Assistant Stationmaster

Metropolitan Transportation Authority; United States; On-site; USD 56,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Commuting assistance

Health insurance

Pension plans

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Job summary

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, seeks a customer-focused usher/assistant stationmaster trainee to ensure safe and timely train movements and exceptional customer service. This 24/7 role requires strong communication and leadership to inform customers during incidents and changes.

The position supports station operations across major hubs, with formal training in Book of Rules and TIMACS, plus comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED/TASC required.
• Prior customer service experience in a high-pressure, high-volume setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service and ensure safe, efficient movement of trains in/out of stations.
• Assist in safe operation of trains, crew and equipment at stations as needed.
• Communicate train locations, delays, and changes to customers accurately.
• Supervise Ushers and staff; provide safety instruction as required.
• Coordinate with Movement Bureau and Tower Operators on track assignments.

Skills

Customer service

Supervisory skills

Communication

Multitasking

Problem solving

Windows OS

Education

High school diploma

Tools

TIMACS

Solari

Crew management system

Job description

100% Hourly Rate of Pay: $51.84 * (See Wage Progression Chart)

Regulated/ Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive

Union Affiliation: Transportation Communication Union (TCU) Exception 5

Closing Date (if applicable): 08/31/2026

Shift (if applicable):

Other:

About your agency:

Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles – from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for providing excellent service to all LIRR customers and to provide for the safe, efficient, and timely movement of trains in and out of stations in a manner that provides convenience and comfort to our customers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
• Provide excellent service to all LIRR customers and to provide for the safe, efficient, and timely movement of trains in and out of stations in a manner that provides convenience and comfort to our customers.
• Assist in the overall safe and efficient operation of trains, manipulation of crews and equipment, when necessary, in the stations, to address customer concerns and comfort.
• Ensure public announcements concerning train locations, arrival and departure, as well as any delays or changes that will affect the customer, are properly and appropriately made by the Ushers to ensure our customers are accurately informed to get to their desired destinations.
• Supervise Ushers and other subordinate personnel when necessary and provide instruction on safety procedures.
• May be assigned to work in Penn Station, Grand Central Madison, Jamaica Station, Atlantic Terminal, Service Information Office, or other locations as required. Handle customer issues and support train crews by ensuring they have access to current notices and other necessary information.
• Coordinate with Movement Bureau and Tower Operators on track assignments.
• Obtain and provide accurate and timely information from various internal sources and provide same to customers. Ensure customer announcements are accurately communicated to Public Affairs for customers via e-mail pages, message boards, posted signage and announcements. Continually obtain new information as incidents/disruptions unfold and ensure same is provided through all avenues of communication. Maintain oversight for communication of information to customers and employees via e-mail to Ushers and customers, Penn Station message boards, Movement Bureau (204)/PA announcements, orders and messages to crews. Responsible to continually obtain updated information on all customer related activities and maintain up-to-date communication with customers.
• Interact with the Movement Bureau. Maintain constant communication with Supervisor of Train Movement, Dispatchers and section operators to obtain current and accurate information on incidents or service disruptions.
• Retrieve dropped items from track level.
• All other related duties at the request of management.
• Required to wear minimum Level D-type protective clothing (as prescribed by OSHA regulations) which includes, but is not limited to, safety shoes and full-length pants.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent (GED or TASC) approved by a State’s Department of Education or recognized accredited organization.
• Prior customer service experience in a high pressure, high volume, operations environment with ability to deal with customers in a courteous and tactful manner.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to handle customer complaints, issues, and problems in a courteous, professional manner, demonstrating tact and diplomacy in difficult situations and/or with difficult customers.
• Must be able to successfully manage crew swaps and equipment manipulations in terminals.
• Must have ability to demonstrate competency in using personal computers in a Microsoft Windows Environment.
• Must possess multi-tasking skills with ability to effectively handle multiple issues, events, and circumstances simultaneously.
• Effective organizational, administrative, logical thinking, analytical, problem solving, appropriate judgement, and decision-making skills are required.
• Must have ability to demonstrate effective communication skills in person and via radio under stressful/emergency situations.
• Must possess effective supervisory and leadership skills with ability to demonstrate capability to supervise Ushers and various craft employees during emergency situations.
• Must have flexibility and adaptability skills with ability to arrive both timely and consistently to work and work various hours (24/7), including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. All activities must be performed at assigned work locations.
• Must complete and pass the Assistant Stationmaster training program, which includes qualification on portions of the Book of Rules (within approximately six months) and Physical Characteristics (within approximately six months), progress evaluation examinations, and formal and/or informal field observations/evaluations.
• Must qualify to operate TIMACS (Train Information Monitoring and Control System) Solari, crew management system (within approximately 6 months) as a requirement for the successful completion of the Assistant Stationmaster training program.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Transportation/Business or related field or completion of some college credits/courses.
• Prior LIRR operations experience; prior Transportation operations experience with exposure to the movement of trains and equipment or the daily operation of the Transportation Department or demonstrated equivalent.
• Knowledge of LIRR Physical Characteristics, Book of Rules, Train and Crew Manipulation.
• Completion of the LIRR Operations Basic Skills Training Program.

WAGE PROGRESSION:

Hired On or Prior to 9/24/2014:

Step 1 – 80% Rate of Pay

Step 2 – 85% Rate of Pay

Step 3 – 90% Rate of Pay

Step 4 – 95% Rate of Pay

Step 5 – Full Rate of Pay

Hired After 9/24/2014:

Step 1 – New WP 80% (1 st year)

Step 2 – New WP 80% (2 nd year)

Step 3 – New WP 85%

Step 4 – New WP 90% (1 st year)

Step 5 – New WP 90% (2 nd year)

Step 6 – New WP 95%

Step 7 – New WP 100%

BENEFITS:

• Commuting Assistance – based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA’s jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)
• Low Premium – High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)
• Pension plans and retirement savings accounts for eligible employees
• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided.
• Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees
• Employee Assistance Programs
• MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs
• Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit
• Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).
• Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company’s discretion.
• Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
• Current employees must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record.
• Candidates selected for this position may be placed in a competitive or non-competitive class position based on their qualifications. Qualified candidates who are placed in a competitive class position are eligible for the 55-a Program.Please indicate in your cover letter and in the upper right corner of your resume that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program.For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, please visit the following link https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/55-a-program.page
• LIRR:
• In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include but is not limited to, a pre-screening assessment (i.e., physical, written, and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make-up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety-sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER:

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.