LRT Operator Trainee

Houston METRO (Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County)•Houston, TX

40d

About The Position

Upon certification as a Light Rail Train (LRT) Operator, the employee operates METRORail Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) in accordance with established policies and procedures. The operator must maintain recertification every two years and perform duties safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable rules and safety procedures. The position requires successful completion of safety and training standards, vehicle familiarization, and vendor training as required. The operator interacts with passengers, communicates with the Train Control Center, performs vehicle inspections and troubleshooting, and completes operational and incident paperwork. The role also supports safety programs and provides customer service to METRO’s internal and external customers.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Internal applicants: at least six months as a part-time or full-time METRO Bus Operator, or one year as a METRO employee.
Internal applicants must have an acceptable work record, including no suspensions, no more than one reprimand, three or fewer misses, and no preventable vehicular accidents in the 12 months before application.
External applicants must have at least three years of consistent work history.
All applicants must be at least 21 years old.
Valid Texas driver’s license, or obtain one before LRT Operator certification.
Current driving record with no tickets or accidents within three years of application.
Pass all pre-selection testing, required medical examinations, and pre-selection physical assessment.
Pass a pre-employment background investigation and drug and alcohol screening; job-related felonies or misdemeanors are disqualifying, with convictions reviewed case by case.
Meet the stated disqualifying-criteria rules: two or more DUI or DWI convictions at any time; any DUI or DWI conviction within the preceding three years; an invalid, suspended, or revoked driver’s license; or moving violations in the past three years.
Obtain LRT Operator certification, maintain certification, and pass all safety and training courses.
Know or become knowledgeable about METRORail policies, procedures, and rulebook.
Communicate proficiently verbally and in writing.
Accurately complete written reports, records, and forms.
Comply with METRO’s zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy and applicable DOT and FTA testing requirements for safety-sensitive functions.

Nice To Haves

Transportation experience is desirable.
Customer service experience and experience working with the public.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Willingness to work all shifts, split shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

Operate LRVs in accordance with METRORail policies, procedures, and rulebook.
Maintain METRORail schedules and running times.
Operate vehicles in the storage yard and into and out of the maintenance building.
Interact professionally with passengers, answer questions, provide information, and address rider concerns.
Use the radio system according to radio protocols and FCC regulations, and notify the Train Control Center about emergencies and other operational situations.
Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical vehicle failures using onboard diagnostic equipment; use circuit breakers, brake cutouts, and bypass switches under the direction of Rail Supervisors and the Train Control Center as appropriate.
Announce station stops when service is interrupted or automated announcement equipment fails.
Perform LRV safety checks and inspections according to established procedures.
Operate electric and manual track switches as required.
Perform assigned flagging duties.
Assist with acceptance and commissioning of new light rail vehicles and test operations.
Complete the Vehicle Familiarization Course for all light rail vehicles and vendor-training courses for vehicle and wayside equipment as required.
Complete accident and incident forms, logs, and other required paperwork.
Maintain a safe, clean work environment.
Safely operate METRORail non-revenue vehicles.
Provide excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
Apply Safety Management System methods and principles in daily work and support the agency’s Public Agency Safety Plan.
Promote safety awareness and follow procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
Perform other job-related duties as required.
Maintain LRT Operator certification through recertification every two years.