TRAIN OPERATOR (FULL-TIME/EXTERNAL)

Salary : $57,366.40 - $83,844.80 Annually
Location : Los Angeles, CA
Job Type: Regular Employee
Job Number: 2401239
Cabinet: OPERATIONS
Cost Center: 3936 - RAIL TRANSIT OPS INSTRUCTION
Opening Date: 05/24/2026
Closing Date: 6/7/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: SMART


Metro's mission is to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances the quality of life for all who live, work, and play within LA County.

Description
** Open to all non-current Metro Bus Operators. Existing Metro Bus Operators, please refer to your management team for information regarding Train Operator opportunities. **

Under close supervision, operates Metro's public transit trains to transport passengers. Train Operator (Full/Time-External) works a minimum of forty (40) hours per work week. This classification is for external hires only and will not be eligible for semi-annual bidding of open assignments at Bus Divisions.

Examples of Duties

• Operates light and heavy rail train equipment to transport passengers
• Informs controller personnel of operating status of equipment
• Performs pre-pull-out inspection of train and track for safety reasons and reports any operational problems
• Repairs and adjusts equipment as necessary to ensure that the train is in safe operating condition
• Moves debris or articles from the track when necessary
• Receives and transmits two-way radio messages to report pull-out and track changes and request clearance for movement
• Refers to route maps, time schedules, and instructions for alternate routes
• Effectively communicates with the public and other employees.
• Informs passengers of emergencies or rule violations by loudspeaker or personally if on loading platform; evacuates passengers and escorts them to safety as necessary
• Instructs student trainees and regular operators learning specific rail line routes
• Writes reports and completes forms
• Provides excellent customer service

Minimum Qualifications


A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes:
Education

• None required

Experience

• Two years of relevant Bus and/or Rail Operator experience for part-time positions or one year of relevant Bus and/or Rail Operator experience for full-time positions

Certifications/Licenses/Special Requirements

• Valid California Class B/P Driver License
• Minimum of 21 years of age
• Must have a good driving record for the past 5 years
• Must have normal color vision
• Have no fear of heights
• Must walk long distances for assistance when necessary
• Must pass a comprehensive physical agility test
• Positions in this classification are considered safety sensitive under Federal Transit Administration (FTA) drug and alcohol regulations

Essential Knowledge

Knowledge of (defined as a learned body of information that is required for and applied in the performance of job tasks)

• State and local traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations involved in the operation of rail transit vehicles
• Rail vehicle safety rules and regulations
• Basic time concepts

Skill in (defined as the proficient manual, verbal, or mental utilization of data, people, or things)

• Operating Metro rail vehicles and equipment safely and efficiently
• Operating technical equipment
• Reading switches
• Recognizing and correcting problems with equipment
• Exercising sound judgment in decision making and stressful situations
• Communicating courteously and effectively with people

Ability to (defined as a present competence to perform an observable behavior or produce an observable result)

• Memorize signs, signals, and terminology used for rail transit
• Evacuate passengers and escort them to safety
• Work independently in a highly time-structured environment
• Understand and follow detailed oral and written instructions
• Decipher and successfully encounter potential hazards on train, tracks, or stations
• Perceive track alterations from a great distance
• Read, write, speak, and understand English
• Lift up to 35 pounds

Special Conditions

• This job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements
• The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job
• Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out out

Working Conditions

• High noise environment
• Work with regular exposure to odors or fumes
• Work with vibrating equipment
• Work in awkward or confining/enclosed spaces
• Exposure to hostile and armed criminal suspects
• Exposure to moving machinery and/or vehicles
• Exposure to physical and verbal abuse by clients/customers and/or general public
• Exposure to outdoor weather including extreme heat, cold, dampness and/or humidity
• Extensive safety training and/or use of protective devices and personal protective gear

Physical Effort Required

• Walking (distance 5' to 100')
• Bending or twisting at the neck, waist and/or knees
• Intermittently sitting, standing, stooping
• Moderate lifting or carrying 26-50 lbs.
• Driving and/or operating heavy equipment
• Handling by seizing, holding, grasping, or turning hands, but without finger dexterity
• Using equipment requiring high hand and finger dexterity
• Communicating through speech in the English language required
• Good distance vision and/or depth perception to judge distances
• Color recognition (e.g., distinguishing wires, resistors, containers, light signals, etc.)

Metro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disability. Learn more about Metro does not deny participation in the application process to anyone with prior justice system involvement, in line with hiring practices.
Selection Procedure

Applicants who best meet job-related qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process that may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral appraisal to further evaluate job-related experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.
Application Procedure

To apply, visit Metro's website at and complete an online Employment Application.
Computers are available to complete online Employment Applications at the following Metro locations:

METRO Headquarters, Employment Office
One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Open: Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm
(Closed Sat & Sun)
Metro Talent Hub
8501 S. Evermont Place
Los Angeles, CA 90044
Open: Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm
(Closed Sat & Sun)
East Los Angeles Customer Center
4501 B Whittier Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90022
Open: Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm
(Closed Sun & Mon)
Wilshire/Vermont Customer Center
3183 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 174
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Open: Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm
(Closed Sat & Sun)
Rosa Parks Customer Center
Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station
11720 Wilmington Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90059
Open: Monday through Friday, 6am to 6:30pm
(Closed Sat & Sun)
Telephone: View phone number on click.appcast.io or persons with hearing or speech impairments can use California Relay Service 711 to contact Metro.

All completed online Employment Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Late applications will not be considered.

*Open to the public and all Metro employees

This job bulletin is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform other related job duties.
LACMTA BENEFITS FOR FULL-TIME

• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Group Life Insurance
• Holidays
• Sick time
• Vacation time
• Pension plan
• Social Security coverage
• Transportation passes
• Credit union
• Tuition assistance
• Deferred Compensation 401 (k)
• Thrift plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible medical spending account
• Flexible dependent care account
• Jury duty
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

LACMTA BENEFITS FOR PART-TIME OPERATORS

• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Group Life Insurance
• Holidays
• Sick time
• Vacation time
• Social Security coverage
• Transportation passes
• Credit union
• Tuition assistance
• Deferred Compensation 401 (k)
• Thrift plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Jury duty
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

01


Are you a former RTD, LACTC, MTA or PTSC employee?

• Yes
• No

02


Are you a current Metro employee?

• Yes
• No

03


If yes to Question #1 or #2, please enter your badge number. If no, please enter N/A.
04


Are you a current Metro Bus Operator?

• Yes
• No

05


Please select the number of years of relevant experience you have as a Bus and/or Rail Operator.

• No Experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year or more, but less than 3 years
• 3 years or more, but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

06


Do you possess a valid driver license?

• Yes, Class A
• Yes, Class B
• Yes, Class C
• Yes, out of state
• No, I do not have a valid driver license

07


After a conditional offer of employment, can you provide a California DMV K-4 driving record for review of your driving history (covering up to the past five years)?

• Yes
• No

08


Have you held a valid driver's license for at least two years?

• Yes
• No

09


At the time of the application, are you at least 21 years of age?

• Yes
• No

10


The information you provide on these supplemental questions will be evaluated and used to determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the recruitment process. Please note that all information is subject to verification. Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or dismissal. I understand the above information and instructions.

• Yes
• No

Required Question