Light Rail Vehicle Operator Training

Bi-State Development Agency of the Missouri-Illinois Metropolitan District•East St. Louis, IL

2d•$24 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves operating Agency trains consisting of light rail vehicles (LRVs), ensuring the safety of customers and equipment. The position requires performing routine vehicle inspections to guarantee proper operation, such as pre-trip radio checks, lamp tests, door cycling, mirror adjustments, and checking destination signs. The operator will communicate essential information to customers, TSM, and other designated personnel, and respond to customer inquiries. The role operates under Agency transportation guidelines, operating rules, and procedures.

Requirements

Ability to communicate orally with customers and supervisor; ability to read and understand training materials, operating manuals and operating and safety rules directives; ability to prepare clear written reports of incidents and accidents.
Maintain good customer relations.
No more than one (1) preventable accident in the twenty-four (24) months immediately preceding bid on LRV Operator.
Possession of a current valid Commercial Drivers’ License. (Class A or B w/ Passenger endorsement and no Airbrake Restrictions)
Ability to perform the physical requirements of job.
Successful completion of training program and post-training qualification period.
To comply with Section 64 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, selected employees will not be able to withdraw after 10 workdays following the start of training. Any LRV operator who voluntarily withdraws from LRV Operator training will not be eligible for LRV Operator training for a period of two (2) years. Any LRV Operator who voluntarily withdraws from LRV Training for a second or subsequent times will not be allowed to bid on LRV positions for a period of five (5) years following each withdrawal. Employees who successfully pass the training will be awarded LRV Operator jobs in the order of their seniority as vacancies occur.
During the training, employees will retain their current hourly rate of pay.
This position will be filled internally subject to the requirements and procedures established for acceptance of bids on particular jobs as set out in the collective bargaining agreement.

Responsibilities

Inspects, prepares for operation and/or reports vehicle defects found during routine vehicle inspection, to ensure safe and serviceable conditions. Reports these problems or defects to the appropriate authority.
Operates LRV in revenue service in a safe manner in accordance with operating rules and procedures, maintaining appropriate speed and distance from preceding vehicles, boards and deboards passengers. Makes and brakes up train consists; operates trains in non-revenue service on line and in yards and shops, through car washer and during maintenance, testing and inspections. Operates switches through controls or manually; performs operations necessary to restore movement by trouble-shooting problem conditions. Trains other employees in LRV operations.
Answers customer inquiries and maintains a courteous and friendly demeanor with all customers. Announces all special and station stops; provides proper information to customers requesting same; makes special announcements as requested.
Notifies Central Control of any emergency situations on or on near right-of-way (ROW) or of service disruption, requesting appropriate additional instruction or assistance as required.
Communicates to customers and the Operations Control Center appropriate information in the event of a need to evacuate an LRV or train and then oversees the safe and orderly evacuation of the vehicle(s). Endeavors to control such an evacuation and safeguard customers in accordance with prescribed emergency procedures.
Issues emergency transfers and guides/assists customers to alternate bus service in the event of a service disruption. Performs flagging duties during emergency situations such as collisions, derailments or vehicle breakdowns.
Activates switches, electrically or manually, as circumstances may warrant, ensuring correct routing.
May oversee or verify proper payment of fares. If fareboxes are utilized, operates and monitors registering farebox equipment and records any or all passengers and revenue information relative to the farebox.
Maintains knowledge of Bi-State bus and light rail system in order to provide routine information and direction to our customers.
Produces written reports of witnessed incidents as well as accidents, incidents and unusual conditions in which there has been direct or indirect involvement or that affect the movement of trains or the condition of Agency property.
Operates LRV’s through vehicle washing machinery and to proper location in the yard; closes windows prior to entering wash area; opens and closes vehicle windows as required for customer comfort.
Notifies and turns in to proper authority all lost articles found on the LRV.
Reports observed defects and unsafe conditions regarding tracks, switches and related equipment while operating LRV’s, and other conditions that may affect the safe movement of trains.

Benefits

Competitive salary
Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage starting on your first day
4 weeks of paid time off (PTO) each year
10 paid holidays annually — plus a floating holiday
Company-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan
Supplemental benefits through Unum, including off-the-job accident, critical illness, whole life, and hospital indemnity insurance
Wellness program, which includes free health screenings
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support and resources
Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
Exclusive gym discounts at Club Fitness, The Edge Fitness Clubs, and OneLife Fitness at Ballpark Village
Nine onsite gyms, available 24/7
Free MetroLink and MetroBus access
Discounted cell phone plans