TRAIN OPERATOR (FULL-TIME/EXTERNAL)

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.

• 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

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

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.)