rules exam. Depending on where they work in Canada, they will have to re-certify their credentials by passing this exam either every two or every three years.