Rail Operator Trainee

Transit Management Company•Norfolk, VA

About The Position

Hampton Roads Transit is seeking a customer-service-oriented Rail Operator Trainee to help provide public transportation to the Hampton Roads region. The role operates Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) in revenue and non-revenue service while following agency safety standards, operating rules, and procedures. Operators inspect vehicles, report defects, respond to service disruptions and emergencies, assist customers, and communicate with the Operation Control Center (OCC). The position includes a 90-working-day probation period and seven weeks of training. Operators may also mentor and supervise Student Operators when assigned. This is an essential, non-exempt position. Duties may require weekend and holiday work.

Requirements

Pass the LRV Operator training prescreening quiz with a score of at least 85%.
Pass all quizzes and tests associated with the LRV Operator training course with at least 85%, achieve 100% on the signal test, and requalify as directed.
Graduate from high school or hold a GED.
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 who have successfully completed the probationary period.
Eligible internal candidates must have no more than two miss-outs or unexcused absences in the preceding six months; no corrective or disciplinary actions for rule or procedure violations in the preceding 12 months; a driving record meeting HRT standards; no preventable accidents or safety violations in the preceding 24 months; no valid passenger complaints in the preceding 12 months; and no 35 or more consecutive days out of work within a 12-month period, except for excused absences.
External candidates must have at least two years of transportation experience.
Successfully 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.
Be able to secure and maintain a Virginia Commercial Driver's License.
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 a 90-working-day probation period and seven-week training.
Read and understand training materials, operating manuals, and operating and safety rule directives.
Learn the HRT transit system, including safety regulations and guidelines, train and bus schedules, and fare structures.
Learn to troubleshoot HRT light rail vehicles.
Communicate orally with customers and supervisors and maintain effective working relationships with Controllers/Dispatchers and supervisors.
Prepare clear written reports of incidents and accidents and maintain good customer relations.
Have no more than one preventable accident in the 12 months immediately preceding a bid on LRV Operator.
Use relevant computer systems and software applications proficiently and demonstrate basic problem-solving skills with those applications; software use may be evaluated.

Responsibilities

Follow agency safety standards, policies, rules, and operating procedures.
Inspect and prepare vehicles for operation, report defects, and notify the Operation Control Center of problems.
Operate LRVs safely in revenue service and trains in non-revenue service on the main line, maintaining appropriate speed and distance and boarding and alighting passengers.
Make and break up train consists; operate switches manually or through controls; and troubleshoot problems to restore movement.
Answer customer inquiries courteously, announce special and station stops, provide requested information, and make announcements as requested.
Notify the OCC about emergencies on or near the right-of-way and service disruptions, and request instructions or assistance.
Communicate evacuation information to customers and the OCC and oversee safe, orderly vehicle evacuations.
Guide and assist customers in accessing alternate bus service during service disruptions.
Perform flagging duties during emergencies such as collisions, derailments, and vehicle breakdowns.
Activate switches electrically or manually as circumstances require and ensure correct routing.
Maintain knowledge of HRT bus and light rail services to provide customers with routine information and directions.
Prepare written reports of witnessed incidents, accidents, unusual conditions, and events affecting train movement or agency property.
Report observed defects and unsafe conditions involving tracks, switches, related equipment, and other conditions that could affect safe train movement.
Manage records in accordance with Hampton Roads Transit Records Management Policies and Procedures.
Promote safety, follow safety procedures, and report workplace hazards and unsafe conditions to a supervisor, manager, or the Safety Department.
Mentor and assist in training Student Operators when assigned, and monitor and supervise their activities throughout the shift.