Rail Controller #2409-289400-01

The City of Charlotte is the largest municipality in North Carolina and the 15th largest city in the United States, with a total population of more than 897,000 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.

Rail Controllers monitor, manage, and control all scheduled revenue service, special train movements, special events, and activities along the rail right of way.  This is a professional traffic management position of a difficult nature, requiring extensive supervisory skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment during highly stressful situations.  

The Rail Controller must be able to multi-task, communicate in writing, and verbally provide instructions in a clear and concise manner.  Adherence to rules/policies and procedures while exercising independent judgment is required in solving rail service issues and during rail emergencies.  Start-up experience, including railcar commissioning, test track operations, system integration, control center procedures, and pre-revenue service, is desirable.  This position reports to the Rail Controller Managers in Rail Transportation.  This is a security and safety-sensitive position.

This position comes with various benefits. Candidates will be required to complete and pass all CATS controller training and standardized tests. The candidate for this position must have the flexibility to work various scheduled shifts on a consistent basis.

The Rail Control Center is a 24/7 operation, and you would be an essential employee required to work extended hours, including holidays and weekends, with various days off.

Candidates must pass a phone screening interview and computer-based entry test to demonstrate knowledge about areas listed under responsibilities to be considered for the formal interview process.

Understanding of the Policies and Procedures of CATS and working knowledge of Light Rail Operations Policy and Procedures related to CATS light rail vehicles and operators.

• Light Rail Operations schedule.
• Organize work and set priorities.
• Make accurate time calculations.
• Keep legible and accurate records.
• Work independently.
• Multi-tasking skills
• Thorough knowledge and proficiency in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisitions (SCADA) systems.
• Proficiency in energizing/de-energizing the traction power system and signal and switch commands via SCADA.
• Operate computer terminals and systems, including common software programs and a computerized dispatch system.

Physical Requirements:

• Operate a two-way radio, public address system, variable message boards, camera system, and emergency notification messaging system.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with internal and external departments.

Sensory Requirements: 

• Speech
• Touch
• Hearing

• Vision – 20/20 or correctable to 20/20 (near, distance and peripheral)
• Must be able to work while in a seated position for extended periods.

Associate degree and three years of rail traffic controller/dispatcher experience using SCADA technology. 

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.