Light Rail Train Operator Jobs in Washington, DC

Salary Range: $71,000 - $81,000

Benefit Package: PLTO offers an excellent compensation and benefits package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) retirement, vacation, holiday and sick pay, etc.)

General Description:

Under the general direction of the Deputy Director of Operations, the Transportation Line Supervisor is an important member of the PLTO management and supervisory team. During the pre-revenue period of the project (Construction phase), the Transportation Line Supervisor will support testing and commissioning activities including the supervision and/or operation of test trains under the direction of the Rail and Test Directors. Line Supervisors will also participate in the preparation of operating rules, procedures, and other special operating instructions for operating personnel.

Once the Purple Line is commissioned for revenue service, Transportation Line Supervisors’ primary responsibilities shall be monitoring transit operations, LRV operators, and the overall safe delivery of reliable Purple Line customer service. Line Supervisors shall also respond to accidents, investigate and document incidents, and issue directives and/or discipline to employees under their supervision.

Transportation Line Supervisors shall be trained to assist with the operation of safe and efficient light rail train service connecting Bethesda to New Carrollton Stations. Additional responsibilities include interacting with the public in a professional manner, addressing general service impacts as it relates to accidents, detours, mechanical issues, and monitoring the daily performance of LRV operators. This position thoroughly and effectively uses various transit software, technology, tools, and similar methods.

The Transportation Line Supervisor also serves as a Company ambassador to the public while providing the highest quality of customer service and addressing concerns related to PLTO services. Other responsibilities include assisting with training and onboarding new Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) Operators, conducting meetings, participating in Company events, and making service recommendations to operations management as needed.

Responsibilities/Essential Function

1. Serve as a key member of the operations team during the pre-revenue phase by participating in all required training to become a qualified Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) Operator.
2. Operate LRVs during the system's startup and ramp-up phases after successful completion of qualification requirements, supporting operational readiness and service delivery.
3. Serve as subject matter experts after qualification by mentoring and guiding future LRV Operators, ensuring consistent operational standards and best practices.
4. Support the development of training materials and standard operating procedures (SOPs) by leveraging firsthand experience with LRV operations and safety protocols.
5. Ensure LRV Operators perform their duties diligently, safely, and in accordance with Company policies, Operating Rules, Roadway Worker Protection, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.
6. Coach, counsel, and develop LRV Operators, providing the necessary documentation for certifications upon successful completion of training programs. Deliver performance feedback to support evaluations.
7. Perform Fitness for Duty checks as required by PLTO and the FTA and serve as the Company representative for reasonable cause or post-accident testing procedures.
8. Monitor LRV operations, road conditions, and service disruptions to ensure the safe and timely provision of service. Respond to emergencies and incidents, assess situations, and act as the Railroad Operations Commander (ROC), coordinating with the Operations Control Center (OCC) and first responders.
9. Perform evaluations and downloads of LRV’s, conduct required Efficiency Testing, monitor vehicle loading procedures, and ensure compliance with all Operating Rules, safety, cleanliness, and service standards.
10. Investigate operational issues, rule violations, safety concerns, and passenger complaints.
11. Recommend and implement corrective actions or procedural improvements, as necessary.
12. Assign LRV Operators to shifts and duties in alignment with job descriptions, any union agreements, and company policies. Manage employees and LRV operations to optimize On-Time-Performance (OTP) and make recommendations to improve performance.
13. Manage Operators to ensure adequate staffing and service coverage.
14. Administer and uphold the terms and conditions of any collective bargaining agreement. Escalate labor relations matters or violations to senior management.
15. At all times, professionally interact with passengers, LRV Operators and all PLTO staff, and the general public. Assist passengers with disabilities, including securement of mobility devices, when necessary.
16. Safely troubleshoot onboard train issues, coordinate with dispatch and report equipment issues to the Maintenance Department. Facilitate LRV exchanges as needed.
17. If requested, support recruitment and onboarding efforts by participating in job fairs, interviewing candidates, and collaborating with Human Resources and Operations leadership.
18. Stay current on all applicable regulations, procedures, and industry best practices. Attend mandatory meetings, trainings, and development opportunities.
19. Provide timely and accurate documentation of incidents, delays, and safety issues to relevant leadership. Complete and submit reports related to passenger incidents, accidents, and operational concerns.
20. Assist with special projects and other transportation-related duties as assigned by senior management.
21. Cooperatively and effectively performs related tasks and duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to become certified to operate a LRV and maintain certification.
• Knowledge of all applicable Transportation based regulations such as FTA, OSHA, and DOT.
• Demonstrated ability to acquire knowledge of transit vehicle operations.
• Competency to become familiar with state and local traffic regulations.
• Competency to be trained in transit services, routes, and time schedules.
• Ability to use two-way communication devices, including smart-phones and radios.
• Basic working knowledge of computers, hardware, and software programs (specifically those related to Transit Operations and Microsoft Office such as Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
• Excellent customer service and customer relations skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to make independent decisions within scope of responsibility.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; to include providing guidance and instruction to others.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks.
• Must possess time management, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills.

Emotional, Psychological and Physical Requirements:

Ability to:

• Supervise and manage an operating division
• Work variable hours such as nights, weekends and holidays as required and endure high levels of stress
• Handle emergency situations, calmly and effectively
• Make quick and concise decisions
• Concentrate on priority tasks with frequent interruptions
• Maintain high alert of dangers and obstacles outside of and inside of transit trains.
• Interact with the public that may include working to defuse situations with individuals who may at times become aggressive or violent in nature if escalated. If needed, escalate to law enforcement to intervene

Physically:

• Sit frequently for long periods of time
• Walk and stand periodically while on duty, in stations, along the alignment or throughout various Purple Line facilities.
• Bend, twist, and turn frequently and consistently during shift
• Work in a field environment possibly under adverse weather conditions
• Lifts light loads at times (<50 lbs.)
• Bending or stooping while inspecting vehicles
• Work in an office environment and remotely in a vehicle

Additional/Miscellaneous/Special Requirements:

• Acceptable drug/alcohol screen and pre-employment physical (including vision and hearing requirements) results upon hire and as regularly required by policy for position
• May be required to attend training, meetings, and classes for continued professional development which may require local travel within the Washington Metropolitan area
• Acceptable driving record must be maintained throughout entirety of employment
• Must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and be willing to comply with the PLTO Drug and Alcohol Policy
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. and successfully pass a pre-employment background check
• A valid Driver's License is required, and a valid Maryland license is preferred

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Business Administration or a related field preferred
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in providing instructions or directions to others in a professional setting is required
• Five (5) years of experience working in transit is desirable, including one (1) year of experience in management/supervision, dispatch, and/or scheduling. is highly preferred
• Experience working in a union environment is preferred
• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree or higher may be considered