RAIL SERVICES CONTROLLER

Job Title

Job Description

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree in technical field plus three years of experience in public transportation, dispatch, or control center environment. Two years of experience in supervision desired working in a union environment. Excellent verbal and written communications skills are required. Candidate must be able to perform appropriately in stressful and emergency situations. Must be conscientious, demonstrate high degree of dependability, detailed oriented and possess high level organizational skills. In lieu of a degree, directly related experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Interview Selection Process: The selection process may include one or more components to demonstrate applicants' knowledge, skills and abilities in job related areas. These may include exercises such as practical demonstrations, written communications, oral interviews and/or competency assessments.

Summary: Observes and analyzes computer generated displays, display board indications, and verbal report from train operators and key field supervisors to monitor, control, direct and supervise the status and movement of all trains on the mainline. Work is always characterized by high mental concentration and close supervision. Responsible for the adherence to schedules and proper train operations. Uses the MARTA Communications System (SCADA) to receive, document and report all station problems, equipment malfunctions and emergencies to appropriate personnel. Initiates immediate alternative methods of operation during abnormal conditions. May perform as a Superintendent of Control Center upon request. Has the authority to interpret and implement management policies or operating practices. Performs work that affects business operations to a substantial degree. Responsible for interpreting and implementing management policies regarding rail operating practices.

This position has been identified as having responsibility for transit safety oversight at MARTA and is required to comply with the training requirements identified in the Authority's Agency Safety Plan. Training requirements must be completed within 3 years of employment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Observes and analyzes computer generated displays, display board indications, and verbal report from train operators and key field supervisors to monitor, control, direct and supervise the status and movement of all trains on the mainline to ensure schedule adherence and proper train operations. Performs constant visual monitoring of trains on video display monitors and communicates by radio and telephone with various personnel.
2. Closely monitors, directs, controls, and supervises the manual movement of all trains and non-revenue vehicles on the mainline. Responsible for knowing the status of all equipment monitoring on the mainline. Monitors and coordinates work at all stations, main line maintenance and maintenance workers and other authorized personnel who enter the right-of-way.
3. Takes appropriate action on communication received from operators, inspectors, station agents and other personnel regarding emergencies, incidents, and malfunctions; dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment to correct possible service disruption or safety problems. Coordinates appropriate personnel and equipment to resolve breakdowns, safety issues and other service disruptions within the shortest possible time frame; communicates with management and senior management regarding these problems.
4. Analyzes computer-generated information in conjunction with other system information for the purpose of anticipating changes in system operational requirements.
5. Receives and documents all reports of station problems and equipment malfunctions and notifies appropriate Maintenance personnel.
6. Has the authority to interpret and implement MARTA management policies, standard operating practices, and rules.
7. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: This position requires annual recertification as a Rail Controller and Level III Wayside Access Certification. This position requires Rail Controller training. A six-month probationary period begins after successful completion of the Rail Controller training program.

Supervisory Responsibilities: May perform as a Superintendent in the Control Center upon request.

Special Requirements: Nature of the work requires working in a confined and highly stressful environment, sitting for extended periods of time, constantly viewing display monitors, and working rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays. May wear authority approved headsets to perform duties. Must be conscientious and detail oriented. Since the consequence of error may result in the possibility of injury or loss of life, a lengthy and detailed training program is necessary for new hires as Rail Services Controllers before being able to work independently. A six-month probationary period begins after successful completion of the Rail Controller training period. A serious commitment to the position and to the Department of Rail Operations is required before accepting the Rail Services Controller position. With the nature of the work and substantial cost-to-hire, it is MARTA's position that new hires who demonstrate proficiency in the job are not able to transfer to positions outside of the Department of Rail Operations until completion of two years as a Rail Services Controller.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

1. Must be able to bend, climb and stoop to access wayside equipment.

2. Must pass physical examination required by MARTA including alcohol/drug screen.

MARTA is a Drug-Free Workplace. Participation in MARTA's Drug & Alcohol Program is a condition of employment. Failure to adhere to MARTA's Drug & Alcohol Program will result in termination. Every MARTA employee is responsible for reading and observing the requirements of the Drug & Alcohol policy. This position has been identified as SAFETY SENSITIVE.

MARTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Grade: 17A

Classification: Non-Represented

Number of Openings: 2

Salary: $65,060-$97,589

Job Info

• Job Identification 1340
• Posting Date 06/09/2026, 07:50 PM
• Apply Before 07/10/2026, 03:59 AM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations Atlanta, United States

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)