Rail Operator #2006-289500-01

The City of Charlotte is the largest municipality in North Carolina and the 17th largest city in the United States, with a total population of more than 872,498 citizens. A major commerce center, Charlotte hosts several of the nation’s largest banks and technology companies.

Also known as the Queen City, Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We work hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone – a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play. Join us in helping to keep our City thriving, ensuring upward mobility and advancement in the workplace.

• Operates CATS LRVs during revenue and non-revenue service including main line operations.
• Operates LRVs safely in accordance with operating rules, procedures, and scheduled running times.
• Operates two-way radio systems in accordance with CATS established rules and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.
• Electrically and manually operates switches and other systems as required.
• Conducts pre-trip inspection of assigned light rail vehicle equipment in accordance with rules and standard operating procedures.
• Performs en-route troubleshooting on vehicle problems to restore service.
• Provides assistance to patrons as required such as announcing station stops, bus connections, and other communication pertaining to Light Rail Operations and guides and assists customers with accessing alternate bus service.
• Works variable shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required for operational efficiency.
• Notifies Rail Operations Control Center of any emergency, abnormal or unsafe conditions as required.
• Maintains knowledge and adheres to rules, procedures, policies, bulletins, notices and regulatory requirements pertaining to rail operations to ensure a safe, efficient and courteous service to customers.
• Attends required training classes to maintain required license and rail operator certification.
• Assists in providing on-the-job instruction to student personnel to help qualifying them as Rail Operators.
• Completes forms and paperwork such as accident/incident reports and defect cards as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Ability to pass entry level examination and interview.
• Ability to pass a DOT medical certification physical examination, possess a Class B CDL with passenger endorsement, comprehend rules and procedures, and successfully complete Rail Operator training program.
• Ability to maintain a continuous focus on safety and ability to operate LRV's during varying operating and weather conditions.
• Follow oral and written instructions with minimal supervision.
• Must demonstrate a favorable attitude toward public service.
• Ability to multitask.
• Ability to remain calm during emergencies and unusual occurrences.
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly in English both orally and in writing, (bilingual English/Spanish(highly desirable).
• PC skills to include Microsoft Office programs. 
• Must have a good driving record.

Essential Duties: Note: Essential  Skills are skills and abilities that candidates must be able to perform or have the ability to perform in the performance of their required duties. Not meeting the requirements or not having the ability to perform essential skills may be grounds for disqualification.

• Candidate are required to work irregular hours, shifts, inclement weather, special events and overtime as required.
• Candidates may be required to respond to emergencies on a 24 hour, 7 days a week basis.
• Must complete 6 month probationary period.
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly in English both orally and in writing. 
• Must be able to accurately document work on logs, spreadsheets, documents and forms as well as use a computerized train operator display.
• Must have the ability to effectively operate LRV controls and all LRV accessories.
• Must successfully complete all training assignments and maintain qualifications where required.
• Must be able to safely couple, uncouple and operate LRVs in the yard and shops.
• Must be able to work in the safety critical environments associated with operation of a rail system.
• Must maintain regular and consistent attendance.
• Must successfully complete all required training and maintain needed qualifications and employee requirements.
• Must meet Physical and Sensory Requirements and the Special Provisions listed below.
• This position is considered “Safety Sensitive” under FTA guidelines and will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.   
• Must be able to hand operate switches in the rail yard and on mainline Must be able to stand and walk on uneven surfaces while working.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods and have the ability to reach at shoulder level or above.
• Must be able to work in all required Personal Protective Equipment and Safety gear.
• Must be able to work in the assigned uniform approved by CATS. ·         Ability to work both inside and outside in varying weather and environmental conditions ·    
• Must be able to turn a crank located inside the LRV (Trolley/Streetcar) minimum 90 times while standing to raise and lower the pantograph.
• Must be able to board and disembark LRVs on ballast tracks.
• Must be able to pass agilities test

• Experience in operating automotive equipment.
• Experience in operating transit vehicles (preferred).
• Experience in dealing with the public.
• Experience in operating a light rail vehicle (high desirable).
• Candidates have a current DOT medical Card

High school graduation or equivalent and one year relevant work experience. 

OR possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Minimum age at time of employment in the classification of Rail Operator in 21.

Must demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak and easily understand the English language.

AND

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) 

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where we have workstations available. Our office is located at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

Anyone seeking an accommodation to apply for a job may call (704) 336-2285 for assistance or you may email questions to CityHrJobPostingsNotify@ci.charlotte.nc.us.

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to all employees.

Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.