Construction Safety Flagperson

Are you ready to start your career at MTS?

The Flagperson (Construction Safety) position is a great way for candidates to get their foot into the door at MTS. MTS's best Flagpersons (Construction Safety) are commonly promoted into the Train Operator or other fulltime positions!

Under direction of the Assignments Supervisor, the Flagperson (Construction Safety) protects personnel and equipment while working on or near the tracks. The Flagperson (Construction Safety) uses various types of equipment, such as flags, whistles, discs, lights and two-way radios to ensure the safe passage of trains. The Flagperson (Construction Safety) duties primarily consist of three assignments, Switch Tender, Watchperson and Flagperson (Construction Safety). The Switch Tender manipulates switches and signals train operators when proper switch alignment is provided. The Watchperson is charged with monitoring approaching trains and alerting work crews to clear the track of personnel and equipment. The Flagperson (Construction Safety) conducts job safety briefings prior to work commencement and in the case of changing work conditions, monitors approaching trains, alerts work crews to clear the track of personnel and equipment, and signals the train operator when the tracks are clear.

Flagpersons (Construction Safety) are hired as part-time, temporary employees only. The Transportation Department works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and Flagpersons (Construction Safety) can expect to be assigned to work nights, weekends, and holidays on an as-needed basis. Essential duties of a Flagperson (Construction Safety) include, but are not limited to, the following:

What will you do:

Essential Functions

• Conducts job briefings prior to work activity and conducts follow-up briefings any time new workers enter the job site, or if there is a change in working conditions or procedures.

• Monitors approaching trains and alerts work crews to clear the track of personnel and equipment.

• Signals train traffic to stop, reduce speed or proceed cautiously. Signals train operators when tracks are safe and clear for the train to proceed.

• Mounts discs to poles and secures disc with bungee cords.

• Manipulates switches which allow trains to move onto another track.

• Communicates with a hand-held two-way radio.

• Uses various types of equipment, such as flags, whistles, discs, lights and radios to ensure the safe passage of trains.

• Washes non-revenue vehicles on a weekly basis.

• Performs other tasks as may be assigned.

What we are looking for in a candidate:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations; ability to read, understand and apply written instructions, MTS policies, regulations and union labor contracts; ability to write letters, memoranda, and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English; ability to speak clearly, distinctly, and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy; ability to maintain and successfully complete assignments without detailed instructions; strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to multi-task; skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports; ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel; ability to establish and maintain priorities; ability to exercise prudent and timely judgment in normal and emergency situations; ability to stand for long periods of time; must have a flexible schedule and be available to work on days, nights, weekends and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• The successful candidate must be able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as walking, climbing stairs, stooping, sitting, bending, reaching overhead and lifting (must be able to lift 50 pounds unaided).

• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, often on uneven ground, and work outdoors in inclement weather conditions.

• Must be able to carry an equipment bag, mount discs to poles, wave flags, throw switches and wear black or dark brown work boots with closed toes.

• Must be able to perform tasks involving manual dexterity such as use of a computer and 10-key.

• Work may at times require more than 8 hours per day, travel, variable shifts, or require irregular hours to perform the essential duties of the position.

• Must have good eyesight and the ability to maintain constant alertness under tedious circumstances.

• Duties will be performed primarily in an outdoor environment.

Experience/Education/Certificates/License(s)

• Must successfully complete the SDTI Roadway Worker Certification Course and annual recertification sessions.

GENERAL:

• Must satisfactorily pass all applicable examinations including, but not limited to, a pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check.

DISCLAIMER: The above described job elements are intended to indicate the general nature and levels of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required of employees so classified. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.