Standardized Qualifications

Resulting from the Consent Decree in Thornton v. Amtrak, Amtrak must provide a standardized list of qualifications for all positions under our collective bargaining agreement. Listed below are the Standardized Qualifications for the various Maintenance of Way positions in the Track Department, B&B Department, and ET Department.

The BMWE had numerous discussions with Amtrak's management over the formulation of qualifications, yet Amtrak management insisted on exercising their right to make the final determination. This has led to the establishment of some qualifications which we do not agree are necessary.

It is important to remember the position qualifications are now standardized. Once the qualifications are established they cannot be changed without consultation with the BMWED, or unless a law or government regulation requires the change to occur. This is different from the past where management was usually successful in changing qualifications at will.

Note: Although there are additional Track Department, Bridges and Building Department, and Electric Traction Department position titles within the work classification rule, the following are only currently active classifications. AMT-2 and RWP Qualification is required of all employees and periodic training and testing is provided. Additionally, certain jobs may by OSHA or FRA Regulations require training for Confined Space, Fall Protection, Bridge Worker and Safety and for Lockout/Tagout Procedures and when this is the case all affected employees are provided training.

Note: High School Diploma or GED is required for non-Amtrak applicants.

December 4, 2000 Letter from Amtrak's General Counsel RE: Position Qualifications
Download the Track Department Standardized Qualifications
Download the B&B Department Standardized Qualifications
Download the ET Department Standardized Qualifications

Track Department

Trackman

Base Qualifications: Able to physically perform work, AMT-2, RWP

Differing Qualifications: Must accumulate 60 calendar days service and on job training prior to providing Roadway Worker Protection for employees or others

Determining Qualifications: This is an entry level position, applicant should have a background in construction work, able to use basic hand tools, lift, bend, stoop and carry heavy loads. Must pass Physical Examination. Transitioning to pre-employment testing.

Assitant Track Foreman

Base Qualifications: Able to physically perform work, AMT-2, RWP

Differing Qualifications: Must accumulate 60 calendar days service and on job training prior to providing Roadway Worker Protection for employees or others

Track Foreman

Base Qualifications: Able to physically perform work, AMT-2, RWP

Differing Qualifications: Must accumulate 60 calendar days service and on job training prior to providing Roadway Worker Protection for employees or others

M/W Repairman

Base Qualifications: M/W Repairman, AMT-2, RWP, valid Drivers License.

Differing Qualifications: Driver’s License not required for those jobs working at System Roadway Equipment Shop. Based on Class of Vehicle may require CDL.

Determining Qualifications: Written test and practical demonstration of skills, High School diploma or GED. Meet DOT requirements for CDL.

M/W Repairman Helper

Base Qualifications: M/W Repairman Helper, AMT-2, RWP, valid Drivers License.

Differing Qualifications: Driver’s License not required for those jobs working at System Roadway Equipment Shop.

Determining Qualifications: Written test and practical demonstration of skills, High School diploma or GED. Meet DOT requirements for CDL.

M/W Repairman Foreman

Base Qualifications: M/W Repairman, AMT-2, RWP, valid Drivers License.

Differing Qualifications: Driver’s License not required for those jobs working at System Roadway Equipment Shop. Based on Class of Vehicle may require CDL.

Determining Qualifications: Written test and practical demonstration of M/W Repairman skills.

Technician (Equipment)

Base Qualifications: Operation, Maintenance and Repair of Equipment, AMT-2, RWP, MDZ-NORAC, Physical Characteristics and Air Brake.

Differing Qualifications: Physical Characteristics and Equipment are specific to the job.

Determining Qualifications: Practical demonstration of ability to operate, maintain and repair designated equipment, practical demonstration on Physical Characteristics and Air Brakes, written test MDZ-NORAC.

Engineer Work Equipment

Base Qualifications: Operate and Maintain Equipment, AMT-2, RWP, and NORAC.

Differing Qualifications: Equipment is specific to the job, certain equipment requires OSHA certification or State Hoisting License and Hi-Way/Hi-Rail Equipment may require CDL with endorsements.

Determining Qualifications: Practical demonstration of operation and maintenance of involved Equipment. Written test if required by OSHA, written NORAC test. Meet DOT requirements if CDL endorsements and possess the Hoisting License if required.

Machine Operator

Base Qualifications: Operate and Maintain Equipment, AMT-2, RWP, and NORAC.

Differing Qualifications: Machines are specific to the job, non track fouling machines do not require NORAC.

Determining Qualifications: Written NORAC test and Practical demonstration of operation and maintenance of involved Machine.

Truck Driver

Base Qualifications: Valid Driver’s License for Class of Vehicle, AMT-2, RWP.

Differing Qualifications: Vehicles are specific to the job. Based on Class of Vehicle may require CDL and endorsements. Hiway/Hi-Rail Vehicle requires NORAC and Equipment Qualifications for Hi-Rail and work Equipment functions on Vehicle. OSHA Certification if Work Equipment Functions are regulated and State Hoisting License if required.

Determining Qualifications: Valid Driver’s License, when class of vehicle requires CDL, meet DOT requirements for CDL and endorsements. Practical demonstration for Hi-Rail and Work Equipment functions, written test for NORAC and OSHA regulated Equipment, State Hoisting License if required.

Welder Electric Arc

Base Qualifications: Valid Driver’s License for Class of Vehicle, AMT-2, RWP.

Welder Electric Arc – Foreman

Base Qualifications: Same as Electric Arc Welder and Track Foreman.

Differing Qualifications: Physical Characteristics are specific to the job

Determining Qualifications: Same as Electric Arc Welder and Track Foreman.

Welder Helper – Electric Arc

Base Qualifications: Welder Helper, AMT-2, RWP.

Differing Qualifications: none

Determining Qualifications: Practical demonstration of ability to properly operate Rail Saws, Rail Drills, Grinders and use tools common to the trade.

O/A Welder

Base Qualifications: Oxyacetylene Welder, O/A Cut and Burn, AMT-2, RWP, and a valid Driver’s License

Differing Qualifications: none

Determining Qualifications: Demonstration of ability to properly O/A Weld including cut and burn.

O/A Welder Helper

Base Qualifications: Welder Helper O/A, O/A Cut and Burn, AMT-2, RWP.

Differing Qualifications: none

Determining Qualifications: Practical demonstration of ability to properly cut and burn and use tools common to the trade.

Boutet/Thermite Welder

Base Qualifications: Certification as Boutet or Thermite welder, AMT-2, RWP.

Differing Qualifications: Certain positions require valid CDL with any required endorsements, Hi-Rail Operator and NORAC

Determining Qualifications: Practical demonstration of ability to properly Boutet/Thermite Weld, O/A Cut and Burn, operate Rail Saw, Rail Drill, Grinder, Rail Stretcher and other tools common to the trade. Meet DOT requirements for CDL and endorsements, practical demonstration of Hi-Rail Equipment and written NORAC test.

Boutet/Thermite – Welder Helper

Base Qualifications: Rail Saw, Rail Drill, Grinder, Rail Stretcher, O/A Cut and Burn, AMT-2, RWP.

Differing Qualifications: none

Determining Qualifications: Practical demonstration of ability to properly O/A Cut and Burn, operate Rail Saw, Rail Drill, Grinder, Rail Stretcher and other tools common to the trade.

Boutet/Thermite Welder – Foreman

Base Qualifications: Same as Boutet/Thermite Welder and Track Foreman

Differing Qualifications: Physical Characteristics are specific to the job

Determining Qualifications: Same as Boutet/Thermite Welder and Track Foreman

Download the Track Department Standardized Qualifications

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Bridges and Building Department

B&B Mechanic

Base Qualifications: B&B Mechanic, AMT-2, RWP, valid Driver’s License plus operation of involved Equipment and NORAC

Differing Qualifications: Lead or Asbestos Certifications after assignment to job if performing abatement. Certain positions require valid CDL for class of vehicle involved and any required endorsements including applicable State Hoisting License if specified, operate specific equipment and pass written test if OSHA Regulated Equipment and State Hoisting License if required.

Determining Qualifications: Must possess the skills normally associated with at least one of the following crafts: Carpenter, Ironworker, Mason, or Painter. In process of validating written test. Asbestos certification acquired by attempting and passing a training program. Meet DOT requirements for CDL, endorsements and State Hoisting License if applicable. Practical demonstration of ability to operate involved Equipment, State Hoisting License if required and if OSHA Regulated Equipment attend and pass required training. Written NORAC test if equipment can foul track.

B&B Mechanic Helper

Base Qualifications: B&B Mechanic Helper, AMT-2, RWP, valid Driver’s License.

Differing Qualifications: none

Determining Qualifications: 1 year experience in one or combination of the following crafts: Carpenter, Ironworker, Mason, or Painter. Valid Driver’s License and prefer valid Driver’s License with CDL.

B&B Mechanic Foreman

Base Qualifications: B&B Mechanic Foreman, AMT-2, RWP, NORAC, Physical Characteristics and valid Driver’s License

Differing Qualifications: Physical Characteristics are specific to the individual job, Lead or Asbestos Certifications after assignment to job if performing abatement.

Determining Qualifications: Qualified as a B&B Mechanic, written B&B Mechanic Foreman and NORAC test. Practical demonstration for Physical Characteristics and Lead or Asbestos certification acquired by attending and passing a training program.

B&B Inspector

Base Qualifications: Bridge Inspector Foreman, AMT-2, RWP, NORAC, Physical Characteristics and valid Driver’s License

Differing Qualifications: Physical Characteristics are specific to the individual job, Lead or Asbestos Certification if identified as Inspector on an Abatement Project.

Determining Qualifications: Qualified as a B&B Mechanic Foreman, written B&B Inspector and NORAC test. Practical demonstration on Physical Characteristics. Lead or Asbestos certification acquired by attending and passing a Licensed Institute’s training program.

B&B Mechanic – Assistant Foreman

Base Qualifications: B&B Mechanic Assistant Foreman, AMT-2, RWP, NORAC, Physical Characteristics and valid Driver’s License

Differing Qualifications: Same as B&B Mechanic Foreman

Determining Qualifications: Same as B&B Mechanic Foreman with lower grade on Foreman’s test.

Plumber

Base Qualifications: Plumber, AMT-2, RWP, and valid Driver’s License.

Differing Qualifications: Local Government agencies may require a Plumber License.

Determining Qualifications: Written test unless License required.

Plumber Helper

Base Qualifications: Plumber Helper, AMT-2, RWP.

Differing Qualifications: This type job is only advertised in areas where the local government requires Licensed Plumbers.

Determining Qualifications: The qualification requirement is an apprentice Plumber’s Permit.

Plumber Foreman

Base Qualifications: Same as Plumber, NORAC, Physical Characteristics.

Differing Qualifications: Physical Characteristics are specific to the individual job.

Determining Qualifications: Craft skills same as Plumber, written NORAC test and practical demonstration for Physical Characteristics.

Plumber Assistant Foreman

All base, differing, and determining qualifications are the same as Plumber Foreman.

Tinsmith

Base Qualifications: Tinsmith, AMT-2, RWP, and valid Driver’s License.

Differing Qualifications: none

Determining Qualifications: Must possess skills normally associated with craft. Practical demonstration of ability to properly perform tinsmith work.

Cabinet Maker

Base Qualifications: Cabinet Maker, AMT-2, RWP, and valid Driver’s License.

Differing Qualifications: none

Determining Qualifications: Must possess skills normally associated with craft. Practical demonstration of ability to properly perform Cabinet Maker work.

Sign Writer

Base Qualifications: Sign Writer, AMT-2, RWP, and valid Driver’s License.

Differing Qualifications: none

Determining Qualifications: Practical demonstration to show proficiency in craft.

Paver

Base Qualifications: Paver, AMT-2, RWP, and valid Driver’s License.

Differing Qualifications: none

Determining Qualifications: Must possess skills normally associated with craft. Practical demonstration to show proficiency in craft.

Sand Blaster

Base Qualifications: Sand Blaster, AMT-2, RWP, and valid Driver’s License.

Differing Qualifications: none

Determining Qualifications: 5 years experience in craft.

Must possess skills normally associated with craft. Practical demonstration on equipment used for sand blasting.

Brick Layer

Base Qualifications: Brick Layer, AMT-2, RWP, and valid Driver’s License.

Differing Qualifications: none

Determining Qualifications: Must possess skills normally associated with craft. Practical demonstration to show proficiency in craft.

Structural Welder

Base Qualifications: Structural Welding Certificate, AMT-2, RWP, and valid Driver’s License, O/A Cut and Burn and Air Arc.

Differing Qualifications: For certain specific jobs, CDL for calss of vehicle involved and any required endorsements.

Determining Qualifications: Certification that welds meet American Welding Society (AWS) Standards. Practical demonstration of ability to properly use tools common to trade. Meet DOT requirements for CDL and any required endorsements.

Structural Welder Foreman

Base Qualifications: The same as Structural Welder, plus NORAC and Physical Characteristics.

Differing Qualifications: Physical Characteristics are specific to the individual job.

Determining Qualifications: Same as Structural Welder plus written NORAC test and Practical demonstration on Physical Characteristics.

Structural Welder - Assistant Foreman

Base Qualifications: The same as Structural Welder Foreman.

Differing Qualifications: The same as Structural Welder Foreman.

Determining Qualifications: The same as Structural Welder Foreman.

Drawbridge Operator

Base Qualifications: Bridge Operator, AMT-2, RWP

Differing Qualifications: Mechanics of opening/closing varies from bridge to bridge.

Determining Qualifications: Practical demonstration of ability to properly operate, adjust and lubricate the specified bridges. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the Coast Guard Regulation governing the specific bridges.

Drawbridge Tender

Base Qualifications: Bridge Tender, AMT-2, RWP

Differing Qualifications: Lubrication points and operating mechanisms vary bridge to bridge.

Determining Qualifications: Practical demonstration of ability to lubricate bridge and assist Bridge Operator in proper operation and adjustments to the specified bridges.

Bridge Repairman

Base Qualifications: Bridge Repairman, AMT-2, RWP

Differing Qualifications: Moveable Bridge Maintenance requirements vary from bridge to bridge.

Determining Qualifications: Practical demonstration of ability to properly general maintenance, repair and rehabilitation on specified Moveable Bridges machinery ans structural components including bridge ties.

Bridge Repairman Foreman

Base Qualifications: Same as Bridge Repairman, plus NORAC and Physical Characteristics.

Differing Qualifications: Same as Bridge Repairman, and Physical Characteristics are specific to the job.

Determining Qualifications: Same as Bridge Repairman, plus written NORAC test and practical demonstration on Physical Characteristics.

Electrician - Buildings

Base Qualifications: Electrician Class “A”, AMT-2, RWP, valid Driver’s License, CPR/First Aid.

Differing Qualifications: Certain Local Government Agencies may require Electrician License and CDL with required endorsements for vehicle are required for specific job. Physical Characteristics for Electrical Facilities on work territory must be acquired within 30 calendar days of assignment to a job.

Determining Qualifications: Written Electrical test or Electrician License, written AMT-2 and RWP test. Practical demonstration of Electrical Facilities Physical Characteristics, Meet DOT requirement for CDL and endorsements.

Gang Foreman - Electrician - Buildings

Base Qualifications: Same as Electrician Buildings.

Differing Qualifications: Same as Electrician Buildings.

Determining Qualifications: Same as Electrician Buildings.

Download the B&B Department Standardized Qualifications

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Electric Traction Department

Lineman – Electrician Trainee

Base Qualifications: Able to physically perform work, AMT-2, RWP, and valid Driver’s License.

Differing Qualifications: Newly hired employees receive basic AMT-2 and RWP training with written tests immediately after start of employment. Trainees required to acquire CDL with endorsements of Air Brake and Hazardous material within 90 days of employment.

Determining Qualifications: These are entry level positions. Applicants are subject to Job Preview Interview, Battery of basics skills testing and job interview. Successful applicants are placed in a 24 month training program which includes periodic classroom and field training along with written tests and practical demonstration of skills. Successful completion of the testing and re-test opportunity of Class “A” Employee. Duration of training, cycle for testing and re-test opportunity, etc. are defined in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Lineman

Base Qualifications: Lineman Class “A”, AMT-2, RWP, valid Driver’s License, CPR/First Aid.

Differing Qualifications: Electric Traction Electrical Characteristics for work zone(s) of assignment must be acquired within 30 calendar days of assignment to a job. Certain positions may require CDL and endorsements for class of vehicle. Hiway/Hi-Rail vehicle and High-Rail Equipment require NORAC, Physical Characteristics for territory normally worked, operation of Hi-Rail and Work Equipment functions on vehicle or operation of High-Rail Equipment and Work Functions.

Determining Qualifications: Successful completion of Trainee Program. Practical demonstration of Electric Traction Electrical Characteristics, CPR/First Aid, Pole Top Rescue, written test AMT-2, RWP. Meet DOT requirements for CDL and endorsements. Practical demonstration for Hi-Rail, Work Equipment Functions on Vehicle or High Rail Equipment and Work Functions, Physical Characteristics and written NORAC test.

Electrician Substation

Base Qualifications: Electrician Substation Class “A”, AMT-2, RWP, valid Driver’s License, CPR/First Aid, Pole Top Rescue.

Electrician Relays

Base Qualifications: Electrician Substation and Relay.

Differing Qualifications: Same as Electrician.

Determining Qualifications: Same as Electrician, written Relay pre-test and a practical demonstration of test procedures for relays within 90 calendar days of assignment to the job.

Electrician Technican

Base Qualifications: Electrician Substation and Technician.

Differing Qualifications: Same as Electrician.

Determining Qualifications: Same as Electrician, written Technician pre-test and a practical demonstration of test procedures for Supervisory Control and relays within 90 calendar days of assignment to the job.

Electrician – Supervisory Control and Electrolysis

Base Qualifications: Electrician and Supervisory Control and Electorlysis.

Differing Qualifications: Same as Electrician.

Determining Qualifications: Same as Electrician, written pre-test and a practical demonstration of test procedures for Supervisory Control and Electrolysis.

Electrician – 3rd Rail

Base Qualifications: 3rd Rail Class “A”, AMT-2, RWP, valid Driver’s License, CPR/First Aid, Electric Traction Electrical Characteristics for 3rd Rail Territory.

Differing Qualifications: Certain positions require CDL and endorsements for class of vehicles, operation of Hi-Rail and Work Equipment Functions on vehicle, Physical Characteristics for 3rd Rail Territory.

Determining Qualifications: Written Test for Electricians 3rd Rail, AMT-2, RWP, Practical demonstration of 3rd Rail Territory Electrical Characteristics, CPR/First Aid, Line Diagram reading and proper installation methods for insulators. High School Diploma or GED. Practical demonstration for operation of Hi-Rail and Work Equipment Functions of Vehicle, Physical Characteristics, and written NORAC test. Meet DOT requirements for CDL and any required endorsements.

Electrician – 3rd Rail - Cable Splicer

Base Qualifications: 3rd Rail and Cable Splicing

Differing Qualifications: Same as Electrician – 3rd Rail

Determining Qualifications: Same as Electrician, satisfactorily complete cable splicing training and practical demonstration of skills. Training normally provided during first 30 calendar days of assignment to the job.

Electrician Helper - 3rd Rail

Base Qualifications: Able to physically perform work, AMT-2, RWP, and valid Driver’s License.

Differing Qualifications: Newly hired employees receive basic AMT-2 and RWP with written test immediately after start of employment.

Determining Qualifications: This is an entry level position. Applicants are subject to job preview interview, battery of basic skills testing and job interview. High School diploma or GED.

Electrician 3rd Rail – Bonder

Base Qualifications: 3rd Rail and Bonding

Differing Qualifications: none

Determining Qualifications: Same as Electrician – 3rd Rail, and practical demonstration of proper method for installation and maintenance of bonds on 3rd Rail System.

Electrician Electrolysis

Base Qualifications: Electrician Electrolysis

Differing Qualifications: none

Determining Qualifications: Same as Electrician, and practical demonstration of proper use of equipment used in testing for electrolytic action.

Gang Foreman - Line

Base Qualifications: Lineman Class “A”, Gang Foreman, NORAC and Physical Characteristics.

Differing Qualifications: Same as Lineman Class “A”, and Physical Characteristics are specific to the job.

Determining Qualifications: Same as Lineman Class “A”, written Gang Foreman and NORAC tests and practical demonstration of Physical Characteristics.

Gang Foreman – Electrician - Substation

Base Qualifications: Same as Electrician – Substation Class “A”, Gang Foreman Electrician – Substation and RWP Physical Characteristics.

Differing Qualifications: Same as Electrician – Substation Class “A”, Gang Foreman Electrician – Substation and RWP Physical Characteristics are specific to the job.

Determining Qualifications Same as Electrician – Substation Class “A”, Gang Foreman Electrician – Substation and practical demonstration of Physical Characteristics.

Gang Foreman – Doble

Base Qualifications: Same as Same as Gang Foreman and Doble.

Differing Qualifications: Same as Gang Foreman – Substations.

Determining Qualifications: Same as Gang Foreman – Substations, written test for Doble and practical demonstration of test procedures for Doble Equipment within 90 calendar days of assignment to job.

Gang Foreman – 3rd Rail

Base Qualifications: Electrician 3rd Rail Class “A”,Gang Foreman – 3rd Rail, NORAC and Physical Characteristics.

Differing Qualifications: Same as Electrician – 3rd Rail Class “A” and Physical Characteristics are specific to job.

Determining Qualifications: Same as Electrician – 3rd Rail Class “A” and written Gang Foreman and NORAC test and practical demonstration of Physical Characteristics.

Gang Foreman – Electrolysis

Base Qualifications: Electrician, Electrolysis and Gang Foreman Electrician.

Differing Qualifications: Same as Electrician and Gang Foreman Electrician.

Determining Qualifications: Same as Electrician practical demonstration of proper use of equipment use din testing for electrolytic action, and written Gang Foreman and NORAC test and practical demonstration of Physical Characteristics.

Foreman – Electrician – Substation

Base Qualifications: Electrician – Substation “A”, Gang Foreman Electrician Substation and Foreman, and RWP Physical Characteristics.

Differing Qualifications: Same as Gang Foreman Electrician – Substations, RWP Physical Characteristics are specific to job.

Determining Qualifications: Gang Foreman Electrician – Substations, and written Foreman test and practical demonstration of Physical Characteristics.

Foreman – Electrician – 3rd Rail

Base Qualifications: Electrician – 3rd Rail Class “A”, Gang Foreman Electrician - 3rd Rail and Foreman, NORAC and RWP Physical Characteristics.

Differing Qualifications: Same as Gang Foreman Electrician – 3rd Rail, RWP Physical Characteristics.

Determining Qualifications: Same as Gang Foreman Electrician – 3rd Rail, written Foreman and NORAC test and practical demonstration of RWP Physical Characteristics.

Download the ET Department Standardized Qualifications

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