Student Train Operator

San Diego Transit Corporation; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Promotional opportunities

Free transit pass for you and your

Employer-paid holidays

Employer-paid DMV licensing

Gym membership reimbursement

Walk, run, and bike event reimburse

Employer-paid uniforms

Job summary

MTS is seeking a Train Operator in San Diego to operate Light Rail Vehicles, ensuring safety and service reliability. The role includes driving in revenue and non-revenue service, making public announcements, and adhering to strict rules and procedures.

The position is part-time, with shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. A California driver’s license, 3+ years driving, and bilingual abilities are preferred.

Qualifications

• The candidate must be 21 years or older and able to meet physical requirements such as lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Minimum of three years of current, satisfactory driving experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license.
• Bilingual skills are preferred and encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Operate Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) trains in revenue and non-revenue service per rules.
• Exercise judgment and follow safety policies to protect passengers and equipment.
• Perform onboard vehicle failures where certain features are inoperative.
• Make public announcements regarding service impacts and follow supervisor instructions.
• Prepare trains for service according to schedule requirements.
• Assist with on‑the‑job instruction for trainee personnel.

Skills

Driving experience

California driver’s license

Job description

Why become a Train Operator?

Hourly Pay: $30.09 per hour ($24.96 per hour during the 11-week Student training period)

• Promotional opportunities (We love to promote!)
• Employment stability
• Make a positive impact on your community and the environment!

MTS offers competitive benefits including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, paid time off, retirement plans, and wellness programs.

Additional perks and benefits include:

• Incremental pay increases
• Employer-paid holidays
• Employer-paid DMV licensing (if additional licensing is required for the position)
• Free transit pass for you and your family
• Gym membership reimbursement
• Walk, run, and bike event reimbursement
• Employer-paid bereavement leave and jury duty
• Employer-paid uniforms
• And much more!

Train Operators are hired as part-time employees only and are scheduled to work approximately 25-32 hours per week. Additional hours are frequently assigned to employees in a manner designed to give employees an equal opportunity to work extra hours. The Transportation Department works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and Train Operator shift assignments are bid on in seniority order. Train Operators can expect to be assigned to work nights, weekends, and holidays until such time as their individual seniority allows them to bid to more desirable shifts and days off. Part-time employees are eligible for promotion to full-time positions in seniority order, as full-time positions become available. Candidates should assume that they would be working in a part-time status for five or more years. Part-time employees are not guaranteed any specific number of working hours per week, nor do they receive full MTS Rail employee benefits.

What Train Operators do:

• Operates Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) trains in revenue and non-revenue service in strict compliance with the MTS Rail Rules and Instructions for Employees.
• Exercises good judgment and adheres to all safety policies and procedures to ensure the safety of passengers and equipment.
• Operates LRV's during onboard vehicle failures where specific features, i.e., propulsion, braking, etc., are rendered inoperative.
• Makes required public address announcements regarding the impact of specific mainline occurrences on train service, as well as other announcements as instructed by Transportation Supervisors/Controllers.
• Reports all unusual occurrences to the controller.
• Assists with wheelchair or basic equipment trouble shooting.
• Uses a variety of keys, levers, and buttons to activate the train, accelerate, brake, operate doors, and uses the public address system, horn, headlights and TWC (Train to Wayside Control).
• Prepares trains for service, as determined by schedule requirements or Supervisor/Controller instructions.
• Performs yard switching activities, including movement of LRVs through an automated car wash, coupling and uncoupling of train sets, and manual operation of track switches.
• Operates trains into and out of shop buildings for repairs.
• Operates test trains for acceptance of equipment, repair and checkouts as required.
• Prepares detailed reports pertaining to unusual events.
• Assists in providing on-the-job instruction to student personnel qualifying for the Train Operator position.
• Provides superficial first aid and/or requests medical assistance for ill or injured passengers.
• Maintains a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of current Rules and Regulations and other standard operating procedures pertaining to the Trolley.
• Performs such other duties as assigned.

What MTS is looking for:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations; ability to read, understand and apply MTS policies, regulations and union labor contracts; ability to write letters, memoranda and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English; ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy; ability to establish and maintain priorities in order to complete assignments by deadlines without detailed instructions; strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to multi-task; skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports; ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel; ability to exercise prudent and timely judgment in normal and emergency situations; ability to sit for long periods of time in a confined area; must have a flexible schedule and be available to work on days, nights, weekends and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• The successful candidate must be 21 years of age or older and able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as driving, walking, climbing stairs, stooping, sitting, bending, reaching overhead and lifting (must be able to lift up to 50 pounds).
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer and 10-key.
• Must have good eyesight and the ability to maintain constant alertness under tedious circumstances.
• Work will at times require more than 8 hours per day, travel to other agencies, variable shifts, or require irregular hours to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Duties will be performed primarily in an LRV operator cubicle, as well as in an office environment

Experience/Education/Certificates/License(s)

• The minimum age at time of appointment is 21.
• Candidates should demonstrate stable employment, good attendance records and a favorable attitude toward public service.
• Candidates must demonstrate ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Bilingual skills are preferred and encouraged.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license.
• A minimum of three years current and satisfactory driving experience.
• Candidates must turn in a valid California's Driving Record. CA Driving Records can be obtained at the DMV's Website ( CLICK HERE ). Once obtained, submit the Driving Record to MTS (ATTENTION: Train Operator) by:
  • Email [e-mail]

Must satisfactorily pass all applicable examinations including, but not limited to, a pre-employment physical, drug screen, reference check and background check.

DISCLAIMER: The above described job elements are intended to indicate the general nature and levels of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required of employees so classified. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

EEO is The Law - Equal Employer Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

MTS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer with an ongoing commitment to treat all people, including customers, co-workers and the public at large, with dignity and respect. As a public transportation agency, MTS is committed to providing an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities in which we work and live.

MTS supports and promotes an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. MTS recruits, hires, trains and promotes individuals without regard to race, such as hair texture and hairstyles), color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age (40 years or older), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition (cured or rehabilitated cancer), physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decision-making, genetic information (including family medical history), military or veteran status, or any other protected class.

MTS encourages veterans, military spouses and people from different backgrounds to apply for open positions for which they are interested. Additionally, MTS employees are encouraged to refer qualified candidates from all backgrounds and age groups. At MTS, we are committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.