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Light Rail Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Hampton Roads Transit

Rail Hostler

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$23.67/hr

Operates Light Rail Vehicles within the confines of the storage yard and maintenance building. Operates a variety of non-revenue equipment in varying operating situations as required. * Performs ...

Gohrt

Rail Hostler

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$23.67/hr

Operates Light Rail Vehicles within the confines of the storage yard and maintenance building. Operates a variety of non-revenue equipment in varying operating situations as required. * Performs ...

Michael Baker Jr. Inc.

Office Engineer - Rail

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$84K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Coordinate with railroad operators, transit agencies, utilities, and third-party stakeholders ... commuter rail, light rail, or transit systems) * Experience preparing engineering plans ...

Michael Baker International

Office Engineer - Rail

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$84K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Coordinate with railroad operators, transit agencies, utilities, and thirdparty stakeholders * Help ... commuter rail, light rail, or transit systems) * Experience preparing engineering plans ...

Hampton Roads Transit

Track Maintainer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$27.41/hr

... Light Rail Right of Way. * Performs inspections of tracks and related drainage structures, paving, utilities, bridges, underpasses, and other elements related to maintaining safe operating right of ...

Gohrt

Track Maintainer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$27.41/hr

... Light Rail Right of Way. * Performs inspections of tracks and related drainage structures, paving, utilities, bridges, underpasses, and other elements related to maintaining safe operating right of ...

Gohrt

Electro-Mechanical Technician

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$34.50/hr

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 ...

Herzog

Equipment Operators

Springfield, VA · On-site

$35 - $43/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

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 ...

Herzog

Equipment Operators

Springfield, VA · On-site

$35 - $43/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

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 ...

System One

Rail Yard Groundskeeper

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

This position is responsible for vegetation control, grounds maintenance, snow removal, debris cleanup, and operating light equipment to ensure the rail yard remains safe and operational year-round.

System One

Rail Yard Groundskeeper

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

This position is responsible for vegetation control, grounds maintenance, snow removal, debris cleanup, and operating light equipment to ensure the rail yard remains safe and operational year-round.

System One

Rail Yard Groundskeeper

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

This position is responsible for vegetation control, grounds maintenance, snow removal, debris cleanup, and operating light equipment to ensure the rail yard remains safe and operational year-round.

System One

Rail Yard Groundskeeper

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

This position is responsible for vegetation control, grounds maintenance, snow removal, debris cleanup, and operating light equipment to ensure the rail yard remains safe and operational year-round.

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All JobsLight Rail Operator JobsLight Rail Operator Jobs in Virginia

Light Rail Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$26

$64

How much do light rail operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for light rail operator in Virginia is $26.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.36 and $26.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a light rail operator?

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 does a light rail operator do?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a light rail operator?

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.

How do you become a light rail operator?

To become a light rail operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and a clean driving record. They must complete a training program provided by the transit agency, which includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training, and often pass a licensing exam or certification specific to operating light rail vehicles.

How much do light rail operators make?

Light rail operators typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often require a commercial driver's license and safety training, and may work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

What are popular job titles related to Light Rail Operator jobs in Virginia?

For Light Rail Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Light Rail Operator jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Light Rail Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Light Rail Operator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Light Rail Operator job openings:

Light Rail Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Light Rail Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,724 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Rail Hostler

Hampton Roads Transit

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$23.67/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Hampton Roads Transit rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 98 rated public transport

Job description

Hampton Roads Transit is looking for dynamic, customer service oriented, and energetic people to become part of a committed team providing excellent and effective public transportation to the Hampton Roads region. We offer unmatched benefits and competitive wages in a stimulating and rewarding environment.
Hourly Wage: $23.67
Essential Job Functions:
(Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor to limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.)
  • Operates Light Rail Vehicles within the confines of the storage yard and maintenance building. Operates a variety of non-revenue equipment in varying operating situations as required.
  • Performs light maintenance and inspection on revenue and non-revenue vehicles as assigned.
  • Responsible for configuring yard arrangement and vehicle configuration for timely service pull-out. Reports vehicle locations to OCC on a regular basis. Uses various forms of data and paper or electronic forms in the performance of this function.
  • Responsible for the replenishment of vehicle consumables including but not limited to traction sand, windshield washer fluid, lubricants, and the like. Records usage on a vehicle basis.
  • Adheres to the highest quality and safety standards while meeting original equipment manufacturer's requirement in the performance of all job responsibilities.
  • Performs light and heavy vehicle cleaning using a variety of cleaning equipment.
  • Performs shop and non-revenue vehicle cleaning as assigned.
  • Performs pre-operational inspections on shop non-revenue vehicles as assigned.
  • Develops and delivers job related training to Hampton Roads Transit employees, in the safe and efficient performance of Hostler duties.
  • Must meet ongoing educational, training and DOT requirements and maintain On Track Equipment Certification to be retained in the position.
  • Manage records created and received in compliance with the Hampton Roads Transit Records Management Policies and Procedures.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills essential to Job Functions:
  • Written and verbal communication. Must be able interpret and carry out verbal and written assignments.
  • Problem analysis and resolution skills.
  • Ability to perform light maintenance repair.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Ability to manage multiple responsibilities/priorities simultaneously.
  • Must meet established Hampton Roads Transit goals and work standards.

Required Software Knowledge and Skills essential to Job 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:
Microsoft Windows and Office products, HRT's Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software for maintenance, and HRT's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software for finance.
Safety Responsibility:
Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures and policies. Take an active part in reporting unsafe conditions and any hazards within the workplace to their Supervisor, Manager and/or the Safety Department.
Qualifications:
Training and/or Education:
High School Diploma or GED
Required Experience:
Five (5) years of progressively responsible employment history.
License:
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 Rail Operations Rule Book examination, physical agility examinations, and successfully complete Equipment Training/Certification Programs and rail vehicle equipment training. Must complete training and demonstrate proficiency in light rail vehicle operation.
  • Must successfully complete all job-related training and educational programs to retain employment in the position.
  • Ability to pass DOT physical examination.
  • This position is classified as essential personnel.

FLSA Status:
Non-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.
  • Ability to perform heavy manual labor, frequently lifting 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds with the assistance of applicable equipment or other employees.
  • Must be able to work from heights with the assistance of proper safety equipment
  • Ability to work in all outdoor weather conditions.
  • Exposure to dirt, grease, sand, oil, and various chemicals.
  • Ability to meet hearing requirements of 0-20db

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 shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Non-Exempt
HRT 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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