Rail Operations Controller

Unclassified - Houston, TX

Full-time

Houston, TX

About the position

The Rail Operations Controller is responsible for overseeing the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the METRORail system. This role involves controlling, monitoring, and supervising Light Rail Transit (LRT) Operators, Supervisors, maintenance personnel, and contractors, ensuring that all operations comply with applicable rules and safety procedures. The position requires extensive supervisory skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment during high-pressure situations. The Rail Operations Controller must maintain two-way radio communications with various personnel during revenue service operations, monitor train movements, and adjust service levels based on operating conditions and passenger loads. Additionally, the role involves informing maintenance personnel of equipment defects, creating and updating daily Train Orders, and developing delay management strategies during service disruptions. The Rail Operations Controller also disseminates information regarding service disruptions and changes to METRO management, Operations personnel, and customers. They control interlocking, traction power, and other system elements while directing Field Supervisors and LRT Operators in service recovery and troubleshooting vehicle or system failures. The position requires coordination with maintenance, contractor, and utility activities along the right of way, as well as managing track access and work permits for personnel and contractors. The Rail Operations Controller participates in accident investigations and maintains daily summaries of train operations, ensuring that all events affecting operations are documented. Promoting safety awareness and following safety procedures is a critical aspect of this role, as is the ability to perform other job-related duties as assigned. The position may also require acting as the Chief Rail Operations Controller in their absence and performing the duties of a Rail Field Supervisor as needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe, efficient, and reliable rail operation along the METRORail system.
• Control, monitor, and supervise LRT Operators, Supervisors, maintenance personnel, and contractors.
• Maintain two-way radio communications with LRT Operators and other personnel during revenue service operations.
• Monitor train movement on the mainline including revenue trains, test trains, and special event trains.
• Adjust service levels and headways based on operating conditions and passenger loads.
• Inform maintenance personnel of equipment defects and coordinate repair efforts.
• Create and update daily Train Orders and distribute them to rail operations personnel.
• Develop and implement delay management strategies during service disruptions.
• Disseminate information to METRO management and customers regarding service disruptions and changes.
• Control interlocking, traction power, and other system elements.
• Direct Field Supervisors and LRT Operators in service recovery and troubleshooting.
• Coordinate the replacement of defective trains with yard operations and Vehicle Maintenance.
• Manage track access and maintain work permits for personnel and contractors.
• Coordinate maintenance and utility activities along the right of way.
• Notify emergency response agencies of crisis situations along the right of way.
• Participate in accident/incident investigations to minimize risk.
• Maintain daily summaries of train operations and document events affecting operations.
• Enforce operating rules and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Act as Chief Rail Operations Controller in their absence.
• Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent is required; Associate's degree in Transportation, Business, or related field is preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years rail control/dispatch experience or rail street running operations experience as a Rail Operator/Rail Supervisor or Air Traffic Controller.
• Two (2) years supervisory experience is required.
• A valid Texas Driver's License is required and must meet METRO's motor vehicle record requirements.
• Must obtain and maintain LRT Train Operator and Train Control Center certifications.
• Working knowledge of transit operations and Rail Operations, including street running operations.
• Thorough knowledge and proficiency in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
• Proficiency in sectionalizing the traction electrification system.
• General understanding of Maintenance-of-Way (MOW) systems and activities, including Signals and Communications, Track and Traction Power.
• Working knowledge of PCs and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions quickly.