The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is recruiting Structure Maintainer – Group A (Carpenter) and Structure Maintainer – Group E (Plumber) jobs at an entry rate of $37.16 an hour, rising to $43.72 in the sixth year. Candidates must apply on the MTA Jobs site by July 27, 2025, and meet strict apprenticeship or journey-level experience requirements.
Position description and salary
Carpenter: Structure Maintainer – Group A (Job ID 4970 / Exam No. 5621)
Plumber: Structure Maintainer – Group E (Job ID 4974 / Exam No. 5622)
- Beginning salary: $37.16 per hour for a 40-hour week
- Sixth-year rate: $43.72 per hour
- Benefits: Night/weekend differentials, paid holidays, vacation/sick leave, comprehensive medical and pension plans
Application deadline and process
All applicants must:
- Apply online at the MTA’s Jobs website at mta.info/careers/skilled-trades-positions
- Find the related Job ID (4970 for Plumber; 4974 for Carpenter)
- Complete the online application and Education & Experience Test Paper (via Microsoft Forms)
- Apply by 11:59 PM on July 27, 2025; late or incomplete applications will not be considered
Note: If claiming a fee waiver or requesting testing accommodations (e.g., disability, religious observance), follow the Special Circumstances Guide on the MTA website and submit required documents by the stated deadlines in the exam notices.
Qualification requirements for the role of Structure Maintainer – Group A (Carpenter)
Candidates must satisfy one of the following by the application deadline:
- Completion of a 4-year full-time carpentry apprenticeship recognized by a State or U.S. Department of Labor
- Three years of journey-level carpentry experience full time
- Two years of journey-level carpentry experience and one of the following:
- a. Two years of carpenter’s helper/apprentice
- b. Trade/technical school graduate with ≥ 600 hours in carpentry
- c. Vocational high school diploma in carpentry
- d. Associate degree (or higher) in carpentry or a related field
- Foreign education must be evaluated for U.S. equivalence by an approved service, if necessary.
Structure Maintainer – Group E (Plumber)
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements by the closing date:
- Completion of a 4-year full-time plumbing apprenticeship approved by a State or U.S. Department of Labor
- Two years of full-time journey-level plumbing experience and one of:
- a. Two years of plumbing helper/trainee
- b. Trade/technical school graduate with ≥ 600 hours in plumbing
- c. Vocational high school diploma in plumbing
- d. Associate degree (or higher) in plumbing or a related field
- Foreign education must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency by an approved service, as needed.
Examination and testing
- Type of test: Competitive practical skills test (minimum passing score of 65%)
- Test scheduling: Candidates receive a test date and location; no rescheduling except for special circumstances authorized
- Veterans’ credit: Veterans and disabled veterans may request preference credits at the time of application but must do so before the eligible list is established
- Make-up tests: Possible for documented emergencies (e.g., military duty, medical illness, religious observance)
Post-appointment requirements
- Driver’s license: Valid New York State motor vehicle license; Learner Permit for Class B CDL within 90 days; full Class B CDL during probation
- Medical & drug screening: Pass pre-employment medical and drug/alcohol tests; subject to random testing thereafter
- Probation: Completion of a formalized training course and probationary period is mandatory
- Residency & language: No New York City residency; English required
Apply to work as a professional tradesperson as a Plumber or Carpenter at $37.16/hr with the MTA’s skilled trades department via the MTA Career Center, Job IDs 4970 or 4974—apply by July 27, 2025.
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