Metro Subway/Light Rail Controller (DOT Non-Exempt IV)

Maryland Department of Transportation; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State benefits

Retirement plan

Training & development

Career advancement

Transportation benefits

Job summary

The Maryland Transit Administration is hiring a Controller for Metro Subway or Light Rail to monitor real-time operations in the Control Center and ensure safe, reliable service across the region.

In this role you will monitor train movements, adjust routes, coordinate schedules with yard personnel, and communicate with field supervisors to address incidents and service impacts. This is a 24-hour operation requiring shift work and strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or high school equivalency certificate.
• Experience: Five (5) years in a transit system or transportation operation; at least one year in a rail environment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage train movements using the Central Supervisory Control System.
• Adjust routes and track alignments across Mainline, Yard storage tracks, and Yard transitions.
• Coordinate with Yard personnel to launch, sequence, and maintain daily train schedules.
• Communicate with field supervisors and managers regarding operational issues, service impacts, and safety concerns.
• Monitor system infrastructure, including Power Substations, Facilities, and SCADA.
• Handle alert notifications, data entry, and communications essential to maintaining service continuity.

Skills

Attention to detail

Real-time decision making

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

MARYLAND TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION

Join the Team That Moves Maryland!

Now Hiring: Metro Subway / Light Rail OCC Control Room Controllers (DOT Non-Exempt IV) (7465)

Are you ready to take on a career where your work directly impacts the lives of thousands of Marylanders every day? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy solving real-time challenges, and feel motivated by meaningful public service?

If so, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) wants you on our team.

MTA operates one of the largest and most dynamic transit systems in the United States. We’re looking for focused, reliable, and mission-driven individuals to help us deliver safe, efficient, and customer-centered transit service across the region.

About the Role:

As a Controller for Metro Subway or Light Rail operations, you’ll play a vital role at the MTA! In the Control Center, you’ll engage in exciting real-time monitoring and decision-making to ensure our rail system operates seamlessly and efficiently. Join us in making a difference!

In this critical role, you will:

• Monitor and manage train movements using the Central Supervisory Control System.
• Adjust routes and track alignments across the Mainline, Yard storage tracks, and Yard transition areas.
• Coordinate with Yard personnel to launch, sequence, and maintain daily train schedules.
• Communicate with field supervisors and managers regarding operational issues, service impacts, and safety concerns.
• Monitor system infrastructure, including Power Substations, Facilities, and SCADA.
• Handle alert notifications, data entry, and communications essential to maintaining service continuity.

Controllers play an integral role in supporting safe, reliable, and timely transit service. This position requires rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, within a 24-hour operation.

Why This Role Matters!!

Control Room Controllers are the heartbeat of MTA Rail Operations. Your decisions help:

• Keep Marylanders safely moving
• Support emergency and incident response
• Maintain service reliability for millions of annual riders
• Protect infrastructure and ensure system-wide coordination

If you’re calm under pressure, attentive to detail, and motivated by helping your community this is a chance to make a real impact every single day.

Benefits & Career Growth!!

MTA offers an outstanding total compensation package, including:

• Excellent State of Maryland employee benefits
• Retirement plans with employer contribution
• Robust training and career development
• Opportunities for advancement within Rail Operations
• Employee transportation benefits

This is an MTA position-specific recruitment for a generic job classification. The resulting eligible list will be used only to fill this MTA position/function under TSHRS. Applicants must reapply for any future recruitment for this classification.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Five (5) years of experience in a transit system and/or transportation operation. At least one (1) year of the required experience must have involved working in a rail environment.

*Selective Qualification recruitments are utilized when the position requires specific or additional bona fide occupational qualifications (knowledge, skill, or ability). No substitution is allowed for a selective qualification.

Substitution Information:

1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Transportation, Business Administration, Management or a related field may be substituted for the experience at a rate of thirty credit hours for each year of the required experience, for up to two years of the experience.
2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policies, procedures, or processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant on a year-for-year basis for the required education and experience.

If you held more than one (1) position at the same employer, please list each position that you held and the length of time that you held each position. You must answer all supplemental questions to complete the application process.

Special Requirements:

1. Employees are subject to call-in 24 hours a day and will be required to maintain a reliable communication link for the purpose of emergency call back requirements.
2. Employees are required to work shifts, evenings, holidays, and weekends.
3. Employees are required to travel to various locations throughout the MTA service area.
4. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations 49- Federal Department of Transportation Drug Alcohol Testing Protocols and Federal Transit Administration Alcohol Testing Rules.

Licenses & Certifications

Employees in this classification are assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

Additional Information

Employees should adhere to all safety rules, policies, regulations, and personal protective equipment requirements to support a safe and healthy working environment. Employees may attend and participate in safety meetings and should report hazards, unsafe acts, near misses, injuries, and accidents immediately to the Office of Safety and supervision.

To support a safe and healthy work environment, employees must refrain from willful violations of safety rules and procedures, reckless and negligent behavior, involvement in criminal activities, and the misuse of drugs or alcohol. Failure to adhere to this requirement may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. May only perform work for which they have the appropriate safety training.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

MTA does not discriminate based on age, ancestry, color, creed, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, belief or opinion, sex, or sexual orientation, or any other protected status.

Issue Date: 08/20/2026