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Light Rail Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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

$35 - $43/hr

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

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.

Herzog

Equipment Operators

Springfield, VA · On-site

$35 - $43/hr

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

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

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

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.

Charah Solutions

Rail Equipment Operator

Chester, VA · On-site

Operating automated systems that propel trains, add or remove cars, or switch cars around to unload ... light, picture, etc) * Must have the ability to communicate clearly, listen and understand ...

Hampton Roads Transit

Staff Auditor

Hampton, VA · On-site

Assists with all PTASP and SSPP internal audits for all departments that fall under Light Rail ... operating processes; identifying root causes. Supports external auditors by coordinating ...

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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 9, 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.

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 that covers safety procedures, operational skills, and customer service, often provided by the transit agency, and may need to pass written and practical exams before starting work.

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.

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 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.

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:
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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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,724 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Office Engineer - Rail

Michael Baker International, Inc.

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$84K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Michael Baker International rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 446 rated engineering

Job description


Rail and Transit Practice
Whether moving people or freight, future rail and transit solutions will be shaped by energy costs, urban growth, and environmental priorities. Michael Baker helps freight railroads, transit authorities, and state DOTs address these challenges through services focused on state of good repair, capacity, safety, asset management, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. By partnering closely with our clients, we deliver innovative, practical, and cost-effective solutions that support the successful delivery of complex rail and transit projects.
What We're Looking For:
Michael Baker is adding an Office Engineer to our Rail & Transit team in Alexandria, VA! In this role, you will support the planning, design, and delivery of rail infrastructure projects by applying your professional engineering judgment to develop technically sound solutions and support construction activities, and you will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary Rail design teams, construction staff, public agencies, and railroad stakeholders to help deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality rail projects across all phases of project delivery.
What You'll Do:
  • Perform civil engineering design and technical analysis for rail infrastructure projects, including track, grading, drainage, site civil elements, and structural interfaces
  • Prepare and review engineering plans, specifications, technical reports, and cost estimates
  • Coordinate with project managers, designers, construction managers, and inspectors throughout design and construction phases
  • Support permitting and regulatory compliance efforts in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements
  • Apply railroad and transit standards, including AREMA, FRA, and client-specific guidelines, during project execution
  • Participate in design reviews, constructability reviews, and value engineering efforts
  • Respond to RFIs and provide engineering support during construction
  • Coordinate with railroad operators, transit agencies, utilities, and third-party stakeholders
  • Help ensure that designs and construction support activities meet safety, quality, schedule, and budget objectives
  • Maintain organized and accurate project documentation throughout the project lifecycle

What You Need to Succeed:
  • A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.
  • A minimum of 6 years professional civil engineering experience supporting rail infrastructure initiatives and projects (preferably for freight rail, commuter rail, light rail, or transit systems)
  • Experience preparing engineering plans, specifications, and technical documentation
  • A strong understanding of civil design principles and construction methods
  • Excellent communication, coordination, problem-solving and client-facing skills
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and work collaboratively in a team environment

Compensation:
The approximate compensation range for this position is $84,000-$110,000 per year. This compensation range is a good-faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.
Why Choose Us:
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
  • Professional and personal development
  • Generous paid time off
  • Commuter and wellness benefits

About Us
Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.
Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.
We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.
We Make a Difference.
Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.
*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.

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