Rail Dispatcher

Competitive Benefits Package. PLTO offers an excellent compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, 401(k) retirement, vacation, holiday and sick pay.

About the Organization Purple Line Transit Operators (PLTO) is a member of a private consortium that holds a Public-Private Partnership contract with the Maryland Department of Transportation/Maryland Transit Administration for the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and financing of the Purple Line, a new 16‑mile light rail transit line in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County, Maryland. PLTO’s role is the operations and maintenance of the Purple Line for a 30‑year period after the service opens to the public, currently scheduled for winter 2027.

PLTO is a limited liability company comprised of Alternate Concepts Inc. (ACI) and CAF USA, Inc. (CAF). ACI is an industry leader in mass transit operations, while CAF USA is a certified rail maintenance organization with a global presence.

$35.10 - $39.90

Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Operations, the Rail Dispatcher ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) across the system. The position monitors and directs rail activities from the Operations Control Center (OCC), coordinates communications among multiple departments, responds to operational issues and emergencies, and maintains compliance with established rules, procedures, and safety standards.

• Act as the central communication liaison between PLTO Rail Operations and other departments involved in the safe and efficient movement of LRVs.
• Monitor, control, and maintain safe rail operations along the mainline, in yards, and on test tracks.
• Execute OCC functions in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, rules, and directives.
• Perform SCADA functions related to train control, traction power, and facilities, ensuring accurate and safe system operations.
• Communicate effectively with Rail Operators, Supervisors, Maintenance, MOW, Contractors, Security, and Instructors to coordinate rail movement and service continuity.
• Initiate and implement service recovery procedures to mitigate operational disruptions.
• Establish routes, signals, power commands, and SCADA‑based controls in accordance with rules, safety procedures, and Track Allocation directives.
• Dispatch and control movement in both operational and testing environments, including contractor access.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Central Control System functions, software tools, and subsystem architecture.
• Receive, interpret, and respond to system alarms and alerts from fare collection, traction power, security devices, networks, and facility hardware.
• Monitor and use CCTV, radio systems, and communications tools to support operations and emergency responses.
• Maintain accurate incident reporting, including delays, work orders, defects, and exceptions.
• Calculate train arrival times and make required announcements.
• Safely manage traction power de‑energization and restoration using approved methods.
• Verify authorization and PPE compliance for personnel entering the right‑of‑way.
• Coordinate emergency response activities, including acting as liaison with Incident Command and first responders.
• Provide on‑the‑job training to PLTO personnel and assist with record‑keeping of train movements and exceptions.
• Respond professionally to inquiries from employees, contractors, customers, and agencies.
• Comply with PLTO policies, including EEO, Anti‑Discrimination, Anti‑Harassment, and Anti‑Retaliation requirements.
• Work assigned shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and multiple locations as required.
• Cooperatively and efficiently perform related tasks and duties as required.

• Thorough understanding of rail operations, dispatching practices, and control center functions.
• Ability to interpret safety rules, operating procedures, technical instructions, diagrams, schematics, and system architectures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare reports, convey instructions, and brief personnel.
• Proficiency in mathematical…