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Light Rail Operator Jobs in Dallas, TX (NOW HIRING)

AVP Chief Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$122K - $201K/yr

... Light Rail, Trinity Railway Express (TRE), and other DART-owned corridors. This executive-level ... Develops and manages operating and capital budgets, including cost estimates, schedule planning ...

Employee Focus JOB SUMMARY The Production Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently ... Ability to work near, around, or on light or heavy equipment * Ability to repeatedly climb stairs ...

Facilities Maintenance Technician

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... operating efficiently. This is a hands-on position that includes routine cleaning, light ... rail projects. We believe our culture is at the heart of our existence. It is that belief which ...

Facilities Maintenance Technician

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... operating efficiently. This is a hands-on position that includes routine cleaning, light ... rail projects. We believe our culture is at the heart of our existence. It is that belief which ...

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Excavator Operator

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

MINI EXCAVATOR OPERATOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Ensure locates are correct * Safely and ... to Rail Road signal cabins Highway electrical Light poles Utility poles Benefits IEC Education ...

Flagger

Irving, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Ensure compliance with applicable safety and operating rules and federal regulations. * Promote ... light rail, streetcar, and freight rail projects. We believe our culture is at the heart of our ...

Flagger

Irving, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Ensure compliance with applicable safety and operating rules and federal regulations. * Promote ... light rail, streetcar, and freight rail projects. We believe our culture is at the heart of our ...

This position will be responsible for operating the excavator to clean up wrecked/damages rail and ... Light to Moderate Work Capacity: Shredder Operator Work Capacity Sensory Demands: Hearing, vision ...

This position will be responsible for operating the excavator to clean up wrecked/damages rail and ... Light to Moderate • Work Capacity: Shredder Operator Work Capacity • Sensory Demands: Hearing ...

This position will be responsible for operating the excavator to clean up wrecked/damages rail and ... Light to Moderate • Work Capacity: Shredder Operator Work Capacity • Sensory Demands: Hearing ...

Special Imaging MRI Supervisor

Dallas, TX · On-site

$36.25 - $49.50/hr

... dept operating multiple scanners and performing complex MRI exams, including those involving ... Home to one of the fastest-growing light rail systems in the nation * Uptown, an upscale ...

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Light Rail Operator information

See Dallas, TX salary details

$10

$27

$65

How much do light rail operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for light rail operator in Dallas, TX is $27.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.60 and $27.04 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 job categories do people searching Light Rail Operator jobs in Dallas, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Light Rail Operator jobs in Dallas, TX are:

What cities near Dallas, TX are hiring for Light Rail Operator jobs?

Cities near Dallas, TX with the most Light Rail Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Light Rail Operator job openings in Dallas, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,541 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

$122K - $201K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Pay Range:
$122,308.00 - $201,808.00Supervisory Organization:
VP Capital Programs
Country:
United States of America
Address:
1401 PACIFIC AVE
City:
DALLAS, TX 75202
FLSA:
Exempt
Professionals:
01 - Official Administrator (EEO-4-United States of America), 1A - Officials and Executives (EEO-SubCategory)
General Summary:
The AVP - Chief Engineer provides strategic leadership and oversight of DART's major capital projects and maintenance of way (MOW) operations across the DART Light Rail, Trinity Railway Express (TRE), and other DART-owned corridors. This executive-level role manages internal staff, consultants, contractors, and third parties involved in design, construction, inspection, and maintenance activities, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and engineering excellence across multiple transportation modes and systems.
This position oversees complex, high-value contracts and infrastructure programs, and serves as a key liaison with federal, state, and local agencies, freight railroads, and other stakeholders. The AVP - Chief Engineer is responsible for aligning engineering and construction efforts with agency goals, managing resources, and delivering high-profile infrastructure programs under public and political scrutiny.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provides executive leadership over engineering, design, construction, and maintenance activities for DART Light Rail, TRE, and other DART-owned corridors, ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
  • Oversees complex, high-value infrastructure programs and contracts, including capital projects and maintenance of way (MOW) disciplines such as track, bridges, facilities, and signals.
  • Develops and implements engineering standards and procedures in alignment with AREMA, FRA, FTA, and other applicable regulations.
  • Directs the activities of contractors, consultants, and internal staff involved in inspections, preventative maintenance, design, construction, and system upgrades.
  • Serves as the primary engineering liaison with internal departments, Trinity Metro, federal and state agencies, municipalities, third parties, and freight railroads.
  • Leads a team of internal staff and consultants to review complex third-party projects for design compliance and coordination with DART infrastructure, ensuring protection of agency assets and adherence to standards.
  • Develops and manages operating and capital budgets, including cost estimates, schedule planning, and variance reporting.
  • Leads emergency response coordination related to infrastructure incidents, including collaboration with operations and maintenance contractors.
  • Provides technical analysis and support for capital programs across departments and ensures alignment with agency goals.
  • Oversees procurement activities including contract development, evaluation, negotiation, and performance monitoring.
  • Supervises and develops engineering staff; provides coaching, performance feedback, and personnel recommendations.
  • Prepares and presents reports to executive leadership, the Board, and external stakeholders on project status, performance, and resource allocation.
  • Participates in on-call duty assignments as needed, including occasional weekend coverage, to support operational and emergency response requirements.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Note: An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the below stated minimums excluding High School Diploma, GED, Licenses, or Certifications.
  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in Structural, Civil Engineering or related field.
  • Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in engineering, construction, and maintenance of way (MOW) activities, including track, bridges, facilities, and signals. Experience must include oversight of complex infrastructure projects and supervision of staff, consultants, or contractors. Experience should also include major engineering and construction project management across various transportation modes, stakeholders, and regulatory/jurisdictional authorities. Must include experience directing professional staff and/or consultants involved in engineering and/or construction. Experience with multiple project delivery methods-such as Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, Construction Manager/General Contractor, and Progressive Design-Build-is preferred.
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) is preferred for this position to apply prudent engineering principles and standards within management portfolio.
  • Working knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations.
  • Understanding of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) safety and design standards.
  • Must be able to traverse diverse terrain typical of active rail corridors and construction sites.
  • Must maintain current roadway worker protection status.
  • Must be able to respond to emergency situations and participate in on-call assignments as needed.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Effective communicator with the ability to write clearly and present complex information to varied audiences.
  • Proven ability to lead teams, foster collaboration, and build morale.
  • Skilled in resource management, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
  • Ability to negotiate and resolve disputes equitably.
  • Quick learner with the ability to adapt to new technical and industry developments.
  • Ability to accurately scope out length and difficulty of tasks and projects; sets objectives and goals, breaks down work into process steps, develops schedules and task/people assignments, anticipates and adjusts for problems and roadblocks, measures performance against goals, and evaluates results.
  • Ability to read a situation quickly; good at focused listening; can effectively negotiate difficult agreements and settle disputes equitably; can find common ground and get cooperation with minimum noise.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Works in an environment where there is minimum exposure to dust, noise, or temperature. May be moderately exposed to unpleasant working conditions to include dust, noise, temperature, weather, petroleum products, and chemicals while visiting DART's operating facilities, assuming incumbent is observing all policies and procedures, safety precautions and regulations, and using all protective clothing and devices provided.
Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may perform other duties as assigned.
DART is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, supporting diversity in the workplace. M/F/D/V
Open until qualified applicants are identified.