Rail Traffic Controller Trainee

The Rail Traffic Controller Trainee completes WMATA’s Rail Traffic Controller course to serve in the Metro Integrated Command & Communications Center. Trains to uphold safety, trust, and accountability while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the rail system. Learns to assess information from multiple sources, make real-time decisions, and coordinate responses to incidents such as derailments or equipment failures. Develops skills to manage rail service restoration, emergency communications, and support special event operations under WMATA rules and safety standards.

Principal Job Duties

• Rail Traffic Management
  • Learns how to communicate with various rail yards to ensure that the proper number of rail cars are available for each day's service.
  • Learns how to receive reports from train operators and station managers on accidents, disabled trains, sick/injured customers, intoxicated/disorderly customers, assaults, robberies and other occurrences.
  • Learns how to monitor the status of various systems and devices related to rail operations, such as: interlockings, Automatic Train Control, CB-EMIS, A/C and Traction Power Substations, ventilation fans, drainage pumps, fire alarms, Intrusion Detection Warning (IDW) alarms and intrusion alarms.
  • Learns how to monitor the status of various systems and devices related to rail operations, such as: interlockings, Automatic Train Control, CB-EMIS, A/C and Traction Power Substations, ventilation fans, drainage pumps, fire alarms, Intrusion Detection Warning (IDW) alarms and intrusion alarms.
  • Learns how to monitor and exercise continuous and complete control over Roadway Maintenance Machines (maintenance units).
  • on the mainline.
• Emergency Response
  • Learns to follow the operating procedures for dispatching supervisors, Metro Transit Police, local police/fire department or other related supporting agencies.
  • Learns how to coordinate with Car Maintenance and the appropriate towers for replacement of defective trains.
• Procedural Compliance
  • Learns how to operate an Advanced Information Management (AIM) console to correct rail system alarm conditions in accordance to the Metrorail Safety Rules and Procedures Handbook (MSRPH) and Standard Operations Procedures. Cooperates with the MICC Assistant Operations Manager, Rail Supervisors, Car Maintenance, Systems Maintenance, Metro Transit Police, Emergency Management, Fire Liaisons, and other WMATA offices, as well as local police and fire departments to address adverse conditions or reported problems, emergencies and incidents within the Rail System.
  • Learns the process of how to grants employees permission to enter the roadway for inspection and repair activity in accordance with roadway worker protection rules to support state of good repair.
  • Learns how to manage single tracking and system segment shutdowns to create safe work areas and moves work equipment to worksites to also support state of good repair.
  • Learns how to monitor and exercise continuous and complete control over movement of Roadway Maintenance Machines (maintenance units) on the mainline. Monitors closely and directs all manual movements of trains on the mainline.
• Coordination and Collaboration
  • Coordinates with Maintenance Operations and Communications Section to effectively manage the Right of Way and efficiently relay information.
  • Communicates information concisely with internal and external stakeholders and provides timely updates on an as needed basis.
  • Learns how to laisse with the MICC Assistant Operations Manager, Rail Supervisors, Car Maintenance, Systems Maintenance, Metro Transit Police, Emergency Management, Fire Liaisons and other WMATA offices as well as, local police and fire departments to address adverse conditions or reported problems, emergencies and incidents within the Rail System.
  • Learns how to respond to incoming communications (e.g., radio calls) from Train Operators, Field Supervision, Terminal Supervisors, Interlocking Operators, Station Managers, and other field operations staff and external agencies to provide incident management and delay-mitigation oversight.
• Reporting
  • Accurately records all events and prepares a detailed report of all unusual incidents/occurrence as defined by MICC Management.
  • Clearly records incidents/occurrence as defined by MICC management and uses the MICC maintenance database (Maximo) to manage reports.

Other Duties

• N/A
• Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures while performing job functions. Promotes a positive safety culture and encourages reporting of safety concerns consistent with our Agency Safety Plan, other regulatory requirements within the Safety Management System and just culture principles.

The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Knowledge

• Intermediate knowledge of how to use computers and comfort with learning new applications and programs.
• Some knowledge of how a control center functions and operates.
• Ability to gain knowledge of signals systems, the principles of signal layout and interlocking track circuitry associated with rapid rail transit systems.
• Ability to gain knowledge of high voltage protection and transformer equipment in voltage classes up to 35.5 KV.
• Ability to gain knowledge of WMATA Rail Stations by name and alpha-numeric identification. Working knowledge able to identify WMATA switches and signals.
• Ability to gain knowledge of operations and maintenance of WMATA systems

Skills

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and interacting courteously and effectively with others. Demonstrates a level of emotional intelligence that includes an understanding of procedural fairness, objectivity, and recognition of human fallibility.
• Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing. Values and exhibits brevity when relaying critical information that relates to safety and emergency response.
• Fault conditions expeditious and accurately and to interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and related technical documentation to allow appropriate assignment of maintenance personnel and for the follow through of actions taken.
• Attention to detail, with both organizational and time management tasks.

Abilities

• Ability to successfully complete all required training modules, on-the-job training, and examinations within the Rail Traffic Controller Program to achieve the Rail Traffic Controller certification
• Possesses a level of emotional maturity and is able to take responsibility and learn from past mistakes.
• Possesses the skills to explain complex problems simply and clearly to others.
• Able to multitask and prioritize all tasks within a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to establish working relationships and liaise with individuals and organizations with whom interface is required
• View of departmental long-term vision, providing benefit to their work group and the Agency.
• Ability to clarify ambiguous scenarios and information and clarify for self and others.
• Ability to evaluate fact thoroughly, exercise good judgment, take appropriate actions to address issues.
• Accurately document events that occurred during incidents, accidents, and/or special events and convert into concise, well-written, grammatically correct reports.
• Ability to maintain constant alertness and situational awareness to work effectively with others, make sound decisions, and develop strategies to overcome operational problems under stressful conditions in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and/or with minimal supervision and to formulate solutions and address operational issues.
• Ability to be available 24 hours/7 days a week unless approved time off has been granted.
• Ability to exercise prudent and timely judgment in normal and emergency situations.

Machine, Tools, Equipment, Software, Hardware Required

• Advanced Information Management (AIM) software (train control)
• Metro’s General Orders Track Rights System (GOTRS) software (track access)
• Maximo (IBM) software (asset management)
• Microsoft Office 365 software (administration)

Supervisory Responsibility

Not responsible for supervising others.

Minimum Education

• High School Diploma/GED
• Successful Completion of pre-employment assessment

Minimum Experience

• A minimum of two (2) years of rail, bus, air transportation or maintenance operations experience. Experience must include operating, dispatching or equipment movement activities.
• Or, a minimum of two (2) years of control center emergency response dispatching experience.

Minimum Certification/Licensure

• N/A

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a Rail Transportation Supervisor, Interlocking Operator, Rail Yard Master, Terminal Supervisor, Train Dispatcher, Emergency Management or Air Traffic Control experience to include, dispatching and train or aircraft movement activities.
• Experience with rail or bus operations, rail environment to include, dispatching train/equipment movement activities.
• Knowledge of Metrorail Operating Rules (MOR) or Roadway Worker Protection Program (RWPP), or similar industry railroad safety rules and procedures, preferred.
• Background in signals systems and/or an understanding of how to use high voltage equipment
• College Degree
• Technical Certification in a relevant field