Rail Operations Controller

Basic Function Responsible for overseeing safe, efficient, and reliable rail operation along the METRORail system by controlling, monitoring, and overseeing LRT Operators, Field Supervisors, maintenance personnel, contractors, scheduling revenue service, special train movements, and special events. This is a professional traffic management position of a challenging nature, which requires extensive supervisory skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment in high‑pressure situations. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures. Responsibilities And Specific Duties Maintains two‑way radio communications with LRT Operators, Field Supervisors, maintenance, and other personnel in accordance with FCC regulations during revenue & non‑revenue service operations. Monitors train movement on the mainline, including revenue trains, test trains, student training, and special event service. Adjusts service levels and headways as dictated by operating conditions and passenger loads. Informs maintenance personnel and public utility entities of equipment defects or structural problems and coordinates efforts to repair. Creates and updates Train Orders daily; distributes to LRT Operators and other rail operations personnel each day. Develops and implements delay management strategies such as single‑track operations, turning trains, shuttle service, and other service recovery techniques as required during service disruptions. Disseminates information to METRO management, Operations personnel, MPD, Supervisors, LRT Operators, and customers via radio, telephone, or station public address system concerning disruptions and service changes. Controls interlockings, traction power, and other system elements. Directs Field Supervisors, LRT Operators, Maintenance‑of‑Way (MOW), and Rail Vehicle Maintenance personnel in service recovery and troubleshooting vehicles or system failures. Coordinates the replacement of defective trains with yard operations and Rail Vehicle Maintenance. Manages track access, coordinates, and maintains work permits and red tags for METRO personnel and contractors working on or about the right of way. Coordinates maintenance, contractor, and utility activities along the right of way. Coordinates the movement of service support vehicles on the mainline. Notifies emergency response agencies of crisis situations along the right of way. Participates in accident/incident investigations to implement strategies or procedures to eliminate risk or to minimize/reduce risk to an acceptable level. Maintains a daily summary of train operations, associated reports, and records events that affect operations along the right of way (documented in the SAP database, HyperAlert notification system, or any other current database being utilized). Enforces operating rules and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Participates in the training and evaluation process of new Rail Operations Controllers, including refresher and recertification training. Acts as Chief Rail Operations Controller in their absence. Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers. Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP). Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents. Performs other job‑related duties as assigned. Pay Range: $70,700 - $92,800 Education Requirement A high school diploma or equivalent is required. An associate’s degree in Transportation, Business, or a related field is preferred. Years & Experience Required Minimum of three (3) years rail control/dispatch experience, rail street running operations experience as a Rail Operator/Rail Supervisor, or as an Air Traffic Controller. Experience should include two (2) years of supervisory experience. Knowledge & Skills Required Must complete required assigned LRT Train Operator training and maintain Rail Control Center and DOT certifications. Working knowledge of transit operations and Rail Operations, to include street running operations. Thorough knowledge and proficiency in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Proficiency in sectionalizing the traction electrification system. General understanding of Maintenance‑of‑Way (MOW) systems and activities, including Signals and Communications, Track, and Traction Power. Must have working knowledge of PCs and Microsoft Office suite. Good communication (verbal/written) skills. Must be able to make sound decisions quickly. A valid Texas Driver’s License is required for the job and must meet METRO’s requirements regarding motor vehicle records. Additional Information The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero‑tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment. Further, employees who perform safety‑sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements. We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County