Light Rail Vehicle Operator

UNION PAY RATE: This•Tacoma, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general direction, operates light rail vehicles on the Tacoma mainline, in the yard, and in the operations and maintenance facility. Ensures conformance with performance standards, safety requirements, rules, and schedules; conducts pre-trip and post-trip safety and maintenance checks and inspections; completes accident and other reports; and responds to customer inquiries. Operators must be flexible to work shifts between 4:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m., Monday through Sunday. Extended hours and nights may also be required for special events and testing and commissioning activities. This is a safety-sensitive position requiring a DOT physical meeting the applicable standard for at least a one-year certification under 49 CFR 391.4, recertification as needed, and a negative drug test. Federal regulations require random, post-accident, reasonable-suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing under Federal Transit Authority protocols. The role requires a high school diploma or GED and successful completion of training and a post-training qualification period. Sound Transit can train candidates with safe driving skills to operate a light rail vehicle. One year of light or heavy rail transit vehicle operation experience is highly desirable, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid state driver’s license is required, with no more than one violation in the past 12 months, excluding DUI and reckless driving. This is a union position represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU). The contractually set starting rate is $30.45 per hour, and the terms of the bargaining agreement apply. New employees receive 25 days of PTO and up to two floating holidays per calendar year, depending on start date. Employees receive two volunteer days per year beginning the next calendar year. The position is described as working in a hybrid environment, with an expectation of working in the office at least three days per week; field work may involve exposure to dangerous machinery, extreme weather, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, or extreme noise.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and successful completion of training and the post-training qualification period.
Valid state driver’s license with no more than one violation in the past 12 months, excluding DUI and reckless driving.
Ability to meet DOT physical standards for at least a one-year certification under 49 CFR 391.4, complete recertification as needed, and pass required drug testing.
Knowledge of pertinent traffic laws, ordinances, and safety rules for operating light rail vehicles; safe public transportation methods; vehicle operating characteristics; basic troubleshooting; and standard safety precautions.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, policies, and regulations; record keeping; business letter writing and basic report preparation; and English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
Ability to use personal computer software for assigned work and to compile and prepare spreadsheets and reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups, and the public.
Ability to interpret and administer policies and procedures, and to discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
Ability to operate passenger light rail vehicles safely and in accordance with applicable traffic laws; perform preventive maintenance inspections; maintain clean vehicle appearance; and keep to tight schedules.
Ability to perform safety inspections, identify hazards, and interpret and use operating and repair manuals related to a light rail system.
Ability to maintain repair and maintenance records, communicate clearly orally and in writing, and prepare clear and concise incident and accident reports.
Ability to work cooperatively with other departments, Agency officials, and outside agencies.
Flexibility to work shifts between 4:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m., Monday through Sunday, and extended hours or nights for special events, testing, and commissioning activities.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience operating light or heavy rail transit vehicles is highly desirable.
An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Operate light rail vehicles according to performance standards, safety requirements, rules, and schedules; maintain appropriate speed and distance, obey signals and speed signs, ensure safe passenger boarding and de-boarding, count passengers, and transport them safely.
Provide safe and courteous accessibility for wheelchair passengers; give customers route and transportation information or directions; announce special and station stops; and make required announcements.
Operate track switches electrically or manually as circumstances require to ensure correct routing.
Inspect and prepare vehicles for passenger service or test operations; conduct pre-trip and post-trip safety and maintenance checks, check train sandboxes, report defects, and couple or uncouple trains as necessary.
Troubleshoot operating problems and perform train operations as necessary to restore service disruptions; report defects and unsafe conditions involving tracks, switches, equipment, or other conditions that may affect safe train movement.
Notify a supervisor of emergencies on or near the right-of-way and service disruptions, and request instructions or assistance as needed.
Provide customers with information during evacuations, oversee safe and orderly passenger evacuation, follow emergency procedures, guide customers to alternate bus service during disruptions, and perform flagging duties during emergencies such as collisions, derailments, or vehicle breakdowns.
Prepare written reports of witnessed incidents, accidents, unusual conditions, and events that affect train movement or Agency property.
Turn in lost articles to the proper authority; respond courteously and helpfully to customer inquiries; and train other employees in light rail vehicle operation as necessary.
Support the division or department and others as directed; stay aware of relevant developments and apply them appropriately; and ensure processes, policies, and practices are applied consistently and effectively.
Follow applicable laws, Agency policies and procedures, rules, and regulations; model Sound Transit's core values; and contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Follow Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures, and integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

25 days of PTO for new employees.
Up to two floating holidays per calendar year: two for employees starting January through June and one for employees starting July through December.
Two volunteer days per year, beginning in the next calendar year.
Two medical plan choices, dental coverage, and vision coverage at no cost for employee coverage.
Comprehensive health benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
Long-term disability and life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
401a retirement plan with a 10% employee contribution and a 12% Sound Transit match.
457b retirement plan with employee contributions up to the IRS maximum.
12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
Pet insurance.
Free ORCA card for full-time employees.
Tuition reimbursement of up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
Work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and recognition from colleagues.