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Light Rail Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rail Hostler

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$22.11/hr

... to Light Rail and non-revenue vehicle maintenance, cleaning, and servicing. Rail Hostlers will work collaboratively with Rail Operators and Controllers to effect timely dispatch of high-quality ...

This position is responsible for the day-to-day supervision and direction of all light rail vehicles and track maintenance vehicles. Also, the completion of operating forms/documents as required for ...

Senior Traffic Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · Remote

$100K - $151K/yr

Ensure coordination among light rail signals, roadway traffic signals, and pedestrian signals to ... controller equipment and signal testing tools; verify system functionality and operational ...

... light rail transportation services to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service delivery. * Direct and manage transportation field operations, including field supervisors, dispatchers, controllers ...

... light rail transportation services to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service delivery. * Direct and manage transportation field operations, including field supervisors, dispatchers, controllers ...

... light rail transportation services to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service delivery. * Direct and manage transportation field operations, including field supervisors, dispatchers, controllers ...

... light rail transportation services to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service delivery. * Direct and manage transportation field operations, including field supervisors, dispatchers, controllers ...

Senior Traffic Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site +1

$100K - $151K/yr

Ensure coordination among light rail signals, roadway traffic signals, and pedestrian signals to ... controller equipment and signal testing tools; verify system functionality and operational ...

Responsible for high operating and safety performance of light rail vehicles. * Ability to quickly troubleshoot, repair and program carborne and localized programmable logic controllers, network ...

Showing results 21-40

Light Rail Controller information

See salary details

$55K

$119.5K

$175.5K

How much do light rail controller jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for light rail controller in the United States is $119,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Light Rail Controller vs Train Dispatcher?

AspectLight Rail ControllerTrain Dispatcher
Required CertificationsRail operations certification, safety trainingRail traffic control certification, safety training
Work EnvironmentUrban transit systems, control centersRail yards, control rooms, field locations
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, urban rail systemsRailroads, transit authorities

Both roles involve managing rail traffic, ensuring safety, and coordinating train movements. While Light Rail Controllers focus on urban light rail systems within city transit networks, Train Dispatchers oversee broader rail traffic across multiple routes and freight or passenger trains. The certifications and work environments are similar, but their scope and operational focus differ.

What cities are hiring for Light Rail Controller jobs?

Cities with the most Light Rail Controller job openings:

What states have the most Light Rail Controller jobs?

States with the most job openings for Light Rail Controller jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Light Rail Controller jobs?

For Light Rail Controller jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Light Rail Controller job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,497 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Controller/Dispatcher *$5,000 Service Bonus*

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Hampton Roads Transit
Trucking • 201 - 500 employees

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Hampton Roads Transit rating

4.0

Company rating: 4.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description



Salary: $72,000


This position is responsible for the day-to-day supervision and direction of all light rail vehicles and track maintenance vehicles. Also the completion of operating forms/documents as required for HRT Light Rail operations.


Essential Job Functions:


(Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor to limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.)



  • Ensure that the agency's safety procedures, policies and rules are followed by all HRT employees, Non-HRT personnel and visitors that transcend the right-of-way.

  • Approves monitors and coordinates all maintenance activities along the right-of-way.

  • Directs the troubleshooting of defective equipment and coordinates the replacement of LRVs with LRV Maintenance.

  • Report delays and problems promptly and take appropriate actions to correct performance and maintain established schedules.

  • Enter daily rail activities into various databases, logs and turn-over documents.

  • Directs, instructs, assigns and assist Rail Operators in proper rail operating rules and procedures.

  • Direct all rail vehicle movement along the alignment ROW.

  • Develop and implement procedures and schedules to regulate the activities of light rail vehicle operators: assist in the developing and implementing performance standards for light rail operators and evaluate employee productivity and performance against established standards.

  • Performs all mark-ups (runs, vacation, holiday, line, extra board).

  • Complete payroll as needed.

  • Assist in the preparation of safety procedures, rules and regulations for light rail operations; participate in emergency situations involving vehicles, equipment and passengers: notify appropriate persons in the event of emergency.

  • Manage records created and received in compliance with the Hampton Roads Transit Records Management Policy and Procedures.

  • Responsible for maintaining a general awareness of HRTs EMS

  • Responsible for handling all related job responsibilities in accordance to HRTs Environmental Policy, relevant EMS Standard Operating Procedures, and Emergency Management Plan

  • Prepare and/or coordinate with other departments any documentation required in support of the FTA triennial reviews, drug and alcohol audits, independent audits, state audits, EEO Program audit, etc.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.


 Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills essential to lob Functions:



  • Must be able pass LRV Operator training course and re-qualify as directed.

  • Must be able to secure and maintain a Virginia Commercial drivers License.

  • Ability to learn the day-to-day operation of HRT's Transit System, including the collective bargaining agreement, safety regulations, and guidelines; train and bus service schedules and fare structures.

  • Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with operators.

  • Ability to learn troubleshooting of HRT's Light Rail Vehicles.

  • Ability to manage several different tasks at the same time while directing train movement.

  • Ability to evaluate the work of employees, develop procedures, rules and schedules and instruct employees on operation and safety procedures.

  • Must demonstrate the abilities to navigate train movement in a minimally equipped Non SCADA environment.

  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and while working under pressure.

  • Must be able to navigate through Microsoft Word, Excel, understand Access as well as general typing skills.


Required Software Knowledge and Skills essential to lob Functions:


Proficiency in using computer systems and the listed software applications associated with performance of assigned work is essential. Basic problem solving skills associated with software applications used is expected. Software usage relevant to job duties will be evaluated.


Software applications:


Email, Internet, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, HASTUS Management System


Training and/or Education:


Preferred qualifications include the completion of an Associate Degree in Business Management or, Business Administration or related field; experience as a Rail Supervisor, Controller or Instructor within a light rail system; must successfully demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills and knowledge of all transit operations and activities.


Required Experience:


Four (4) years progressive experience to include at least two (2) years as a Rail Instructor and a combination of: two (2) years as a Dispatcher/Rail Supervisor, or at least (3) years as a Transportation Supervisor or, over (4) years experience as an Operator (Rail/Bus) with exceptional work performance and solid management experience to demonstrate leadership capabilities.


Licenses or Certificates:


Must have CDL Class B license and/or CDL permit and the ability to acquire within sixty (60) days of employment a valid Virginia CDL Class B license with air brake and passenger endorsements.


Special Requirements:



  • Ability to pass DOT physical examination.

  • Must be able to pass essential function tests conducted by HRT Rail Operations:

    • Agility Assessment

    • Written Assessment



  • This position is classified as essential personnel.


FLSA Status:


Exempt


Physical Demands:


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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work involves operating or supervising the operation of Light Rail Vehicles their equipment.


Unusual Demands:


The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work involves meeting multiple demands on a timely basis. Duties will require working weekends and Holidays.


IHRT is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you need reasonable accommodations to complete the HRT employment application and/or the interview, contact HRT Human Resources at (757) 222-6000 or email careers@hrtransit.org.




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