Rail Operator Trainee

Hampton Roads Transit•Norfolk, VA

About The Position

Hampton Roads Transit is hiring a customer-service-oriented Rail Operator Trainee to support safe, effective public transportation in the Hampton Roads region. The role operates light rail vehicles (LRVs) in revenue and non-revenue service, follows agency safety rules and operating procedures, and assists passengers with information and service disruptions. Operators inspect vehicles, report defects and unsafe conditions, communicate with the Operation Control Center (OCC), and respond to emergencies, including assisting with vehicle evacuations and alternate transportation. The position includes a seven-week training period and a 90-working-day probation period. Operators may also be assigned to mentor and supervise student operators. The position is classified as essential personnel and is non-exempt. Hourly wage: $23.00.

Requirements

High school graduation or GED.
Pass the LRV Operator training pre-screening quiz with a score of at least 85%.
Pass all quizzes and tests associated with the LRV Operator training course with a score of at least 85%, achieve 100% on the signal test, and re-qualify as directed.
Be able to secure and maintain a Virginia Commercial Driver's License.
Internal candidates must be full-time bus operators with one year of experience, or full-time HRT employees with at least two years of previous transportation experience, and must have passed their probationary period.
External candidates must have at least two years of transportation experience.
Internal candidates must have no more than two miss-outs or unexcused absences in the previous six months; no corrective or disciplinary actions for rule or procedure violations in the previous 12 months; a driving record meeting HRT standards; no preventable accidents or safety violations in the previous 24 months; no valid passenger complaints in the previous 12 months; and no 35 or more consecutive days out of work within a 12-month period, except for excused absences.
Pass the written assessment and physical agility assessment for Rail Operator.
Hold a CDL Class B license and/or CDL permit, and be able to obtain a valid Virginia CDL Class B license with air brake and passenger endorsements within 60 days of employment.
Pass the essential function test conducted by HRT Rail Operations.
Have no more than three points on the DMV driving record.
Pass a DOT physical examination and meet night vision requirements.
Complete the 90-working-day probation period and seven-week training.
Learn the HRT transit system, including safety regulations and guidelines, train and bus schedules, and fare structures.
Maintain an effective working relationship with Controllers/Dispatchers and supervisors.
Learn to troubleshoot HRT light rail vehicles.
Communicate orally with customers and supervisors and prepare clear written incident and accident reports.
Read and understand training materials, operating manuals, and operating and safety rules and directives.
Maintain good customer relations.
Have proficiency with computer systems and software applications associated with assigned work, including basic problem-solving skills; software usage relevant to duties will be evaluated.
Meet the listed physical demands, including balancing, eye-hand coordination, gripping, lifting, stooping, squatting, walking, carrying objects weighing 20 pounds, lifting 80 pounds, pushing and pulling, reaching, and communicating.

Responsibilities

Follow agency safety standards, policies, and operating rules in all duties.
Inspect and prepare LRVs for operation, report vehicle defects to the OCC, and monitor tracks, switches, equipment, and other conditions that may affect safe train movement.
Operate LRVs in revenue service according to operating rules and procedures, maintaining safe speed and distance and boarding and alighting passengers.
Make and break up train consists and operate trains in non-revenue service on the main line.
Operate switches manually or through controls, troubleshoot operating problems, and take steps to restore movement and ensure correct routing.
Answer customer questions courteously, provide information and directions, and maintain good customer relations.
Announce special and station stops and make other requested announcements.
Notify the OCC of emergencies and service disruptions, and request assistance or instructions as needed.
Communicate evacuation information to customers and the OCC and oversee safe, orderly vehicle evacuations.
Assist customers in accessing alternate bus service during service 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 affecting train movement or agency property.
Manage records in compliance with HRT Records Management Policies and Procedures.
When assigned, mentor and assist in training Student Operators and monitor and supervise their activities throughout the shift.
Perform all duties safely, promote safety awareness, and report workplace hazards and unsafe conditions to a supervisor, manager, or the Safety Department.