Rail Dispatcher

Purple Line Transit Operators; Landover Hills (MD); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation

Job summary

Purple Line Transit Operators (PLTO) seeks a Transportation Line Supervisor to oversee the safe and efficient movement of Light Rail Vehicles across the Purple Line. The role coordinates with OCC and multiple departments to respond to operational issues and emergencies, ensuring compliance with safety standards while supporting start-up activities for a 30-year O&M period.

The supervisor monitors rail operations, dispatches trains, and maintains clear communications using SCADA, CCTV, radios,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical training preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred or two years of relevant work experience substitution.

Responsibilities

• Act as central liaison between PLTO Rail Operations and other departments.
• Monitor and control mainline, yards, and test tracks.
• Execute OCC duties per SOPs and directives.
• Perform SCADA functions for train control and facilities.
• Communicate with Rail Operators, Supervisors, Maintenance, and Contractors.
• Initiate service recovery procedures to mitigate disruptions.
• Dispatch and control movement in operational and testing environments.
• Provide on-the-job training and assist with recordkeeping.

Skills

Rail operations

Dispatching

CCS/SCADA

Communication

Safety procedures

Data interpretation

Problem solving

Emergency response

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical training

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

SCADA

CCS

CCTV

PA systems

Radios

Job description

Transportation Line Supervisor

Location: Landover Hills, MD

Posted on: 8/19/2026

Competitive Benefits Package PLTO offers an excellent compensation and benefits package (Medical, Dental, 401(k) retirement, vacation, holiday and sick pay, etc.

About the Organization Purple Line Transit Operators (PLTO) is a member of a private consortium (Purple Line Transit Partners) which holds a Public-Private Partnership (P3) contract with the Maryland Department of Transportation/Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT/MTA) for the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and financing of the Purple Line, a new 16 mile/21 station light rail transit line located in Montgomery County and Prince George's County, Maryland (https://www.purplelinemd.com/). PLTO's role in the Project is for the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of the Purple Line for a 30-year O&M Period after the service opens to the public, currently scheduled for winter 2027. Prior to this opening, PLTO is responsible for participating in system design, testing, and service start-up activities; conducting certain facilities and equipment maintenance scopes; and building the organization which will perform the O&M Period activities. PLTO is a limited liability company comprised of two members Alternate Concepts Inc. (ACI) and CAF USA, Inc. (CAF). ACI is an industry leader in mass transit operations and maintenance and is the O&M provider for the only two Design-Build-Operate-and-Maintain (DBOM)/Design-Build-Finance-Operate-and-Maintain (DBFOM) transit projects in the U.S: Tren Urbano in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Eagle P3 in Denver, Colorado. CAF USA, Inc. (a division of the international Spanish railway manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) designs, manufactures, maintains, and supplies equipment and components for railway systems and is a certified rail maintenance organization with a presence on five continents.

Description

Salary Range: $35.10 - $39.90

Benefit Package: PLTO offers an excellent compensation and benefits package (Medical, Dental, 401(k) retirement, vacation, holiday and sick pay, etc.

General Description: Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Operations, the Rail Dispatcher ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) across the system. This position monitors and directs rail activities from the Operations Control Center (OCC), coordinates communications among multiple departments, responds to operational issues and emergencies, and maintains compliance with established rules, procedures, and safety standards.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Act as the central communication liaison between PLTO Rail Operations and other departments involved in the safe and efficient movement of LRVs.
• Monitor, control, and maintain safe rail operations along the mainline, in yards, and on test tracks.
• Execute OCC functions in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), rules, and directives.
• Perform SCADA functions related to train control, traction power, and facilities, ensuring accurate and safe system operations.
• Communicate effectively with Rail Operators, Supervisors, Maintenance, MOW, Contractors, Security, and Instructors to coordinate rail movement and service continuity.
• Initiate and implement service recovery procedures to mitigate operational disruptions.
• Establish routes, signals, power commands, and SCADA-based controls in accordance with rules, safety procedures, and Track Allocation directives.
• Dispatch and control movement in both operational and testing environments, including contractor access.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Central Control System (CCS) functions, software tools, and subsystem architecture.
• Receive, interpret, and respond to system alarms and alerts from fare collection, traction power, security devices, networks, and facility hardware.
• Monitor and use CCTV, radio systems, and communications tools to support operations and emergency responses.
• Maintain accurate incident reporting, including delays, work orders, defects, and exceptions.
• Calculate train arrival times and make required announcements.
• Safely manage traction power de-energization and restoration using approved methods.
• Verify authorization and PPE compliance for personnel entering the right-of-way.
• Coordinate emergency response activities, including acting as liaison with Incident Command and first responders.
• Provide on-the-job training to PLTO personnel and assist with recordkeeping of train movements and exceptions.
• Respond professionally to inquiries from employees, contractors, customers, and agencies.
• Comply with PLTO policies, including EEO, Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Anti-Retaliation requirements.
• Work assigned shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and multiple locations as required.
• Cooperatively and efficiently performs related tasks and duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough understanding of rail operations, dispatching practices, and control center functions.
• Ability to interpret safety rules, operating procedures, technical instructions, diagrams, schematics, and system architectures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare reports, convey instructions, and brief personnel.
• Proficiency in mathematical computations including fractions, percentages, ratios, measurements, and data interpretation.
• Skilled in the use of SCADA, CCS, CCTV, PA systems, radios, and related operational technologies.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, analyze information, and draw conclusions during normal and emergency situations.
• Ability to make rapid, sound decisions under pressure and during emergency incidents.
• Ability to remain professional, calm, and respectful during stressful situations or high-stakes communication.
• Willingness and ability to complete all required company training and maintain recertifications as assigned.

Emotional, Psychological and Physical Requirements

Ability to:

• Work long or irregular hours in a high-stress and fast-paced environment.
• Prioritize and concentrate on complex tasks despite frequent interruptions.
• Make quick and effective decisions during emergency conditions.
• Interact with the public and other personnel professionally.
• Clearly disseminate information to others and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Physically:

• Stand, sit, walk, bend, squat, climb stairs, and move throughout rail facilities and grounds.
• Lift and move up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Work in confined spaces and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Maintain visual, auditory, and physical capabilities necessary to operate dispatch equipment and monitor system activity for extended periods.
• Safely navigate environments with mechanical systems, noise, and other hazards where PPE is required.

Additional Requirements

• Must pass and maintain an acceptable background check, drug and alcohol screenings, and driving record in accordance with PLTO policy.
• Must possess a valid state driver's license and comply with any required certifications for the position.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; technical school training or certifications preferred.
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in the rail, transportation, or related operational environment preferred.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; may substitute for two (2) years of relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) programs and policies preferred.
• Comprehensive related experience may be considered in lieu of advanced education.
• Must successfully complete all PLTO-required training programs, including LRV operations and associated recertification requirements.

EOE Statement

PLTO is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job classifications and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The ADA requires PLTO to provide adequate accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

This position is currently accepting applications.