Rail Operations Controller

DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit)

1d•$64,863 - $107,023

About The Position

Under general supervision, is responsible for real-time oversight and coordination of Rail operations and approval/coordination of all maintenance activities occurring on or about DART's light rail right-of-way.

Requirements

Associates degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Transportation or related field.
Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience working in a transportation environment to include two (2) years rail operator experience.
Must type 25 words per minute (wpm) to ensure proficiency using a personal computer.
Ability to successfully pass annual mainline recertification program and maintain proficiency in the functional operation of applicable field equipment with a minimum passing score of 90%.
Pass physical (medical) examination, which includes a drug screen in order to operate DART revenue vehicles.
Incumbents are subject to the federal testing regulations of safety-sensitive positions, which include random alcohol and drug testing as a condition of continued employment.
Valid Texas "C" drivers license, no Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) conviction within the last sixty (60) consecutive months, not more than three (3) convictions of moving violations within the last thirty-six (36) consecutive months and must not have a "Driving While Intoxicated" (DWI) conviction on driving record in the past five years and not more than one in entire driving history on driving record in order to operate DART non-revenue vehicles.
Must successfully complete Rail Operator, and Rail Control Center certification and re-certification test with a minimum score of 90.
Must successfully complete Rail Control Center Traction Electrification Systems certification and re-certification test with a minimum score of 95.
Must successfully pass a quarterly control center quiz with a minimum score of 90 or 95 for TES related quizzes.
Thorough knowledge and ability to demonstrate proficiency in the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA).
Ability to demonstrate proficiency in sectionalizing the traction electrification system.
Thorough knowledge of Rail Transit Operating Principles and Procedures.
Proficiency of PC software applications to include Microsoft Office or other related software applications.
Analytical and creative skills to find solutions to complex interpersonal, technical and administrative problems.
Ability to be dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. Gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services. Acts with customers in mind. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.
Ability to make good decisions (without considering how much time it takes) based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment). Most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time. Sought out by others for advice and solutions.
Ability to pick up on technical things quickly. Can learn new skills and knowledge. Is good at learning new industry, company, product, or technical knowledge. Does well in technical courses and seminars.
Ability to be able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles. Can get messages across that have the desired effect.
Ability to quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all. Can represent his/her own interests and yet be fair to other groups. Can solve problems with peers with a minimum of noise. Is seen as a team player and is cooperative. Easily gains trust and support of peers. Encourages collaboration. Can be candid with peers.
Ability to use rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions. Can see hidden problems. Is excellent at honest analysis. Looks beyond the obvious and does not stop at the first answers.
Ability to work irregular hours and to be available to work on short notice.

Responsibilities

Supervises and controls train and streetcar movement along the alignment.
Supervises/Controls interlocking, traction power substations, tunnel ventilation systems, and facility related alarms via the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA).
Responds to Traction Electrification Systems issues on train and streetcar alignment.
Update Operating Clearances distributed to LRT Operators at the beginning of each business day.
Enforces all approved Standard Operating Rules & Procedures.
Approves, monitors and coordinates all maintenance activities along the right-of-way.
Generate email/text notifications when service delays occur to keep management abreast of the situation.
Notifies senior management of rail related incidents/accidents, service delays, unusual occurrences and serves as a liaison with public safety agencies during emergency situations.
Send passengers audio/visual (PAVMB) messages to stations when service is disrupted, and an Operations Communications Liaison is not present.
Manages multiple systems on the right-of-way. (Automatic Block Signal (ABS), Cab Signal Territory (CST), Line-of-Sight, and Streetcar)
Oversees and directs activities of Transportation and Maintenance personnel during incidents, accidents, and other abnormal conditions.
Assists with investigations into safety related incidents, and training of new Rail Controllers.
Directs the troubleshooting of defective equipment and coordinates the replacement of LRVs with Yard Control and Fleet Maintenance.
Coordinate all activities during emergency conditions including dispatching assistance from the necessary DART departments and emergency response agencies.
Notify DART Police, local police, fire department(s), towing services and other agencies when specific assistance is needed.
Analyze computer generated information in conjunction with other system information for anticipating changes in system operational requirements.
Maintains a Daily Summary of Rail Operations, Record of Train Movement, and associated reports.
Performs other related duties as assigned.