Rail Operator Trainee

City of Charlotte; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Charlotte’s Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) seeks a Rail Operator Trainee to operate LRVs with a strong emphasis on safety and reliability. You will follow procedures, perform pre-trip inspections, and communicate with ROCC and patrons while maintaining service on a demanding schedule.

Starting pay is $26.30 per hour, with increases after completing training and obtaining required credentials. This role requires flexibility, a valid CDL with P endorsement, and full engagement in

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
• CDL Class B with P passenger endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Operate light rail vehicles (LRVs) in revenue and non-revenue service.
• Follow safety rules, procedures, and scheduled times.
• Conduct pre-trip inspections and document results.
• Assist patrons and communicate station information clearly.
• Work variable shifts including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Report safety concerns and follow the agency safety plan.

Skills

Safety awareness

English proficiency

Customer service

Radio procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CDL Class B with P endorsement

Job description

Department: Charlotte Area Transit System Department

Salary: $25.00 - $34.64 Commensurate with Experience

Thank you for your interest in joining the team that keeps Charlotte moving, at a very exciting time for our organization. At the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), we’re committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative transit services for our growing community, and we value employees who bring professionalism, passion, and a commitment to public service.

This position is currently employed by CATS, a department of the City of Charlotte. With the passage of the PAVE Act and last year’s sales tax referendum, CATS is preparing to transition from a City department to the newly created Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA). The MPTA was established to strengthen regional transit governance, improve accountability, and support long‑term investment in mobility. It’s an important and exciting step forward for transit in our region.

Employees hired into this role will remain City employees through December 31, 2026, and will transition to MPTA employment on January 1, 2027. Benefits and compensation will follow City provisions through 2026 and shift to MPTA provisions in 2027, with clear information shared in advance. Your core duties, reporting structure, and daily responsibilities will remain consistent, with no break in service. If anything delays the transition, your City employment, including compensation and benefits, will remain in place until the move to the MPTA occurs.

The creation of the MPTA positions us for a more modern, sustainable, and efficient transit system, one that can better support the Charlotte region for decades to come. We’re excited about what’s ahead and appreciate your interest in being part of it.

Summary

Operates Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) in a safe, efficient, and controlled manner. Keeps the Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) informed of any unusual situations via a radio. Performs pre-trip safety inspections on LRVs before operating them and completes walk-around inspections as necessary. Must be customer service focused and must be able to always keep an LRV on schedule. Must be able to communicate both orally and in writing and be able to comply with an extensive set of rail operating rules and procedures. Must be able to work flexible hours and days to include nights, weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather. This position is classified as safety-sensitive and security-sensitive.

Major Duties And Responsibilities

• Operates CATS LRVs during revenue and non-revenue service, including mainline operations.
• Operates LRVs safely following CATS operating rules, procedures, and scheduled running times.
• Utilizes two-way radio systems per CATS established rules and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.
• Responsible for operating powered or manual switches on the mainline and in the yard and other systems as required.
• Conducts pre-trip inspection of assigned light rail vehicle equipment by rules and standard operating procedures.
• Performs en-route troubleshooting on vehicle problems to restore service.
• Assists patrons as required, such as announcing station stops, bus connections, and other communication about Light Rail Operations, and guides and assists customers with accessing alternate bus service.
• Must be able to work variable shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required for operational efficiency.
• Notifies ROCC of any emergency, abnormal, or unsafe conditions as required.
• Maintains knowledge and adheres to rules, procedures, policies, bulletins, and notices.
• Must be able to follow regulatory requirements about rail operations to ensure a safe, efficient, and courteous service to customers.
• Must be able to attend and pass required training classes to maintain required license and rail operator certification.
• Completes forms and paperwork such as accident/incident reports and defect cards as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• As part of your responsibility to support the CATS Safety Culture, report safety concerns and issues through the various methods established by CATS, as outlined in the Agency Safety Plan (ASP).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Comprehend rules and procedures and complete the Rail Operator training program.
• Ability to maintain a continuous focus on safety and ability to operate LRVs during varying operating and weather conditions.
• Follow oral and written instructions with minimal supervision.
• Must demonstrate a favorable attitude toward public service.
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly in English both orally and in writing.
• Some computer skills to include Microsoft Office programs.
• Must have a good driving record.

Essential Skills

Note:

• The candidate may be required to work irregular hours, including shifts, in inclement weather, and overtime as needed. Candidates may be required to respond to emergencies on a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week basis.
• Must complete 6-month probationary period after completing training.
• Must be able to accurately document work on logs, spreadsheets, documents, and forms as well as use a computerized train operator display.
• Must complete all training assignments and maintain qualifications where required.
• Must have the ability to operate LRV controls and all LRV accessories effectively.
• Must be able to safely couple, uncouple, and operate LRVs in the yard and shops.
• Must be able to work in the safety-critical environments associated with the operation of a rail system.
• Must have regular and consistent attendance and meet requirements of attendance program.
• All required training must be completed, and necessary qualifications and employee requirements must be maintained.
• Must meet Physical and Sensory Requirements and the Special Provisions listed below.
• This position is considered "Safety Sensitive" under FTA guidelines and will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand and walk on uneven surfaces while working.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods and can reach at shoulder level or above.
• Must be able to work in all required Personal Protective Equipment and Safety gear.
• Must be able to work in the assigned uniform approved by CATS.
• Ability to work both inside and outside in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Must be able to hand crank the equipment located inside the LRV/Streetcar a minimum of 50 times.
• Individuals must be able to safely board and disembark from Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) on ballast tracks.

Sensory Requirements

• Speech
• Touch
• Hearing
• Vision – 20/20 or correctable to 20/20 (near, distance, and peripheral)

Special Provisions

This position is considered a security and safety sensitive position and will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing under FTA DOT guidelines.

Salary

Starting salary for Rail Operator Trainee is $26.30 per hour. Upon successful completion of CATS Rail Operator training, Rail Operator Assessment, possess a CDL with passenger endorsement will receive an increase to $28.67 per hour.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum age at time of employment in the classification of Rail Operator is 21.
• Possess a Class B or A Commercial Driver License (CDL) with P passenger endorsement
• High school graduation or equivalent
• Valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate
• Must demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak and easily understand the English language.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior.

Our culture is to serve the community honorably.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.