Rail Operator Trainee

Thank you for your interest in joining the team that keeps Charlotte moving, at a very exciting time for our organization. At the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), we’re committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative transit services for our growing community, and we value employees who bring professionalism, passion, and a commitment to public service.

This position is currently employed by CATS, a department of the City of Charlotte. With the passage of the PAVE Act and last year’s sales tax referendum, CATS is preparing to transition from a City department to the newly created Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA). The MPTA was established to strengthen regional transit governance, improve accountability, and support long‑term investment in mobility. It’s an important and exciting step forward for transit in our region.

Employees hired into this role will remain City employees through December 31, 2026, and will transition to MPTA employment on January 1, 2027. Benefits and compensation will follow City provisions through 2026 and shift to MPTA provisions in 2027, with clear information shared in advance. Your core duties, reporting structure, and daily responsibilities will remain consistent, with no break in service. If anything delays the transition, your City employment, including compensation and benefits, will remain in place until the move to the MPTA occurs.

The creation of the MPTA positions us for a more modern, sustainable, and efficient transit system, one that can better support the Charlotte region for decades to come. We’re excited about what’s ahead and appreciate your interest in being part of it.

• →Operates CATS LRVs during revenue and non-revenue service, including mainline operations.
• →Operates LRVs safely following CATS operating rules, procedures, and scheduled running times.
• →Utilizes two-way radio systems per CATS established rules and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.
• →Responsible for operating powered or manual switches on the mainline and in the yard and other systems as required.
• →Conducts pre-trip inspection of assigned light rail vehicle equipment by rules and standard operating procedures.
• →Performs en-route troubleshooting on vehicle problems to restore service.
• →Assists patrons as required, such as announcing station stops, bus connections, and other communication about Light Rail Operations, and guides and assists customers with accessing alternate bus service.
• →Must be able to work variable shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required for operational efficiency.
• →Notifies ROCC of any emergency, abnormal, or unsafe conditions as required.
• →Maintains knowledge and adheres to rules, procedures, policies, bulletins, and notices.
• →Must be able to follow regulatory requirements about rail operations to ensure a safe, efficient, and courteous service to customers.
• →Must be able to attend and pass required training classes to maintain required license and rail operator certification.
• →Completes forms and paperwork such as accident/incident reports and defect cards as required.
• →Performs other duties as assigned.
• →As part of your responsibility to support the CATS Safety Culture, report safety concerns and issues through the various methods established by CATS, as outlined in the Agency Safety Plan (ASP).

• Comprehend rules and procedures and complete the Rail Operator training program.
• Ability to maintain a continuous focus on safety and ability to operate LRVs during varying operating and weather conditions.
• Follow oral and written instructions with minimal supervision.
• Must demonstrate a favorable attitude toward public service.
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly in English both orally and in writing.
• Some computer skills to include Microsoft Office programs.
• Must have a good driving record.

Essential Skills:

Starting salary for Rail Operator Trainee is $26.30 per hour. Upon successful completion of CATS Rail Operator training, Rail Operator Assessment, possess a CDL with passenger endorsement will receive an increase to $28.67 per hour.

• Minimum age at time of employment in the classification of Rail Operator is 21.
• Possess a Class B or A Commercial Driver License (CDL) with P passenger endorsement
• High school graduation or equivalent
• Valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate
• Must demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak and easily understand the English language.

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior.

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby, where self-service application kiosks are available. They are located in our office at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. We are open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us

The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120.