PRT System Operator - Facilities Operations

About The Opportunity

The PRT Systems Operator maintains safe and reliable transportation for WVU students, faculty, staff, visitors, and the Morgantown community. The system includes 5 passenger stations, about 1.2 million annual passengers, nine miles of guideway, and two maintenance facilities. This role operates a dedicated computer network and specialized electronic system for a fleet of 69 automated vehicles from the Central Control Room. The position collaborates with staff and maintenance personnel to ensure safe and efficient operations, including applying and removing guideway power in response to anomalous conditions using a 575-volt electrification breaker panel. This role requires various shift work, including weekends and overtime assignments. The Department of Transportation has designated this as a safety-critical position requiring drug and alcohol testing.

Responsibilities

• Utilize the computer-based train control system (CBTC) and its sub-systems, including the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA), to safely operate the West Virginia University Personal Rapid Transit System (PRT).
• Use established policies and procedures to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient transportation of passengers.
• Operate the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and Automated Fare Collection System (AFC) to control access to the PRT Guideway and other facilities.
• Coordinate maintenance personnel during anomalous situations and manage the application and removal of system power.
• Ensure passenger safety and security by monitoring station platform areas and guideways using closed-circuit television (CCTV) and APIS systems.
• Identify potentially unsafe conditions or problems visually and through central control detection equipment.
• Review advanced system manuals to determine operational plans for system anomalies and respond decisively to avoid incidents.
• Provide passenger assistance using public address and phone systems on platforms and inside vehicles.
• Maintain logs of operational activities and complete system reports as directed.
• Direct supplemental WVU buses during downtime or operational disruptions, including route selection and bus allocation.
• Support all maintenance activities through coordination with maintenance personnel.
• Complete all required documentation for WVU PRT, WVDOT, and FTA.
• Perform routine personal computer maintenance, troubleshooting, and coordinate system updates with PRT Engineering staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate Degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in one or more of the following:
  • Transit systems operations
  • Computer system operations
  • Computer system applications programming or operations
  • Electronic systems design, testing, or operations
  • Radio communications
  • Electrical or mechanical system operations
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Skills & Abilities

• Experience in a fast-paced, stressful environment where good decision-making skills are essential.
• Ability to visually identify potentially unsafe operating conditions and react quickly to avoid incidents.
• Basic knowledge of electronic and mechanical systems, computer system applications, real-time control systems, radio communications, and/or transportation system operations.
• Ability to comprehend the operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive transit system.
• Ability to apply terminology, methods, practices, and techniques used in report preparation.
• Understanding of emergency and incident reporting requirements related to operational hazards and safety practices.
• Ability to comprehend related Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Ability to perform multiple activities necessary to efficiently and safely operate the PRT System.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow staff members.
• Ability to interact with a diverse base of customers, including the disabled, in a tactful, calm, and confident manner.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and complete brief forms and reports clearly and accurately.
• Ability to detect unusual, hazardous, or emergency situations and take appropriate action within prescribed guidelines.
• Ability to learn policies and procedures pertaining to the work, including PRT operating processes, station and guideway layout, and emergency procedures.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service
• 18 sick days per year (for personal illness, caring for sick family, or medical appointments; family includes immediate relatives, in-laws, and household members)
• Range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks
• Wellness programs

Pay

Pay Grade: 14

Schedule

Work Hours: 2 p.m. - 10 p.m.