This position will be posted from July 15, 2025 to July 29, 2025 by 4:00pm.

Must be able to pass proficiency examination.

Must be able to pass a drug and alcohol test and a background check.

DRPA and PATCO are subject to federal law, under which marijuana continues to be illegal.

Please check your spam or clutter for any emails regarding this selection process.

Position Purpose

The Electronic Technician- Fare Collection Apprentice Program is designed to train selected candidates in the various responsibilities unique to the Electronic Technician, Fare Collection position.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The Authority will adhere to all applicable laws and regulations in assessing an employee’s ability to carry out or otherwise meet the job requirements set forth herein in a satisfactory manner.

Program Description

The Apprenticeship Program is a three (3) year program consisting of: A) Foundational Training comprised of two (2) years of classroom instruction provided by a technical school and/or community college as determined by PATCO, complemented by PATCO on the job training (OJT) followed by B) PATCO-Specific Training for one (1) additional year. During the PATCO-specific training, candidates will be required to pass competency tests at the end of each training module.

Duties and responsibilities will increase in complexity as each apprentice progression level is achieved. The Apprentice will work under the guidance of an experienced PATCO Electrical Technician to learn the skills necessary for maintaining all PATCO fare collection machines, electrical and power distribution.

If selected, the candidate’s placement into the Apprentice Program will be determined by the candidate’s level of education and documented relevant experience:

Apprentice I -

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
• No documented relevant experience

Apprentice II -

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
• Certification of Completion of at least one (1) entry level/introduction class on electrical theory, general basic electric and/or electronics in either high school, technical school or college with a passing grade (C- or better)
• No documented relevant experience

Apprentice III -

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
• Certification of Completion of vocational/technical training in the theory of analog and Microprocessor-based control systems and electrical maintenance repair techniques and workmanship

Program Admissions:

Required:

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Must take and successfully pass a written examination covering basic math skills with a score of 70% or better.

· Must provide:

• For DRPA/PATCO Employees : One letter of recommendation from the employee’s immediate supervisor AND a satisfactory employee record with no serious disciplinary actions or safety violations within the last three years

• For All Other Applicants : One letter of recommendation from a current or former work supervisor or academic instructor who can attest to the applicant’s ability to succeed in the Program.

• Valid driver’s license in state of residence, without major violations for the last three (3) years.

Program Proficiency to Assessed:

At the completion of the Program, apprentice must pass the proficiency examination for the Electronic Technician, Fare Collection position with a grade of 70% or above. Proficiency must include an understanding in the use of electronic test equipment which is found in electronic maintenance shops. This includes, but is not limited to, loading test software, automatic test equipment, test adapters, oscilloscopes, frequency generators, counter/timers for monitoring the characteristics of energized power and control circuits.

Proficiency also includes organized documentation and communication skills. Electronic Technicians make test set ups, with or without prepared procedures, test, record and analyze the results. The technician must clearly and concisely communicate methodology and the results of their analysis to others.

****** SELECTED PARTICIPANTS MUST REVIEW AND AGREE TO ADHERE THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THE PATCO ELECTRONIC TECHNICIAN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM PLAN.******

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Under the guidance and direction of the PATCO Electronic Technician and/or OJT Trainer, the Apprentice must perform the below essential duties and responsibilities:

1. Diagnose control problems through knowledge of electrical theory, use of test equipment and the use of schematic wiring diagrams.
2. Inspect, repair and overhaul electro-mechanical equipment.
3. Test, analyze, evaluate and repair electronic circuits and electronic modules to the component level.
4. Repair, restore and overhaul electrical control and communication systems.
5. Data entry of work records and material usage.
6. Must be willing to work all shifts including weekdays, weekends, and overtime.
7. The individual for this position assists in maintaining a safe and secure work environment by participating in required training, recognizing and reporting hazard and suspicious activity and using all required personal protective equipment.
8. Performs other duties as assigned.

**This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to all provisions of the DRPA/PATCO’S **Substance Abuse Testing and Control Policy including random drug testing and periodic physical testing requirements and the federally mandated CDL Drug and Alcohol random testing requirements.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

1. The individual must demonstrate the ability to organize and analyze complex and diverse information and use same to resolve problems in a timely manner.
2. The individual must pursue training and development opportunities in order to continuously build knowledge and skills. Must be willing to share expertise with others.
3. The individual must be able to manage difficult customer situations and respond promptly to customer needs. The maintenance of confidentiality is essential.
4. The individual must be able to read, understand written and verbal instructions, speak and write clearly in order to communicate effectively. Must be able to demonstrate group presentation skills.
5. The individual must display openness to others’ views, must be able to balance team and individual responsibilities. Must contribute to building positive team spirit by supporting everyone’s efforts to succeed.
6. The individual must show respect and sensitivity for cultural differences and work toward promoting a harassment free environment and diverse workforce. The individual must treat everyone with respect, work with integrity and uphold and support organizational values and goals.
7. The individual must follow all organizational policies and procedures.
8. The individual must be able to prioritize and plan work activities using time efficiently. He or she must react well under pressure and accept responsibilities for his/her own actions.
9. The individual must respond to management direction.
10. The individual must demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness, apply feedback to improve performance and monitor his or her own work to ensure quality. Individual should always be willing to generate suggestions to improve individual and departmental performance.
11. The individual must be punctual at all times and ensure that work responsibilities are covered in his/her absence. Must complete tasks correctly and on time.

Supervisory Responsibility

N/A

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee must occasionally walk/stand (50%), sit (30%), lift (5%), bend (5%), crawl/bend (10%) and ascend/descend stairs, steps. The employee must support and position components that weigh up to thirty-five (35) pounds above their shoulder without assistance. They must possess the manual dexterity to disassemble, assemble and install small components. The individual must possess visual acuity to identify and differentiate small parts as well as ability to avoid workplace obstacles. The individual must have ability to detect audible warnings in a rail transit system environment. The employee must have the ability to climb a rung ladder. The employee must have normal day and nighttime vision, corrected or uncorrected, and have normal hearing, with or without device.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The duties and responsibilities of this position are usually performed indoors and outdoors in all types of lighting, ventilation and weather, conditions including but not limited to, heat, sun, rain, snow and ice. When working on equipment out in stations there will be close interactions with customers. Workspace can be confined, and the use of flashlights or other supplemental lighting may be required. Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) operates electrically propelled rail cars. All employees must be constantly aware of the hazards that cause electric shock and electrical flash burns.

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EEO/AA/DVM

Required Skills

Required Experience

A High School Diploma or equivalent is preferred but not required. Qualified candidates will have 3-5 years of experience. Basic PLC/CNC knowledge is a plus. The ability to read to read tape measures and efficiently operate all other required measuring devices is also required. Candidates best suited for this role will have a proven ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment. Basic ability to read, write, speak, and understand English is required for safety purposes.