TRAX Operator Trainee

Utah Transit Authority; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Transit passes

Health benefits

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Utah Transit Authority seeks a full-time Rail Operator to operate light rail vehicles, ensuring safety and reliability. You will perform pre-service checks, monitor systems, and communicate with control and customers to resolve questions and coordinate routing, all while adhering to UTA procedures.

The role offers a structured training program with progression, a comprehensive benefits package, and eligibility for transit passes and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Must complete LRV training program and pass all required exams.
• Must pass pre-qualification exam.
• Must have 1 year of customer service experience providing instructions and resolving inquiries.
• Must be at least 21 years old with a valid Utah Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Operate Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) safely and in accordance with procedures.
• Perform routine vehicle inspections and reporting issues.
• Communicate with TRAX Control, customers, and supervisors.
• Answer questions and provide information to customers and staff.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Safety awareness

Radio communication

Job description

Utah Transit Authority

Description

Pay Rate:$20.00/hr during training. $25.75/hr after training with guaranteed pay increases every six months for the four years up to $30.00/hr.

Job Summary

Responsible for operating UTA trains consisting of light rail vehicles (LRVs) in accordance with UTA operating procedures, assuming responsibility for the safety of customers and equipment. Performs routine vehicle inspections to ensure proper operation (such as pre-service radio check, lamp test, cab signal test, cycling of doors, mirror adjustment and check of destination signs, etc.). Communicates appropriate information to TRAX Control, customers, supervisors, and others designated to receive such information. Answers questions from customers and others. Activates switches to ensure proper routing. Follows UTA guidelines, operating rules and procedures.

*All NEW UTA Operators can enjoy a $2,000 Hiring Incentive. Ask for details!*

NEXT TRAINING CLASS STARTS: January 4, 2027

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates must successfully complete a required LRV training program, including passing all required exams.
• Must pass the pre-qualification exam.
• Must haveone year experience in a customer service role providing instructions and clarifying information with ability to solve problems and resolve customer inquiries.
• Must be at least 21 years of age. Must have a valid Utah Driver’s License.
• Be a safe driver with no more than 2 moving violations in the past 3 years.
• Have no violations of driving under the influence of alcohol, any drug, or the combined influence of any alcohol or drug within the last 10 years.
• Must be able to pass FRA required Audiometric and Colorblind tests.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a DOT Medical card.
• Ability to communicate with supervisors and customers and maintain good interpersonal relations both orally and over the radio.
• Ability to read and understand training materials, operating manuals and operating and safety rules directives.
• Ability to prepare legible written reports of incidents and accidents.
• Ability to operate Light Rail Vehicle safely.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the job to include regular walking in a quick manner on uneven surfaces, floor to waist lifting up to 50 lbs regularly, reaching/lifting overhead up to 10 lbs, climbing into and out of Light Rail Vehicle at non-station locations, and prolonged periods of sitting and standing.

• This job requires regular and predictable attendance.

—OR—

• An equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience.(UTA reserves the right to determine the equivalencies of education and experience.)

Pay Rate:$20.00/hr during training. $25.75/hr after training with guaranteed pay increases every six months for the four years up to $30.00/hr.

Study Materials located on the UTAwebsite:

• - Click on the "We are UTA" tab at the top of the page
• - Scroll down to "Explore Training Options" and click on the "TRAX and Streetcar Operations Qualification Test" to access the study guide.

Note: If you pass the initial screening, you will receive an email with a link to access the testonlineon November 2nd, 2026, no specific time. Please download the study guide beforehand to start studying.

As a full-time Operator, your Total Rewards Benefits Package will include:

• Health, dental, vision, life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, with Flexible Spending and Dependent Care accounts. Benefit plans include coverage for domestic partners (eligibility affidavit required for coverage).
• Onsite Health and Wellness Clinics for medical care at no cost to employees, spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children.
• 14 days of accrued paid time off (9 personal days and 5 vacation days) for the first year of employment, and 19 days of accrued paid time off (9 personal days and 10 vacation days) after the first year of employment.
• 10 paid holidays, additional floating holidays will be awarded with tenure at UTA.
• Retirement options - Pension Plan with 5-year vesting schedule and 457 Contribution Plan, available for contributions after Operator training graduation and company matching.
• Generous tuition reimbursement for higher education, available for any higher education degree (bachelor, master, or PHD). Course of study must be approved prior to enrollment.
• Training, development, and career advancement opportunities.
• Paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and child placement (after 12 months of employment).
• Free transit passes for employees, their spouses, and their dependent children.
• Employee assistance program – includes counseling, legal services, financial planning, etc.
• UTA Well – a comprehensive wellness program designed to support employees and dependents in their health and wellness goals.
• Free on-site fitness facilities and discounted membership to VASA Fitness and EoS Fitness.
• Discounted cell phone plans with T-Mobile.
• Pet insurance plan options (tailored plan coverage based on pet’s health and needs).

For more information on UTA’s Total Rewards benefits package, please visit: https://jobs.jobvite.com/rideuta/#benefits

Deadline to submit application: October 30, 2026 by 11:59pm

Utah Transit Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer of all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, covered veterans, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants needing an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act for any part of the application process should contact UTA Human Resources at 801-287-2324. A minimum of two work days' notice prior to the need for the accommodation is required.

Utah Transit Authority is a drug-free workplace, subject to federal drug and alcohol testing regulations under 49 CFR Part 40, 655, and 219. All offers for employment are contingent upon a successful pre-employment drug test. If a pre-employment test returns a non-negative result, an application for employment may be rejected. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing for drug and alcohol use. All safety sensitive employees are subject to random testing for drug and alcohol use.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.