Rail Operations Seasonal Worker (Mechanical Engineering)
Recruitment # 251230-5704VR-005
Location New Haven, CT
Date Opened 1/8/2026 12:00:00 AM
Salary $20.52 - $23.76/hour
Job Type Seasonal/Summer
Close Date 1/28/2026 11:59:00 PM
Go Back Apply View Benefits (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/jobs/?b=Benefits)
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Introduction
Are you a Mechanical Engineering student, graduate, or possess experience in Mechanical Engineering, and are interested in learning what it's like to work as an Engineer with the Connecticut Department of Transportation?
The State of Connecticut (https://portal.ct.gov/) , Department of Transportation ( DOT (https://portal.ct.gov/dot?language=en\US) ) Office of Rails (https://portal.ct.gov/dot/publictrans/office-of-rail/home?language=en\US) is hiring (1) Rail Operations Seasonal Worker (Mechanical Engineering) (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=5704VR&R1=&R3=) with assignment in New Haven.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
Full Time, Seasonal, 40 hours/week, 8 hours/day.
Anticipated start date in May 2026 and ending by August 29, 2026.
Monday-Friday, First Shift.
Location: New Haven
THE ROLE
The Rail Operations Mechanical Engineer Seasonal Worker will gain experience in the Office of Rail's Mechanical/Capital Equipment Section which is accountable for the administration of large and small capital projects, including developing and implementing capital rail car and locomotive procurement programs, overhaul programs, and major and minor rolling stock upgrade programs. The Rail Operations Mechanical Engineer Seasonal Worker will gain valuable real-life work experience, development and advancement of skill sets, exposure to career possibilities within rail transportation, and mentorship as the Seasonal Worker will be paired with a mentor who will include them in current projects, meetings, and day-to-day work life.
ABOUT US
As one of Connecticut's largest State agencies, DOT employs approximately 3,300 individuals statewide in five bureaus. It is the DOT's mission to improve quality of life through transportation. We have a significant transportation infrastructure system that is essential to maintaining mobility for Connecticut residents and businesses and supporting economic and community development while preserving environmental and cultural resources. The Department of Transportation is committed to cultivating a diverse staff that is representative of the communities we serve. Applications from individuals having diverse backgrounds and life experiences are strongly encouraged. Learn more about our mission, vison, and values by clicking here (https://portal.ct.gov/dot/about-us/mission-vision-pillars-and-values?language=en\US) ! Visit our website (https://portal.ct.gov/dot?language=en\US) to learn more about the Connecticut DOT!
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8sOb10qYXQ) ! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit (https://jobapscloud.com/CT/jobs/?b=KIT) for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
Meet Minimum Qualifications: Selected candidates must be at least 16 or 18 years old, depending on the position. Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69 (https://www.cga.ct.gov/2021/act/pa/pdf/2021PA-00069-R00SB-00056-PA.pdf) , resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide (https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/jobs/?b=IT&preview=1) to make the best impression!
Stay Connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics (https://portal.ct.gov/ethics) .
QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Brittney Woodley at brittney.woodley@ct.gov. Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state agency this class performs tasks and duties of a seasonal nature by providing services to clients or the public.
Work areas covered by this class shall include the assignments and hourly rates as listed below:
Assignment Minimum Hourly Rates Maximum Hourly Rates
General $16.35 $17.00
Patient Care Service $16.35 $17.00
Maintenance $16.35 $17.00
Laboratory Assistant $16.35 $17.00
Recreational Aide $16.35 $17.00
Transportation Services (Bus Driver) $16.35 $17.00
Tourist Information Clerk $16.35 $17.00
Specialized Recreational Services $16.35 $17.00
Tourist Information Coordinator $16.35 $17.00
Information Technology System Analysis $19.00 $22.00
Engineering $20.52 $23.76
Legal $19.00 $22.00
Minimum and maximum hourly rates will be subject to the following criteria:
Returning Seasonal Workers may receive $.50 an hour additional compensation for each season of service up to the maximum hourly rate.
OR
Experienced workers in the specific functional area with another employer may be credited with such time on an equivalent basis to seasons worked and granted the same additional compensation up to the maximum hourly rate.
OR
Undergraduate or graduate students may be granted additional compensation of up to $.50 more per hour (up to the maximum hourly rate) for each full year of completed education on the basis of 30 semester hours equaling one (1) year.
NOTE: Determination of hourly rate is based on the above criteria. Additional compensation is based on only one criterion. It is not intended for individuals to receive additional compensation through application of the multiple criteria listed above.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
See attached Addendum.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Knowledge of
principles, practices and procedures of assigned specialty;
operation of equipment, materials and activities of assigned specialty;
Knowledge to degree necessary for dealing with and understanding an individual's behavior;
Skills
interpersonal skills;
oral and written communication skills;
techniques of assigned specialty skills;
Ability to
assist individuals in self-care habits, personal hygiene and proper social conduct where applicable;
understand and carry out written orders and oral instructions;
Adequate physical strength and stamina to perform duties;
Some positions may require supervisory and/or leadership abilities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any experience and training that could reasonably be expected to provide the knowledge, skills and abilities listed above.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Coursework in a technical or scientific degree such as: Mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, or engineering technology.
Experience using Microsoft 365 Suite.
Experience communicating to multiple diverse populations and skill levels through coursework, work experience, or internships.
Experience working independently and as part of a team through coursework, work experience, or internships.
Experience completing tasks to meet time sensitive deadlines through coursework, work experience, or internships.
Experience prioritizing and managing multiple tasks through coursework, work experience, or internships.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Incumbents in this class assigned to recreational activities must be able to perform emergency first aid as needed and certain positions will require a current Standard First Aid Certificate.
Incumbents in this class assigned as bus drivers or operators of a motor vehicle must possess and retain a current Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator License to drive a bus and/or a Motor Vehicle Operators License as necessary.
Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.
Click on a link below to apply for this position:
Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
