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Light Rail Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Light Rail Vehicle Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$37.14 - $46.43/hr

Light Rail Maintenance CLOSING DATE: 7/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Description AN ELIGIBILITY LIST ... owned and operated by the District; troubleshoots emergencies and/or operational problems ...

... operating environment. * Must have knowledge of railroad work windows, track outages, AWW coordination, and maintenance-of-way operations. * Experience working on commuter rail, freight rail or light ...

... operating environment. * Must have knowledge of railroad work windows, track outages, AWW coordination, and maintenance-of-way operations. * Experience working on commuter rail, freight rail or light ...

Operates and performs operator-level maintenance of several types of heavy equipment including end ... light rail, streetcar, and freight rail projects. We believe our culture is at the heart of our ...

Operates and performs operator-level maintenance of several types of heavy equipment including end ... light rail, streetcar, and freight rail projects. We believe our culture is at the heart of our ...

Regulatory and railroad operating rules proficiency. Pre-Employment Requirements: * Subject to pre ... Perform light work, occasionally exerting up to 20 pounds of force. * Able to walk on uneven ...

Manager of Field Operations

San Jose, CA · On-site

$152K - $160K/yr

Regulatory and railroad operating rules proficiency. Pre-Employment Requirements: * Subject to pre ... Perform light work, occasionally exerting up to 20 pounds of force. * Able to walk on uneven ...

Design OCS layout, wire tensions, for light rail, commuter rail and streetcar with pantograph as ... Accustomed to operating within a multi-disciplinary project structure with responsibility for OCS ...

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Showing results 1-20

Light Rail Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$26

$64

How much do light rail operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for light rail operator in California is $26.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.48 and $26.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Light Rail Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Light Rail Operator, you generally need a high school diploma or GED, a clean driving record, and strong mechanical aptitude. Familiarity with rail operations, signaling systems, and often completion of formal safety and operational training or certification is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, communication skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are highly valued soft skills. These competencies ensure the safe, timely, and efficient transportation of passengers while adhering to strict operational and safety protocols.

What does a typical day look like for a Light Rail Operator?

A typical day for a Light Rail Operator involves preparing the train for service, operating the train along scheduled routes, monitoring signals, and adhering to safety regulations. Operators frequently interact with passengers, providing assistance or information as needed and responding calmly to unexpected situations, such as delays or emergencies. The role often requires working varying shifts, including early mornings, nights, weekends, or holidays. Light Rail Operators collaborate closely with dispatchers, maintenance crews, and fellow operators to ensure smooth and safe transit operations throughout their shift.

What is a Light Rail Operator job?

A Light Rail Operator is responsible for safely operating light rail vehicles to transport passengers along a designated route. They monitor train functions, follow schedules, make station announcements, and ensure passenger safety. Operators must adhere to traffic regulations, respond to emergencies, and provide customer service. This role requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

What job categories do people searching Light Rail Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Light Rail Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Light Rail Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Light Rail Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Light Rail Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,108 per year, or $27 per hour.

$37.14 - $46.43/hr

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

SALARY: $37.14 - $46.43 Hourly
LOCATION: 2700 Academy Way Sacramento, CA
JOB TYPE: Full Time
JOB NUMBER: 2026-JUN26IE
DEPARTMENT: Light Rail Maintenance
CLOSING DATE: 7/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
AN ELIGIBILITY LIST WILL BE CREATED FROM THIS RECRUITMENT TO BE USED IN FILLING FUTURE VACANCIES
Effectively uses a variety of hand, power, pneumatic, and computer diagnostic tools and testing instruments to independently troubleshoot, maintain, repair and overhaul a variety of light rail vehicles (LRVs) to include specialized systems and components as well as related equipment, machinery, and tools, fare vending machines, and other vehicles owned and operated by the District; troubleshoots emergencies and/or operational problems, diagnoses problems and responds to off-site emergencies; may provide technical direction and/or functional supervision to less experienced employees; practices safe work processes and contributes to the creation and maintenance of a safe working environment for self and others; and performs other related duties as assigned.
Examples of Duties
Inspects, tests, diagnoses, maintains, repairs, modifies, and overhauls all systems and components of LRVs and other District equipment; uses electrical/electronic testing and diagnostic equipment and associated tools to inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain LRVs; interprets test results to diagnose malfunctions; plans troubleshooting procedures using schematics, diagrams, technical manuals, and expertise; installs, maintains, repairs and modifies electrical wiring and equipment such as motors, generators, HVAC climate control units, and related electronic systems; repairs/overhauls hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric brake systems, gear drive units, wheels, bearings, cam shaft controller unit, and other related equipment; replaces and/or repairs accessory parts such as headlights, mirrors, windows, seats, and performs door adjustments; maintains, modifies and repairs fare vending machines; replaces consumables, tests, repairs and modifies electrical, mechanical and electronic systems, including component repair to Printed Circuit Boards (PCB's); maintains and repairs re-rail equipment, shop machinery, and power tools, as assigned; energizes and de-energizes the overhead traction power system within the maintenance shop and adjacent yard areas when required for testing, maintenance, and repair of LRVs; operates LRVs in yard or on mainline to safely return LRV to the maintenance facility and to verify performance specifications; line routes, operates and moves LRVs and traction equipment as required for testing, servicing and performing repairs; safely operates a variety of District vehicles and equipment in the normal performance of duties; as directed, operates re-railing equipment and acts as flag person for the protection of the public, employees and trains during emergencies and rerouting of trains; documents and records work activities such as repairs made, parts usage and work in progress; and performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. SacRT reserves the right to determine the equivalences of education and experience.  
Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience: Four (4) years of progressively responsible journey level full-time work experience successfully performing mechanical, electrical, and electronic diagnostic, maintenance and repair functions on large and complex vehicles, machinery and/or equipment; or successful completion of District-sponsored certification and training program. Prior experience working on Light Rail Vehicles or related equipment is highly desirable.
Special Requirements, Licenses and/or Certificates: Possession of an LRV Mechanic A rating and/or possession of a Regional Transit Certification of ability to diagnose, repair, and overhaul electrical and mechanical systems for light rail vehicles and other support equipment; possession of a Class A California Driver's License permit with endorsement(s) on the first day of appointment, and the ability to obtain a Class A California Driver's License with endorsement(s) within 90 days of appointment; a satisfactory driving record; possession of a Forklift Operator  Certification or the ability to obtain a forklift certificate within 90 days of appointment, if required; ability to pass and maintain Regional Transit's examination for LRV Operator's License; pass the Ishihara Eye Test; obtain EPA 608 Type 2 Certification within 90 days of appointment; required to obtain  the tools for the Light Rail Vehicle Technician by the end of the probationary period.
Filing Instructions/Supplemental Information
The minimum qualifications as stated on this job announcement represent only the basic requirements of the position. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited to participate in other examination segments of the selection process. An employment application is required for this position. Applications, job announcements, and copies of the complete job description are available at our website at www.sacrt.com.
A completed employment application must be submitted online no later than Monday, July 27, 2026, at ll:59 p.m. SacRT will not process incomplete applications. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application but may be included with the application.  For more information on benefits, a summary sheet is available from the Human Resources Department. The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment process to accommodate candidates with disabilities. For more information, contact the Human Resources Department at 916-556-0298.
Note: Although the use of certain controlled substances is now legal in California for both recreational and/or medicinal purposes, if you are not able to pass a pre-employment drug screening, you will not be considered for this position.    
SacRT has a stand-alone pension plan which is not part of, nor does it have reciprocity with CalPERS.
SacRT is an Equal Opportunity Employer EOE

This position falls under the IBEW, Local 1245 Collective Bargaining Unit.