Rail Operations Controller

Marketing Statement

Ride BART to a satisfying career that lets you both: 1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and 2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program.

AFSCME Pay Grade ROC
Annual Salary: $161,349.98 (Step 1) - $184,034.73 (Step 5)

Reports To
Assistant Chief Transportation Officer, Central Control

Current Assignment
This announcement will be used to establish list to fill future vacancies that may occur within the next twelve (12) months.

BART's Operations Control Center (OCC) is recruiting to fill vacancies for the position of Rail Operations Controller. This recruitment is to establish a list of eligible and qualified candidates for the job. Any current and future Rail Operations Controller vacancies during the ensuing twelve (12) months will be filled from the eligible list established from this recruitment. Upon selection, successful candidates from this recruitment will be required to complete a rigorous 1-year training program.

The OCC is the lifeblood of BART. Rail Operations Controllers use computers and radio communications to control the safe movement of trains throughout the BART System. Like an Air Traffic controller, Rail Operations Controllers constantly monitor train movement and conditions affecting train movement, taking immediate action when necessary.

In the OCC, Rail Operations Controllers play an essential and vital role in assisting and implementing various plans and procedures, and in doing so, are required to remain in continuous communication with frontline BART personnel. They perform a variety of duties in monitoring, analyzing, controlling and supervising the status of main line rail operations by use of computer-generated displays, display board indications, computer inputs and voice communications.

The OCC is an extremely dynamic and stressful environment. Thus, Rail Operations Controllers are required to maintain control and professionalism at all times in order to successfully carry out assigned procedures and duties, including coordinating assigned activities with other divisions, departments and outside agencies; and perform related duties as assigned.

The successful candidate(s) of this recruitment will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and/or experience in the following criteria in addition to the minimum qualifications:

• Knowledge of operations, services, activities, principles and practices of a comprehensive rail transit operations program.
• Experience issuing or receiving work orders which require read-backs, and setting phraseology in the structured format commonly found in the commuter rail industry.
• Ability to effectively and simultaneously handling a variety of assigned tasks.
• Ability to effectively communicate with others, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle and resolve emergency situations
• Ability to interpret various technical data and situational dynamic changes and develop a plan of action
• Minimum qualifications must be maintained during the training.
• Rail Transportation, and/or Military or Air Traffic controller (Military or FAA) experience is preferred.

This position is represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Applications will be screened to assure that minimum qualifications are met. Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will then be referred to the hiring department for the completion of further selection processes.

The selection process for this position may include a skills/performance demonstration, a written examination, and/or an individual or panel interview.

The successful candidate must have an employment history demonstrating reliability and dependability; provide copies of certificates, diplomas or other documents as required by law, including those establishing his/her right to work in the U. S.; pass a pre-employment medical examination which includes a drug and alcohol screen, and which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre-employment processing will also include a background check. (Does not apply to current full-time District employees unless specific job requires additional evaluations)

The selection process for this position will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Application Process

External applicants may only apply online, at www.bart.gov/jobs. Applicants needing assistance with the online application process may receive additional information by calling (510) 464-6112.

Current employees are strongly encouraged to apply online, either at www.bart.gov/jobs, or on WebBART. Current employees may also apply using a BART paper application by delivering the completed form to the Human Resources Department, or by mailing it to P. O. Box 12688, Oakland, CA 94604-2688.

All applicants are asked to complete the application in full, indicating dates of employment, all positions held, hours worked, and a full description of duties. Online applicants are invited to electronically attach a resume to the application form to provide supplemental information but should not consider the resume a substitute for the application form itself.

Applications must be complete by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement.

1. Performs a variety of duties for monitoring, analyzing, controlling and supervising the status and performance of main line rail operations; supervises train operators and field supervisors; oversees rail operations by use of computer-generated displays, display board indications, computer inputs and voice communications.
   
   
2. Monitors and interprets the train control display board, computer workstation displays and radio operations to determine the status of revenue operations, non-revenue vehicle activity, scheduled or unscheduled maintenance activities; responds with appropriate computer inputs and verbal instructions to maintain system performance and safety.
   
   
3. Supervises and coordinates on-site or and remote activities during emergency or unusual incident situations; controls isolation of the incident area from all train movement; participates in the implementation of repair activities or emergency response; ensures that vehicles, facilities, and equipment are operated safely.
   
   
4. Coordinates activities with those of other operations and maintenance staff to minimize service interruptions; provides other District departments and divisions with technical information relating to the train control operations.
   
   
5. Performs activities while ensuring that pre-established schedules are maintained for optimal revenue service.
   
   
6. Evaluates passenger service to ensure that existing systems are functioning properly, and that District policies, procedures, rules, and regulations are being followed.
   
   
7. Participates in the implementation of emergency action plans; assists in coordinating emergency operations with field personnel, and other departments and outside agencies.
   
   
8. Coordinates work with that of other divisions and outside agencies; provides technical support to other divisions, District departments and outside agencies.
   
   
9. Conducts a variety of operational or administrative studies; assists with investigations in safety- related incidents.
   
   
10. Develops and implements delay management strategies such as single-tracking operations, turning trains, shuttle service and other service recovery techniques as required during service interruptions.
    
    
11. Coordinates with maintenance supervisors to remove transit revenue bearing vehicles from service for regularly scheduled maintenance and overhaul requirements; maintains accurate hourly and daily records and special reports of work being performed; participates in the investigation and prepares reports on emergency, unusual incidents, and passenger complaints.
    
    
12. Maintains awareness of progress on assigned construction activities to assure compliance with designated time and established standards.
    
    
13. As assigned, may train new Rail Operations Controllers and others on the established procedures for train control operations and maintenance activities.
    
    
14. Acts in a management capacity in the absence of the Manager of Central Control, supervising and directing all activities within the Operations Control Center.
    
    
15. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trend and innovations in the field of train control.
    
    
16. May assist in the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards.
    
    

• Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive rail transit operations program
• Basic operational characteristics of rail transit vehicles and equipment
• Principles and practices of rail operations, system functions, routes, rail patterns, operating regulations and scheduling techniques
• Operational characteristics of computerized transportation systems control including Integrated Computer Systems (ICS), Automatic Train Protection (ATP), Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) systems
• Principles and practices of incident/congestion management
• Methods, techniques and strategies of transportation management and radio communications
• Principles and practices of safety in transit vehicle and facility operation including, as trained, applicable federal and state safety rules related to Rapid Rail Transit Systems.
• Principles and practices of Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) required to maintain a safe work environment
• Terminology, methods, practices, and techniques used in report preparation
• Methods and techniques of determining rail vehicle status
• Current office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers
• Emergency and incident reporting requirements
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices
• Related Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations
  
  

• Learning and applying District emergency procedures
• Applying principles and practices of train control operations in assigned work
• Assessing the severity of transportation operation situations and developing appropriate action plans to resolve/restore on a temporary basis and/or to normal operations
• Identifying the source(s) of problems, dispatching appropriate resources, and managing resulting congestion utilizing automated communications, networks and systems
• Independently performing complex revenue service operations and train control work
• Coordinating train rail control operations with other divisions and field personnel
• Interpreting, analyzing, prioritizing, and explaining District policies and procedures
• Making critical decisions with potential for significant impact on public safety
• Evaluating train operation problems and recommending action
• Analyzing technical problems, evaluating alternatives, and recommending solutions
• Preparing clear, concise, and complete reports and other written materials
• Working independently in the absence of supervision
• Understanding and following oral and written instructions
• Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including District officials, outside agencies, and the public

Equal Employment OpportunityGroupBox1

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and above), religion, national origin (including language use restrictions), disability (mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), ancestry, marital status, military status, veteran status, medical condition (cancer/genetic characteristics and information), or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

The BART Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities or for religious reasons. Please advise the Human Resources Department of any special needs in advance of the examination by emailing at least 5 days before your examination date at employment@bart.gov.

Qualified veterans may be eligible to obtain additional veteran's credit in the selection process for this recruitment (effective Jan. 1, 2013). To obtain the credit, veterans must attach to the application a DD214 discharge document or proof of disability and complete/submit the Veteran's Preference Application no later than the closing date of the posting. For more information about this credit please go to the Veteran's Preference Policy and Application link at www.bart.gov/jobs.