Light Rail Vehicle Operator Trainee

Hampton Roads Transit is seeking dynamic, customer‑service oriented, and energetic individuals to join our committed team dedicated to delivering excellent public transportation throughout the Hampton Roads region.

Hourly Wage: $22.00

(Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor to limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.)

• Follow agency safety standards, policies, and rules.
• Ensure quality and safety in all tasks.
• Inspect and report vehicle defects; notify the Operation Control Center (OCC) of issues.
• Operate LRV in revenue service safely, maintaining speed, distance, and managing passenger boarding and alighting.
• Make brake up train consist and operate trains in non‑revenue service on the main line.
• Operate switches, troubleshoot issues, and restore movement as needed.
• Answer customer inquiries, maintaining a courteous and friendly demeanor.
• Announce special and station stops, provide information, and make requested special announcements.
• Notify OCC of emergencies or service disruptions and coordinate evacuations if required.
• Guide customers to alternate bus service during disruptions.
• Perform flagging duties during emergencies such as collisions, derailments, or vehicle breakdowns.
• Activate switches electronically or manually as circumstances warrant, ensuring correct routing.
• Maintain knowledge of the HRT bus and light rail system to provide routine information and direction.
• Produce written reports of witnessed incidents, accidents, and unusual conditions affecting train movement or agency property.
• Report observed defects and unsafe track or switch conditions while operating LRVs.

• Pass LRV Operator training pre‑screening quiz with 85% or higher.
• Pass all quizzes/tests associated with the LRV Operator training course with 85% or higher, achieving 100% on the signal test, and re‑qualify as directed.
• Secure and maintain a valid Virginia Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Learn and comply with HRT’s Transit System, safety regulations, guidelines, service schedules, and fare structures.
• Maintain effective working relationships with Controllers/Dispatchers and Supervisors.
• Troubleshoot HRT’s Light Rail Vehicles.
• Communicate orally with customers and supervisors.
• Complete a 90‑working‑day probation period plus 7‑week training.
• Read and understand training materials, operating manuals, and safety directives.
• Prepare clear written reports of incidents and accidents.
• Maintain good customer relations.
• Have no more than one preventable accident in the twelve months immediately preceding the bid.

• Proficiency in computer systems and listed software applications used in assigned work.
• Basic problem‑solving skills related to applicable software.

Perform all duties safely to protect oneself, fellow employees, and the public. Promote safety awareness, follow procedures and policies, and actively report unsafe conditions and hazards to Supervisors, Managers, or the Safety Department.

• Graduation from a high school or completion of a GED.

• Internal candidates must be current full‑time bus operators with at least one year of experience or full‑time HRT employees with a minimum of two years of prior transportation experience and successful completion of probation.
• Eligibility requires: no more than three absences or unexcused absences in the last six months; no more than one corrective or disciplinary action in the last twelve months; a clean driving record meeting HRT standards; no preventable accidents or safety violations in the past twelve months; no passenger complaints in the past twelve months; not out of work for thirty‑five consecutive days or more within a twelve‑month period (excluding excused absences);
  
  and successful passing of the written assessment and physical agility assessment for Rail Operator.
• External candidates must have a minimum of two years of transportation experience.

• Hold a CDL Class B license and/or CDL permit, and acquire within sixty days of employment a valid Virginia CDL Class B license with air‑brake and passenger…