PRT System Operator - Facilities Operations

West Virginia University; Morgantown (WV); On-site; USD 52,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

37.5-hour work week

13 paid holidays

15 annual leave days

18 sick days

Health insurance

401(a) retirement savings match

Wellness programs

Job summary

West Virginia University is seeking a PRT Systems Operator within Facilities & Services to maintain safe, reliable transport for students, faculty, staff, and the Morgantown community. The role oversees 5 stations, 1.2 million passengers, nine miles of guideway, and 69 automated vehicles.

You will operate CBTC/SCADA, use APIS/AFC to control access, coordinate maintenance, and document activities. Shifts include weekends and overtime; drug/alcohol testing is required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience in transit systems or computer systems operations is preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate CBTC/SCADA to safely transport passengers and monitor systems.
• Coordinate maintenance and power control for the PRT guideway.
• Assist passengers and maintain operation logs and reports.

Skills

Decision making

Public safety awareness

Emergency response

Customer service

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Associate Degree or equivalent

Tools

CBTC

SCADA

APIS

AFC

CCTV

Job description

About the Opportunity

The department of Facilities & Services at West Virginia University is seeking applications for a PRT Systems Operator.

The PRT Systems Operator maintains safe and reliable transportation to WVU students. faculty, staff, visitors, and the community of the Morgantown area, with 5 passenger stations and about 1.2 million passengers, nine miles of guideway and two maintenance facilities. This is accomplished through the Central Control Room operation of a dedicated computer network through specialized electronic system for a fleet of 69 automated vehicles. This position also collaborates with fellow staff members and PRT maintenance personnel in a safe, effective, and efficient manner. Activities include the application/removal of guideway power in response to anomalous conditions, by controlling access to the 575-volt PRT guideway with the use of an electrification breaker panel. This position requires various shift work including weekends, and overtime assignments. DOT has determined this position to be safety critical position requiring drug and alcohol testing.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

PAY GRADE: 14

Work Hours: 2p-10p

What you'll do:

• Utilize the computer-based train control system (CBTC) and its various sub-systems including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) to safely operate the West Virginia University Personal Rapid Transit System (PRT). Use established policies and procedures to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient transportation of system passengers. Responsible for utilizing the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and Automated Fare Collection System (AFC) to control access to the PRT Guideway and other facilities. Coordinate the response of all maintenance personnel during anomalous situations, and the application and removal of system power. Ensure passenger safety and security by utilizing the closed-circuit television (CCTV) and APIS systems to monitor and safely control all station platform areas and guideway.
• Observe/identify visually and through central control detection equipment of potentially unsafe conditions or other problems. Review and reference advanced system manuals to determine operational plans of action to deal with any system anomalies. Respond decisively and quickly to avoid incidents on the guideway, platforms, and other locations within the PRT. Provide passenger assistance through the use of public address and phone systems, on the platforms and inside the vehicles. Maintain logs of operational activities and complete system reports as directed. As necessary, direct supplemental WVU buses to support downtime or other operational disruptions through the proper route selection and allocation of buses.
• Support all maintenance activities within the System through coordination with maintenance personnel. They are responsible for completing all WVU PRT, WVDOT, and FTA required documentation. Responsible for routine personal computer maintenance, troubleshooting and coordinating system updates with PRT Engineering staff other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree or equivalent work experience.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in one or more of the following:
  • Transit systems operations
  • Computer system operations
  • Computer system applications programming or operations
  • Electronic systems design, testing, or operations
  • Radio communications
  • Electrical or mechanical system operations
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience in a fast-paced stressful environment where good decision-making skills are essential.
• Must be able to visually identify potentially unsafe operating conditions or other problem areas and react quickly and decisively to avoid incidents This position requires basic knowledge of electronic and mechanical systems, computer system applications, real time control systems, radio communications, and/or transportation system operations.
• Ability to comprehend the operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive transit system.
• Ability to apply terminology, methods, practices, and techniques used in report preparation.
• Ability to understand emergency and incident reporting requirements related to operational hazards and safety practices.
• Ability to comprehend related Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Ability to perform multiple activities necessary to efficiently and safely operate the PRT System.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow staff members.
• Ability to interact with an extremely diverse base of customers, including the disabled, in a tactful, calm, and confident manner.
• Maintain accurate basic records, and complete brief forms and reports clearly and accurately.
• Ability to detect unusual, hazardous, or emergency situations, and take appropriate action within prescribed guidelines.
• Ability to gain knowledge of policies and procedures pertaining to the work, including the PRT operating processes, station and guide way layout, and the procedures to follow in unusual or emergency situations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• DOT Check
• Drug Test

About WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.

Job Posting: Aug 3, 2026

Posting Classification: Classified

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Schedule: Full-time