Rail Traffic Controller Trainee

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); On-site; USD 46,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Metro-North Railroad is seeking a Rail Traffic Controller Trainee to manage train movements across designated tracks. You will issue instructions, monitor signals, and ensure safe operations while maintaining records and coordinating with the Maintenance of Way department.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and emphasizes alert decision-making, strong communication, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Prior related rail experience is valued.

Qualifications

• Minimum education: high school diploma, GED, or TASC.
• Experience in rail operations or related field preferred.
• Knowledge of safety rules and operating procedures desired.

Responsibilities

• Direct train and equipment movement within assigned territory via remote controls and signals.
• Protect workers on the right of way and maintain track safety.
• Monitor communications systems and track movements; relay instructions per protocol.
• Maintain schedules, track usage, and incident reporting for performance analysis.
• Coordinate with Maintenance of Way on track usage and disruptions.
• Handle emergencies and unexpected events with sound decision making.

Skills

Independent judgment

Communication skills

Multitasking

Safety awareness

Reading comprehension

Education

High school diploma / GED / TASC

Job description

Job Title: Rail Traffic Controller Trainee

Department: Transportation

MTA Agency: Metro-North Railroad

Primary Location(s): Various

Salary Range: See wage progression below

Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive/Non-DOT Regulated

Union Affiliation: ACRE

Closing Date (if applicable): November 4th, 2026

Shift (if applicable): Any

Title 55-a (yes or no): Not Applicable

Other: Not Telework eligible

Job Summary

Rail Traffic Controllers are in charge of the movement of trains and equipment on main and other tracks specified in the timetable, and issue instructions to employees connected with these movements.

DUTIES AND RESPOSIBILITIES

Include But Are Not Limited To

• Safely and efficiently direct all train and equipment movement within a specified territory by remote activation of switches, signals, clearance forms and blocking devices
• Provide protection to employees working on the right of way by removing and restoring tracks to and from service Prepare and maintain accurate records related to train movements, track assignments and other events
• Monitor radio, telephone, computer screens and other equipment for train movements, track movement and other relevant information and issues in territories controlled
• Communicate relevant information to others clearly, effectively and according to protocol regarding train routing, track conditions and any other special circumstances
• Maintain familiarity with train schedules, destinations and departure and arrival times
• Coordinate track usage with the Maintenance of Way department
• Prepare information reporting on time performance and delays of areas controlled
• Manage unexpected and emergency events

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Skilled in exercising independent judgment; ability to anticipate and analyze problems and take corrective actions; must be able to maintain attentiveness and evaluate a situation to make quick decisions under pressure; written and verbal communication skills; ability to multi-task; must be able to function effectively under changing priorities; reading comprehension ability; knowledge of operating and safety rules; knowledge of physical characteristics; must be safety conscious

Required Education And Experience

Minimum of a High School Diploma, General Equivalency Diploma (GED), or Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC)

External Applicants must meet At Least One Of The Following Requirements

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience as a qualified Air Traffic Controller OR
• Minimum of one (1) year experience as a railroad employee in a position requiring comparable book of rules qualification OR
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a logistics manager or another position with directly related transferable skills working in a fast paced, high pressure environment OR
• Related education resulting in a transportation degree (e.g., Associate Degree or higher in Air Traffic Control, Train Dispatch, or related field)

Active Metro-North employees must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Minimum of one (1) year of work experience in an Operating division craft that requires qualifying on the “Rules of the Operating Department (Book of Rules Qualification)” OR
• Minimum of three (3) years of railroad experience not requiring Book of Rules Qualification OR
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in your current position/craft (and has satisfied all formal training/lock-in requirements) combined with meeting any one of the External Applicant requirements

Special Requirements

• Regulated by hours-of-service rules; must become qualified in rules of Operating Department

RATE OF PAY

The starting rate of 70% for this position is equivalent to $33.644374/hour. The wage progression scale as a Trainee is as follows: Year 1=70%>Year 2=70%>Year 3=75%>Year 4=80%>Year 5=85%>Year 6=85%>Year 7=90%>Year 8=100%. The full 100% Trainee rate of pay is $48.063391/hour. *

This salary is non-negotiable, based on the ACRE Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Note: Pursuant to Rule 18, Metro-North employees who promote into positions covered by the Rail Traffic Controller Agreement shall enter the wage progression at their current step-rate percentage.

Note: Upon successful verification, new employees hired by Metro-North into positions represented by ACRE RTC may be approved for service credit for prior U.S. railroad service as a Rail Traffic Controller.

• Upon qualifying into a Rail Traffic Controller position, the wage progression will follow rates stated in the ACRE RTC Collective Bargaining Agreement. The starting rate of 70% for a qualified Rail Traffic Controller is $40.652451/hour. The wage progression scale is as follows: Year 1=70%>Year 2=70%>Year 3=75%>Year 4=80%>Year 5=85%>Year 6=85%>Year 7=90%>Year 8=100%. The full 100% Rail Traffic Controller rate of pay is $58.074930/hour.

SENIORITY

Applicants will establish seniority in the Association of Commuter Rail Employees (ACRE), the union representing Rail Traffic Controllers, in accordance with the union's current collective bargaining agreement.

Members of ACRE are subject to an initiation fee and monthly union dues.

Details Of Physical Activities

• Excellent communication skills required
• Ability to read and comprehend written material
• Color vision required to read Track Layout and switch indicators

Details Of Working Conditions

• Works at console in office environment at a desk
• Ability to perform in a fast paced, highly visible environment where priorities are constantly changing
• Prolonged periods of sitting

Assignments

Must have the ability to work various hours, days and shifts in Grand Central Terminal.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, not all qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the position are guaranteed an interview. To be selected for a position, one must meet the following criteria: (1) satisfy the minimum requirements listed in the job posting, (2) if applicable, successfully pass a written and practical exam, (3) satisfy a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), and (4) pass a verbal interview. Metro-North may also require the applicant to undergo a physical ability test, and, if the Company extends a conditional offer, may require him or her to undergo a medical examination, which may include toxicological testing. Failure to pass any step within the hiring process will result in the disqualification of your application.

Additional Criteria for Current Employees: Current Metro-North employees must be in active service to be eligible for consideration. Agreement Employees applying for a position outside of their present craft are required to have worked in your current union for at least one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline to be eligible to apply for a posted position, and have completed the agreed upon formal training commitment, including on-the-job training or lock-in requirement, if applicable (for example: Signal Trainee, Foreman-In-Training, etc.). If you are transferring to another craft, you may be required to forfeit your seniority in your present union. Non-agreement employees must have worked in your current position for a minimum of one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline. Along with a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), employees are also subject to an internal investigation, which includes an evaluation not limited to discipline records and performance assessments.

Other Information

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

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 will be subject to License Monitoring and 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 employee applicants should be in their current position 12 months prior to starting a new role and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

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

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.