What are the responsibilities and job description for the Light Rail Technical Trainer position at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority?
Under general supervision, a Light Rail Technical Trainer trains new operators and retrains veteran operators in the proper and safe operation of light rail vehicles in accordance with Federal, State, and local laws and Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) policies and procedures; and provides other technical and rail system safety training programs as needed.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Positions in this classification provide professional training for all VTA personnel requiring a light rail certification, including newly hired operators, veteran operators needing re-instruction, and light rail, transportation, maintenance, and field supervisors. This classification also provides customized training as requested by the transit operating divisions. The Light Rail Technical Trainer is distinguished from the higher classification of Light Rail Technical Training Supervisor in that the latter has supervisory responsibility over the technical training functions and staff.
About the Operations Division
Under the direction of the Naunihal Singh, Interim Chief Operating Officer, the Operations Division operates, analyzes, maintains, and manages VTA's bus and rail transit system and facilities. It also oversees contracted shuttle and ADA paratransit services.
Operations consists of the Chief Operating Officer's Administrative unit - Operations Administration - as well as Bus & Rail Transit Operations, Bus & Rail Transit Maintenance, Special Event Service, Facilities Maintenance, Operations Analysis Reporting & Systems, and Regional Transportation Services.
Together, Operations comprises 14 functional units - Operations Administration; Bus & Rail Transit Operations; Service Management; Rail Maintenance; Bus Maintenance; Way, Power & Signal Maintenance; Facilities Maintenance; Maintenance Engineering; Warranty & Quality Assurance; Regional Transportation Services; and Operations Analysis, Reporting and Systems.
Ideal Candidate
We are seeking a passionate candidate whose enthusiasm for Light Rail aligns with our department’s shared goals. The ideal candidate thrives in a team environment, takes initiative, and is always ready to contribute wherever needed. Strong self-motivation and effective communication are essential to integrating seamlessly into the culture we cultivate in the Technical Training department. Join our team and help shape the future of VTA Light Rail!
Classification: AFSCME
Application Deadline: 3/10/2025 at 5:00 PM PST
Tentative In Person Interviews Scheduled for the Week of 3/17/2025
- Develops and implements training, including curriculum, lesson plans, and all training materials and testing;
- Updates instructional procedures and program content as needed;
- Conducts training for newly hired and veteran light rail operators, electro-mechanics, service workers and other VTA employees requiring light rail vehicle training and certification;
- Monitors progress of trainees and provides periodic counseling and progress evaluation;
- Evaluates and recommends termination of trainees during training or probationary period;
- Acts as designated examiner in the testing and certification of light rail vehicle operators;
- Maintains complete and accurate documentation on all facets of training and testing for each student as required and mandated by State and Federal law;
- Participates in the California Public Utilities Commission's Safety Audits, emergency drills, and simulations;
- Develops and presents ongoing Verification of Transit Training (VTT) for existing light rail operators and other commercially licensed employees who need to maintain VTT status;
- Provide training and testing for light rail and bus maintenance and transportation employees, and supervisors required to obtain and maintain a light rail operating permit;
- Provides customized training as requested by transit operating divisions;
- Conducts refresher training for operators returning from long term absences or following a preventable accident;
- Performs ride checks during new operator probation period and in-service checks for veteran operators experiencing problems with routes, running time, or passengers;
- Evaluates new equipment and changes in existing equipment and incorporates it into training curriculum;
- Participates in the testing, certification, and opening of new rail extensions;
- Participates in the testing and certification of new rail cars;
- Assists in VTA's annual Light Rail Roadeo competition;
- May assist in training other areas on a project basis;
- Performs related duties as required.
Upon being hired, an employee will be required to successfully complete the Department of Transportation (DOT) transit instructor course.
A candidate for this position must possess the following:
- A valid California class "B" commercial driver's license with passenger endorsement, a light rail operating permit, and Verification of Transit Training (VTT) certificate (VTT certificate must be obtained within 6 months of being hired.)
- A driving record with no chargeable accidents (in accordance with the California Vehicle Code) within the past two years preceding the date of application for the instructor certificate.
- A high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalent.
- Two (2) years of experience as a light rail operator.
- Incumbents are expected to learn the operation of transit buses for the purpose of assisting Technical Trainers as needed.
- Federal, State, and local laws and regulations regarding light rail vehicles;
- Practices of curriculum development and presentation;
- Current teaching theory and methods;
- Safe and proper use of light rail vehicles;
- Basic mechanical features of light rail vehicles;
- Transit routes, schedules, and fares;
- Procedures of operator evaluation, counseling, and discipline;
- Typical provisions found in public transit labor agreements;
- VTA policies and procedures as they relate to the proper and safe operation of light rail vehicles.
Ability to:
- Develop course curriculum and lesson plans;
- Develop, assess, and evaluate training materials;
- Develop and present customized training;
- Use audio-visual equipment, training aides, and materials;
- Evaluate employee performance;
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
- Interpret and apply laws, regulations, and labor contract provisions;
- Learn the operation of transit buses and assist Technical Trainers as needed;
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
What’s in it for You?
Health: VTA participates in a CalPERS-sponsored medical plan with VTA contribution to employee and dependent premium health insurance premiums. Employees pay a monthly contribution of any amount in excess of the Kaiser Bay Area Family rate.
Flex Spending Account: $300 employer-funded Health FSA for eligible employees
Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
Leave: 17 days of vacation (accrued), 80 Hours of sick time (accrued), 12 paid holidays per year, and 1 floating holiday per year.
Retirement:
Participation in CalPERS
Classic Members: 2%@55
PEPRA Members: 2%@62
457 Deferred Compensation Plan (voluntary)
457 pre-tax
457 Roth
Self-directed brokerage account option for qualifying employees
Retiree medical coverage for eligible employees with VTA contributions to the retiree’s medical premium
Additional perks:
- All active full-time employees and their eligible dependents are eligible for transit passes for use over VTA lines, including VTA Paratransit services.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to each employee, eligible dependent, and household member, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Professional Development Fund
- Wellness Programs
As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.
For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward
General InstructionsPlease read this entire job announcement before applying for the position. Print and keep a copy of this announcement so that you can refer to it. Questions not answered within this job announcement may be sent to personnel@vta.org.
To ensure consideration, completed applications must be submitted online to the Human Resources department by the stated closing time and date posted. When the stated closing date is “continuous,” apply immediately; the position may close without notice. You will receive an immediate email confirming receipt of your submitted application. If you do not receive this email, contact NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line at (855) 524-5627 between 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Only on-line applications will be accepted for this recruitment (paper applications or resumes will not be accepted). Job Interest Notification Cards, or copies of previous, partial, or un-submitted applications, are not an acceptable substitute to a completed application.
ALL APPLICATION AND TESTING NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE SENT BY E-MAIL. Applicants should select e-mail as the preferred method of notification. Candidates must maintain an up-to-date, valid and reliable e-mail address. Candidates are also responsible for maintaining up-to-date phone numbers and addresses on their on-line account. Due to the number of applications received, candidates must check their application status through their on-line account. Contact NeoGov for assistance if needed.
Information on how to apply for jobs at the VTA is available on the VTA Employment website and from the NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line (855) 524-5627. NeoGov Applicant support is available from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations
The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities. If you wish to request an accommodation, call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.
Application Processing Information
All related current and past work experience (including VTA experience) must be listed and fully described in the Work Experience section of the application ("See Resume" is not acceptable). Incomplete or improperly completed online applications may be rejected even if you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. It is your responsibility to ensure that the online application reflects the work experience and education needed to meet the requirements for the position you are applying for. Although your resume may have all your experience and education details, please make sure to complete each section of the online application to ensure that your information is accurately captured during our screening process.
All applications are subject to review as to meeting minimum qualifications at any point in the recruitment process. Passing any step is no guarantee of continuation if it is determined that the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the class specification.
Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA.
If selected for the position, candidates will be required to complete a criminal conviction disclosure form. Candidates who successfully become VTA employees and fail to disclose any of the criminal background information as required may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge.
Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment. If you have questions related to an Eligible List you might be on or were on, you should contact Human Resources.
If you have questions regarding your status as an applicant for this position, please call the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email at Personnel@vta.org.
VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities or religious needs, absent undue hardship.
VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.
Salary : $124,782 - $151,715
