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TRAIN OPERATOR (FULL-TIME/EXTERNAL)

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CA)
Los Angeles, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 5/25/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/7/2026
** 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.
  • 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.)

Salary : $57,366 - $83,845

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