Rail Traffic Controller

SUMMARY

PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Rail Traffic Controller will dispatch trains, other vehicles/equipment that travel on the rail, and protect individuals who work on or near the track. Dispatch is a 24 hour, 7 days a week, 365 days a year operation that can be fast paced and challenging at times. The scheduled hours of this position vary and will include days or nights any day of the week, including holidays.

The Dispatching Operations Division is covered under the United States Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). The RRB is an independent agency in the executive branch of the federal government. All dispatchers are covered under the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA) and the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act. SCRRA Dispatchers, in addition to dispatching Metrolink trains, dispatch Amtrak's intercity trains, and BNSF and UP freight trains on SCRRA territories. The majority of the SCRRA network is Central Traffic Control (CTC) with some track warrant (TWC) territories. SCRRA also has implemented Positive Train Control on its CTC territories.

This is a classified position represented by Amalgamated Transit Union per the Collective Bargaining Agreement dated January 1, 2023 - June 30, 2026.

Hourly Rate Range: $38.3446 - $58.9918

TO APPLY: This recruitment will have a review of applications beginning December 11 , 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This job description is not part of a job series

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

• Receive general oversight from departmental supervisory roles.
• No formal supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

• Control and direct the movement of trains, authorizing occupancy of the main track and sidings for train operations, track inspection and maintenance personnel.
• Keep all connecting regions, terminals, adjoining territories and stations informed of any movement for which they are concerned.
• Communicate bulletins and warrants to train personnel and maintenance of way personnel.
• Monitor radios and telephones, communicating with railroad personnel regarding train and track information.
• Schedule the routing and movement of trains to provide for safe, timely meets.
• Protect engineering forces for maintenance activities on controlled tracks.
• Manage unplanned events to protect the safety of the public, railroad employees and railroad property.
• Maintain records of train movements, track assignments, maintenance activities and other events.
• Perform testing and data input for increased usage and placement of PTC.
• Handle a variety of administrative tasks related to Hours-of-Service requirements, hazardous materials, rule violations and other reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent GED.
• Two (2) years of work experience with Computer Aided Train Dispatching systems and radio control devices related to Railroad Operations preferred.
• Prior work experience with railroad operations and an understanding of the railroad's operating rules, safety rules, General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), and all applicable federal regulations is preferred.
• Prior work experience with movement authority and protect authority, including procedures for blocking tracks, switches and signals preferred
• Subject to and must comply with all FRA regulations for drug and alcohol testing.
• A combination of training, education and or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience.
• Valid Class "C" California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than two (2) moving violations and no DUI's within the last 3 years.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of :

• Movement authority and protect authority, including procedures for blocking tracks, switches and signals.
• Track bulletins, train dispatcher bulletins, special instructions and other forms of operational directives.
• Recordkeeping and reporting duties.
• The physical characteristics of the railroad.
• Railroad operating rules (GCOR), Train Dispatcher (TDM) guidelines, Positive Train Control (PTC) procedures, Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD-TMDS) system procedures, and Federal regulations (CFR) concerning Train Sheets and Hours of service.

Skilled in :

• Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
• Verbal and written communication.
• Organization, prioritization and time management.

Ability to :

• Utilize procedures for an unplanned event or emergency.
• Describe the characteristics of different types of equipment used on the railroad.
• Able to read, write, and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English, as well as issue oral instructions clearly and accurately using a variety of communication devices.
• Take initiative and process information that leads to solutions.
• Must be detail oriented and able to multitask in a demanding work environment.
• Able to maintain composure and customer focus during challenging situations.
• Function calmly and exercise sound judgment during rapidly changing situations and crises in a fast-paced work environment.
• Carry out assignments independent of immediate supervision.
• Work on manual processes and/or computer-aided dispatching systems and personal computers.
• Available to work a 40-hour work week subject to overtime, on-call, and alternate shifts that may include weeknights, weekends, and holidays.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations
• Operate tools to perform the duties of the position, such as computers, office equipment and work-related machinery
• Transport equipment or boxes up to 25lbs
• Exchange ideas by means of communication
• Visual acuity to detect, identify and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks
• Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks
• Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations

Working Conditions
Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Based on job duties, work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, railroad track and right-of-way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as trains, heavy trucks, construction, etc.).Telecommuting may not be available for this classification.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Selection Process:

Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA.

Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA

MEDICAL:

SCRRA offers a choice of twelve (12) health plan options provided through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You may choose from up to ten (10) Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and two (2) Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Some health plans are only available in certain counties and/or zip codes.

You contribute 12.5 percent of the plan premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents.

You may waive coverage if you are covered under another group health plan; you must provide proof. Once you waive coverage, you will only be allowed to enroll during Open Enrollment or within 60 days from the date on which your other coverage is no longer available (proof is required). If you elect to waive coverage, you will receive $300.00 per month taxable earnings, paid in two installments of $150 each on the first two paychecks of the month. A retiree or an employee who is a spouse, child, or any other eligible dependent of another SCRRA employee is not eligible for the opt out/cash in lieu credit if he/she is covered under a SCRRA health plan.

Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

DENTAL :

SCRRA offers two dental options provided by Delta Dental. Under the DeltaCare (HMO) program, you must select a contract dentist within their network to perform your dental services. If you require treatment from a specialist, your contract dentist will handle the referral. Many services are covered at no cost to you. A co-payment applies for other services.

The Delta Dental PPO plan allows you to visit a dentist of your choice, change dentists at any time, go to a dental specialist of your choice, receive dental care anywhere in the world, and save on out-of-pocket expenses when you visit a PPO network dental office.

SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents under both plans.

Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

VISION:

SCRRA offers two (2) vision plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP), providing coverage for eye examinations, prescription eyewear and contact lenses through network providers. You have the option of seeing out-of-network providers, but full reimbursement is not guaranteed.

VSP has contracted with many laser surgery facilities and doctors, offering you a discount on PRK and LASIK surgeries.

If you enroll in the VSP Basic Plan, SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. If you enroll in the VSP Buy-up Plan, which offers enhanced vision benefits, you pay the difference between the cost of the Basic Plan and the Buy-up Plan.

Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING PLAN:

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow for the deferral of pre-tax dollars to be used for reimbursement of eligible medical and dependent care expenses. You can set aside up to $3,050 for health care expenses and $5,000 per family for dependent care expenses annually.

Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or a qualifying event.

GROUP LIFE INSURANCE :

SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, to a maximum of $200,000. Your life insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70.

IRS regulations require that the portion of Group Term Life (“G.T.L.”) insurance benefits provided to you by SCRRA, which exceeds $50,000, be added to your Federal, State, and Medicare taxable earnings for W-2 reporting. This amount is reflected on your pay statements each pay period in the “Other Benefits and Information” section.

In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000 without evidence of insurability (initial enrollment period only) and up to 5 times your salary to a maximum of $500,000 with evidence of insurability. Dependent life options are also available. The voluntary plan is portable; you may retain it if you leave SCRRA and pay the premium.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT :

SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, up to a maximum of $200,000. Your AD&D insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000, subject to a maximum of the lesser of 5 times your annual salary or $500,000. Dependent AD&D options are also available.

UNEMPLOYMENT AND SICKNESS BENEFITS:

Dispatching Operations employees receive retirement-survivor and unemployment/sickness benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act and the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA). These programs provide income protection during old age and in the event of disability, death or temporary unemployment and sickness. The 2023 Tier I tax rate is 6.20 percent of earnings for employees and 6.20 percent for employers for retirement, and 1.45* percent for Medicare hospital insurance. The maximum amount of an employee’s earnings subject to the Tier I tax is $160,200. The Medicare hospital insurance tax is applied to all earnings. The 2023 Tier II tax rate is 4.90 percent of earnings for employees and 13.10 percent for employers. The maximum amount of an employee’s earnings subject to the Tier II tax is $118,800.

*Additional Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax: As of January 1, 2013, employees are required to pay an additional 0.9 percent Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (for those who file an individual return) or $250,000 (for those who file a joint return). This additional hospital insurance tax is not reflected in the rate above. For additional information, contact the IRS.

LONG TERM DISABILITY:

SCRRA provides for income replacement of 60 percent of monthly earnings subject to a maximum benefit of $7,500 per month up to age 65. To qualify, you must be on disability for 90 days. (Note: there is a pre-existing condition clause in this program.)

VOLUNTARY BENEFITS:
SCRRA offers the following employee-paid voluntary benefits, provided by Aflac:

• Group Accident Insurance helps pay for out-of-pocket costs that arise from covered accidents, such as fractures, dislocations, and lacerations.
• Group Critical Illness Insurance helps pay for the expected and unexpected expenses that arise from diagnosis of a covered critical illness, such as cancer (internal or invasive), heart attack, stroke, end-stage renal failure or a major organ transplant.
• Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs associated with a hospital stay, including benefits for hospital confinement, hospital admission, hospital intensive care and intermediate intensive care step-down unit.
• Group Short-Term Disability Insurance pays a monthly benefit directly to an employee who is off work due to an injury or illness for up to three (3) months after a seven (7) day waiting period.

HOLIDAYS:

SCRRA observes twelve (12) holidays a year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

PAID TIME OFF:

SCRRA provides employees with Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacations, illnesses, injuries, medical/dental appointments, religious holidays, personal business and emergencies as follows:

0-4 years of service - 25 days
5-6 years of service - 30 days
7 years of service - 32 days
8 years of service - 33 days
9 years of service - 34 days
10-14 years of service - 35 days
15-19 years of service - 38 days
20 or more years - 42 days

At the CEO's discretion, prior service at a public transportation or public agency, or rail transportation company may be counted towards an employee's total service years to increase the employee's PTO accrual rate. To be considered, Human Resources requires that a written request along with verification and confirmation of the years of service be provided prior to the start of employment with SCRRA. Human Resources will provide the final determination on behalf of the CEO.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
SCRRA offers you and your immediate and dependent family members confidential counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for family, personal, work-related and substance abuse issues through the EAP. You are entitled to a telephone session(s) with a trained EAP professional to assess the nature of the problem and provide a referral for additional assistance, if needed. Services also include three (3) face-to-face counseling sessions per family member per six (6) month period.

HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICES:

SCRRA offers you and your eligible dependents free health advocacy services through Health Advocate. You are entitled to unlimited calls with trained professionals who can help you navigate the healthcare and insurance systems.

RETIREMENT PLAN:

Dispatching Operations employees receive retirement-survivor and unemployment/sickness benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act and the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA). These programs provide income protection during old age and in the event of disability, death or temporary unemployment and sickness. The 2023 Tier I tax rate is 6.20 percent of earnings for employees and 6.20 percent for employers for retirement, and 1.45* percent for Medicare hospital insurance. The maximum amount of an employee’s earnings subject to the Tier I tax is $160,200. The Medicare hospital insurance tax is applied to all earnings. The 2023 Tier II tax rate is 4.90 percent of earnings for employees and 13.10 percent for employers. The maximum amount of an employee’s earnings subject to the Tier II tax is $118,800.

*Additional Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax: As of January 1, 2013, employees are required to pay an additional 0.9 percent Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (for those who file an individual return) or $250,000 (for those who file a joint return). This additional hospital insurance tax is not reflected in the rate above. For additional information, contact the IRS.

RETIREE MEDICAL:

Unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18*: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other. SCRRA pays the same amount for retirees as it does for active employees, which is currently 87.5 percent of the applicable premium.

Unrepresented employees hired on or after 11/1/18: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other and you have a minimum of 10 years of credited CalPERS service, five of which must be performed at SCRRA. SCRRA pays a percentage of the state annuitant contribution rate** in accordance with the vesting schedule below:

10 years of CalPERS Service - 50% Contribution
11-19 years of CalPERS Service - 50%, plus 5% for each additional year of service.
20+ years of CalPERS service - 100%

*Once each year the employer may allow unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18 the opportunity to individually elect to be subject to the vesting schedule.

**The state annuitant contribution rates for 2023 are: $883 (Retiree Only); $1,699 (Retiree + 1 Dependent); $2,124 (Retiree + Family).

401A PLAN:
Employees hired before 2/8/19: The Authority will contribute 5 percent of your base earnings to a money purchase plan. You will be 100% vested in the plan upon reaching 5 years of vesting service.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (457 )

You are eligible to set aside a portion of your current income without paying taxes on that money until it is received later during retirement when taxes may be lower. In 2023, you can defer up to 100 percent of your gross compensation or $22,500 annually, whichever is less (“normal contribution limit”). You may make an additional $7,500 contribution to the plan if you are age 50 and older. If you are at least within three years of the age in which you are eligible to receive unreduced benefits under our CalPERS retirement plan, you may contribute up to double the normal contribution limit, or $45,000.

TRANSPORTATION PASSES :

You may use your employee badge for unlimited free access to all Metrolink lines and trains. Your badge cannot be used on connecting public transportation. However, if you commute to/from work on Metrolink on a regular basis and need to connect to other public transportation (e.g., Metro Red or Purple Line) you can be issued a Metrolink pass with the appropriate station pair, which will also give you access to connecting transportation.

You are also eligible to receive a free transit pass to ride any greater Los Angeles area transit system other than Metrolink (such as, Metro, Foothill Transit, LADOT, and LOSSAN) for commuting purposes. The commuter transit pass has a value up to the monthly maximum tax-free transit pass amount established by the Internal Revenue Service ($300 in 2023). You are responsible for any transit fares above the IRS monthly cap. To receive this benefit, the SCRRA requires each employee to use public transportation to commute to and from work three (3) or more days per week.

Educational Assistance - SCRRA will reimburse an employee up to $1,000 per fiscal year for tuition, books and mandatory student fees for courses that are relevant to employment. No reimbursement is allowed for parking.

Professional Memberships - SCRRA pays up to $300 per year for professional memberships.

Credit Union Membership - SCRRA offers credit union services for employees and their family members, provided by Northrup Grumman Federal Credit Union.

Jury Duty - SCRRA will continue an employee's salary during any non-voluntary jury service up to a maximum of ten (10) working days.

Pregnancy Disability and Family and Medical Leaves - A leave of absence may be paid or unpaid and shall be granted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, and SCRRA policy. Refer to the Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual for more detailed information.???????

Bereavement Leave - In the event of death in an employee’s immediate family, the agency grants up to three (3) working days, with pay, to handle family affairs and to attend the funeral. When an employee needs to travel outside the radius of the five (5) member agencies due to the death of an immediate family member, the Authority grants up to five (5) working days, with pay.

Military Leave - Employees will be paid for the annually required active period. At the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, and with Board notification, paid military leave may be granted beyond what is provided by the applicable state law.

• 

• Metrolink

• 2134520444

Show more