Student Train Operator

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Wellness programs

Incremental pay increases

Employer-paid holidays

Free transit pass for you and your 가족

Gym membership reimbursement

Uniforms

Job summary

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is seeking a part-time Train Operator in San Diego, CA. You will operate Light Rail Vehicles during revenue and non-revenue service, perform pre-departure checkouts, make public announcements, and monitor passenger movements, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.

The role offers hourly pay of $30.09 and a 11-week training period at $24.96 per hour. Employment is built on seniority, with opportunities for promotion to full-time as available.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of MTS policies and regulations.
• Ability to read, understand and apply policies and regulations.
• Ability to write letters, memoranda and reports using clear, concise English.
• Ability to speak clearly and effectively with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines without detailed instructions.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.

Responsibilities

• Operates Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) trains in revenue and non-revenue service.
• Performs pre-departure checkouts and announces information to passengers.
• Monitors and reports passenger movements and safety issues.
• Provides on-the-job instruction to student personnel.
• Maintains knowledge of current Rules and Regulations and SOPs.

Skills

Driving

Policy understanding

English writing

Public speaking

Multi-tasking

Decision making

Flexibility

Teamwork

Scheduling availability

Job description

Application Review: The position will remain open until filled. The next Train Operator Academy begins on January 4th, 2027.

Do you love to drive? Are you technically and academically inclined? Are you ready to master a trade and build a rewarding career? Then this is the CAREER for you!

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!

Benefits

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 responsible for operating Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) trains in revenue and non-revenue service, performing pre-departure checkouts, making public address announcements, monitoring and reporting passenger movements, exercising prudent judgment during any onboard vehicle failures, preparing vehicle defect reports and assisting in providing on-the-job instruction to student personnel.

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. Once obtained, submit the Driving Record to MTS (ATTENTION: Train Operator) by:
  • Email [e-mail]

General Information

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.