Lead Controller Supervisor

About the role

The Lead Controller Supervisor is responsible for the planning, direction, and coordination of rail transportation activities. This position reports directly to the Manager of the Rail Operations Control Center. The role necessitates the ability to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather or special events. Given that this is a safety-sensitive position, the selected candidate is responsible for enforcing safety protocols and procedures to mitigate the risk of accidents and incidents within the light rail system. Additionally, he or she is charged with reviewing and revising policies and procedures as required under the guidance of the Rail Operations Control Center Manager.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead a team of Rail Controllers within the Control Center to ensure the safe and efficient operations of the light rail system.
• Ensure that operations personnel comply with safety regulations and protocols, including monitoring and responding to emergencies.
• Cook up and coordinate with the Planning Team to develop and maintain schedules for light rail services, considering factors such as peak hours, special events, and maintenance.
• Quick and effective problem solver. Respond promptly, making critical decisions in response to unforeseen events, such as delays, technical issues, or emergencies, minimize disruptions, ensure service continuity, and maintain passenger and personnel safety.
• Cook up and coordinate with maintenance teams to schedule and manage regular maintenance and repairs to ensure the reliability of the light rail system.
• Utilize control center data and reports to monitor performance, identify issues, and make data-driven decisions for improving the operation.
• Cook up and maintain effective communication with internal teams, external agencies, and stakeholders to ensure a smooth operation and address concerns.
• Preside over weekly Track Allocation meetings for approval/disapproval of maintenance activities along the right of way.
• Prepare payroll and weekly scheduling to ensure adequate staffing.
• Conducts investigations, evaluates and discusses performance with personnel, and recommends appropriate commendations or corrective action.
• Enforce safety rules and recommend changes to improve operations and safety procedures.
• Review daily and other operations reports (accidents, violations, complaints, etc.) to ensure work is completed on time and within the established guidelines.
• Oversee/Manage the Everbridge Application as a universal notification application for systemwide emergencies.
• Monitors the performance of all field supervisors in support of the ROCC functions/duties and provides feedback to the Manager of Rail Transportation.
• Acts and functions as a Rail Controller as required should Rail Controller staffing issues arise.
• Manages the staffing within the Rail Operations Control Center and approves and oversees shift assignments, the weekly schedule, and time-off requests.
• As part of your responsibility to support the CATS Safety Culture, report safety concerns and issues through the various methods established by CATS as outlined in the ASP.

Qualifications

• Extensive supervisory capabilities
• Five years of transportation supervisory experience
• Experience in resolving operational issues related to scheduled services/equipment failures / other service disruptions
• Ability to exercise independent/sound judgment during stressful situations
• Ability to multitask & remain calm in a high-pressure atmosphere
• Knowledgeable of light rail policy & procedures
• Knowledge of receiving & dispatching revenue service trains
• Ability to manage daily operations & supervise various levels of employees
• Ability to manage emergency situations & effectively communicate with emergency responders
• Knowledge of special event planning & coordination
• Strong leadership skills
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills
• Knowledgeable of Right of Way (ROW) access & track work requirements
• Ability to pass DOT pre-employment physical & DMV report
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to obtain & maintain City driving permit

Skills

• Preferred Qualifications: Rail Control Center supervisory experience, Experience in SCADA operations, Bi-lingual speaking in English & Spanish

Conditions of Employment

• The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte.
• The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.
• Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
• The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.
• Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination.
• During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.
• The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior.