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How to hire a track maintainer

Track maintainer hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring track maintainers in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a track maintainer is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new track maintainer to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a track maintainer, step by step

To hire a track maintainer, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a track maintainer:

Here's a step-by-step track maintainer hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a track maintainer job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new track maintainer
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    The track maintainer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A track maintainer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, track maintainers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    The following list breaks down different types of track maintainers and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Track MaintainerDescriptionHourly rate
    Track Maintainer$19-42
    MaintainerA maintainer serves as a time tracker that oversees and monitors the tasks of employees. They are the one who facilitates and reviews all the work, ensuring it is done according to specifications... Show more$14-39
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • CDL
    • Switches
    • Track Maintenance
    • Track Materials
    • Repair Street
    • FRA
    • Track Components
    • Track Surface
    • Track Inspections
    • Hand Tools
    Responsibilities:
    • Job duties are to fix wrecks, maintain the karts, and manage the batting cages.
    • Track inspection including but not limit too, inspection of frogs, switches, road bed etc.
    • Inspect tracks for broken rail, defective switches, defective signals, track obstructions and track washouts.
    • Receive and implement combat orders and direct deployment of personnel in offensive, defensive and retrograde operations.
    • Inspect and troubleshot track vehicle automotive systems and wheel vehicles.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your track maintainer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A track maintainer salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, track maintainers' average salary in hawaii is 48% less than in oregon.
    • Seniority. Entry-level track maintainers earn 55% less than senior-level track maintainers.
    • Certifications. A track maintainer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a track maintainer's salary.

    Average track maintainer salary

    $60,113yearly

    $28.90 hourly rate

    Entry-level track maintainer salary
    $40,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 19, 2025
  4. Writing a track maintainer job description

    A good track maintainer job description should include a few things:

    • Summary of the role
    • List of responsibilities
    • Required skills and experience

    Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a track maintainer job description:

    Track maintainer job description example

    Posting dates: 8/15/2022 - 9/4/2022
    All applicants must apply online - www.dart.org

    DALLAS AREA RAPID TRANSIT
    JOB POSTING

    Job Title*: Track Maintainer Beginning Pay*: $28.84 hourly Section*:Track & Right of Way Division*:Facility Maintenance Building FLSA/EEO:Non-exempt/Skilled Craft Department*:Rail Operations-Mechanics

    GENERAL SUMMARY:
    Responsible for performing preventive maintenance, inspection, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of rails, embedded tracks, switches/turnouts, and other track right of way components for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit's (DART) Ways, Structures & Amenities Division.

    ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

    Diagnose and repair rails, tracks, special track work, direct fixation track work, and/or any other related rail services.Perform track inspections.Oversee operation of track maintenance equipment and tools.Maintain material usage, production logs, and work order system.Perform track work tests and evaluations as required to comply with reliability, maintainability, and safety criteria per DART standards.Maintain proper communication with Rail Operation Control while on duty.Perform other related duties as assigned.

    MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
    Note: An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the below stated minimums excluding High School Diploma, GED, Licenses, or Certifications.

    Associates Degree from an accredited college or university or a certification from an accredited technical program in Mechanical, Industrial or Electrical Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education/experience in preventative and corrective track maintenance and repairs on a Class I railroad or on an electrified rail transit system and/or construction experience working heavy construction maintenance/equipment, and/or related fields.Must pass a technical test.Must obtain and maintain certification in compliance with all state and federal regulations applicable to this position.Must have a valid Drivers License Class-C, and be able to obtain a Texas Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Class-A Restricted within 90 days of employment; no Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) conviction within the last sixty (60) consecutive months, not more than one (1) DWI/DUI on driving record, and not more than three (3) convictions of moving violations within the last thirty-six (36) consecutive months in order to operate DART non-revenue vehicles.Must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical (medical) examination, which includes a drug screen in order to operate DART revenue and non-revenue vehicles. Incumbents are subject to the federal testing regulations of safety sensitive positions, which include random alcohol and drug testing as a condition of continued employment Proficiency with personal computer (PC), software applications to include MS Office (Word, Excel, Access).Must work in a safe manner and constant state of alertness.Ability to promote a positive and inclusive work culture.Ability to have the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment.Ability to make decisions in the absence of guidance from others, and to plan and carry out work assignments in situations where the procedures have been established.Must have excellent customer service skills and be able to interact effectively with a diverse customer population while under pressure.Must be self-motivated and able to work independently.Must be able to orally communicate in an effective manner with the public, co-workers, supervisors and managers to ensure efficient operations; to promote safety; and to respond to emergencies. Must also be able to read and comprehend a variety of work related/required technical manuals, safety rules and regulations.Ability to find solutions to mechanical and technical problems.Ability to work variable shifts, irregular hours, nights, holidays, weekends, and short notice availability. May be required to travel to multiple work locations.Ability to be mobile and occasionally 70% - 80% of the work time. Lift objects weighing up to seventy - (70) pounds such as tools, equipment and parts. Must be able to work in crowded and tight spaces.Ability to use standard devices weighing up to 50lbs such as hand tools, portable shop test equipment for testing and other required equipment in order to perform your job functions.

    REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
    Reports to Mgr Track & ROW *

    WORKING CONDITIONS:
    Works in an environment where there is potential exposure to dust, noise, or temperature. Work could involve unpleasant working conditions such as working near fast moving trains, dust, noise, temperature, weather, petroleum products, and chemicals while visiting DART's operating facilities. All incumbent exposures will be controlled through adhering to policies and procedures, which include safety precautions, regulations and the use of personal protective equipment.

    Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may perform other duties as assigned.

    DART is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, supporting diversity in the workplace. M/F/D/V

    Please apply at www.dart.org

  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right track maintainer for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    To find track maintainer candidates, you can consider the following options:
    • Post your job opening on Zippia or other job search websites.
    • Use niche websites that focus on engineering and technology jobs, such as constructionjobs.
    • Post your job on free job posting websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting track maintainers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new track maintainer

    Once you've selected the best track maintainer candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

    It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new track maintainer. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a track maintainer?

Recruiting track maintainers involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

You can expect to pay around $60,113 per year for a track maintainer, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for track maintainers in the US typically range between $19 and $42 an hour.

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