Rail Controller - Charlotte, NC

The City of Charlotte, known as America’s Queen City, is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community for its residents, businesses, and visitors. It prides itself on being a safe, family-oriented city where collaboration and community thriving are paramount. With a mission to deliver quality public services while promoting safety, health, and a high quality of life for all residents, the city follows guiding principles that include attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce, valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development. It is committed to providing courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services to all customers, identifying and solving problems proactively, and collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions. The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Department is actively seeking a skilled Rail Controller to join its Operations Management team. This position offers a salary range of $75,471 to $94,339, commensurate with experience. The Rail Controller role is critical in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of Charlotte’s light rail transit system. Responsibilities include monitoring, managing, and controlling all scheduled revenue service, special train movements, and various activities along the rail right-of-way. This role demands extensive supervisory expertise and sound judgment, especially under highly stressful and dynamic situations. Rail Controllers must excel in multi-tasking and clear, concise communication both in writing and verbally. They must adhere strictly to established policies, procedures, and rules while exercising independent judgment during rail service operations and emergencies. Experience with startup operations, including railcar commissioning, test track operations, system integration, control center procedures, and pre-revenue service, is highly desirable. This position is safety and security-sensitive, requiring flexibility to work various scheduled shifts in a 24/7 operational environment, including extended hours, holidays, and weekends. Working as a Rail Controller at CATS means you will directly contribute to the safety and efficiency of the light rail system by ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and procedures. You will manage communications, coordinate power outages and equipment movement, monitor trains and on-track equipment, and adjust service levels according to current operational needs and passenger loads. Additionally, you will support the implementation of safety programs aligned with North Carolina Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration standards, actively participate in safety culture promotion, and conduct audits. The role requires proficiency in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisitions (SCADA) systems and the ability to operate computer systems and dispatch software while documenting work accurately through various digital platforms. Candidates must pass comprehensive training and standardized testing, maintain valid driver’s licenses, and demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot and coordinate restoration efforts under pressure. Physically, Rail Controllers must be capable of sitting for extended periods and possess sharp sensory skills, including speech, touch, hearing, and 20/20 vision (correctable). The role involves operating communication devices such as two-way radios, public address systems, variable message boards, and emergency notification systems. Moreover, candidates must be able to work independently, organize work priorities effectively, and maintain accurate records. Preferred qualifications include an associate degree with three years of rail traffic controller or dispatcher experience using SCADA technology. The minimum qualifications are a high school diploma or equivalent with five years of relevant experience, or an associate's degree with three years of relevant work experience. Overall, this career opportunity with the City of Charlotte offers a chance to be part of a mission-driven, community-focused organization that values inclusivity, professional growth, and continuous service improvement in public transit operations.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Five years of relevant work experience
• Or associate's degree
• Three years of relevant work experience
• Must complete and pass all CATS controller training and standardized tests
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license
• Must be available to work irregular hours and shifts
• Must complete a six-month probationary period
• Must pass a background check, pre-employment drug test, and physical examination
• Must be able to communicate clearly in English
• Must be computer literate
• Must demonstrate ability to operate SCADA technology
• Must be able to document work accurately
• Must be able to troubleshoot and coordinate service restoration
• Must have 20/20 vision or correctable to 20/20
• Must be able to sit for extended periods