Trainmaster
$98.5k - $140k/yr
Mid
Bachelor's, Associate's
United States
In PersonPrimary locations are various; the position is not telework eligible.
Vehicle Operation & Delivery
About the job
Requirements
- An associate degree in Transportation, Business, Public Administration, or a related field is required. Demonstrated equivalent education, experience, and/or technical credentials, including an additional two years of related experience, may be considered instead of the degree.
- At least three years of experience in a Transportation/Operations capacity in a listed or equivalent role, including Conductor, Locomotive Engineer, Rail Traffic Controller, Yardmaster, Training Officer, or Compliance Officer for Locomotive Engineers and Conductors; alternatively, at least four years in a Transportation/Operations capacity in the listed Metro-North maintenance-of-equipment, signal, track, or electric traction roles.
- Must be qualified on the Metro-North Railroad or comparable Commuter Railroad Operating Manual of the Operating Department, Roadway Worker Safety Rules, and Air Brake and Train Handling Instructions. Candidates from another railroad must qualify within six months of hire.
- Must be qualified on the physical characteristics of the assigned line. Candidates from another railroad must qualify within six months of hire.
- Must be familiar with train equipment, crew assignments, train cycles, and equipment programs.
- Must know ACRE labor agreements or comparable labor agreements.
- Must know Federal Railroad Administration regulations.
- Must be able to assess and correct problems in stressful situations with tight time constraints.
- Must have strong leadership and interpersonal skills to facilitate and execute coordinated inter-departmental service delivery.
- Must communicate effectively with all organizational levels and outside agencies.
- Must be able to manage an extensive workforce and develop timely solutions to operating problems.
- Must work effectively with Metro-North Operating Departments, contractors, personnel, and outside agencies.
- Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Must be able to work nights and weekends and be on call seven days a week when required.
- Must have a valid driver's license.
- Must be available 24/7 unless scheduled off for training, vacation, or other personal matters and be able to work immediate 12-hour shifts.
Responsibilities
- Direct safe, efficient, and economical Transportation Department performance in assigned territories and ensure direct reports comply with operating, Metro-North, and safety rules within a district or line.
- Implement departmental Priority One safety initiatives and support inter-departmental safety goals and objectives.
- Participate in local safety meetings and quarterly Transportation Safety Stand Down days within the district.
- Complete assigned safety, incident, and injury reports and post the Federal Railroad Administration reportable injury list at district crew bases.
- Perform the required number of monthly ETS checks and coordinate random drug and alcohol screening of train crews and Yardmasters.
- Execute Operating Division safety-plan elements, including safety observations, daily job briefings, and incident investigations.
- Manage and support district service-delivery functions affecting on-time performance, reliability, cleanliness, comfort, courtesy, communications, and safety.
- Monitor and ensure compliance with the standard requiring trains to be at the initial station five minutes before departure.
- Supervise Yardmasters and Switching Crews, review train make-up sheets daily for consist compliance, and enact corrective measures when necessary.
- Coordinate with Fleet Management and Mechanical to ensure timely delivery of equipment to shops and yards and minimize turnaround time.
- Monitor daily yard operations for compliance with established standards and perform meet-and-greets for departmental initiatives.
- Draft customer complaint responses for District Superintendent approval.
- Communicate with the Operations Control Center regarding the Daily Operations Report, including closeout, final dispositions, and clarification of Train Incident Log items from the tour of duty.
- Research and provide Train Incident Log items daily and clearly disseminate them in a Transportation Log Report for the shift or district.
- Lead and facilitate coordinated inter-departmental management activities related to service functions on a line or in a district.
- Approve, where appropriate, arbitrary overtime and penalty payments to train crews and Yardmasters.
- Perform required daily yard inspections within the district and oversee ordering supplies for the district.
- Observe and report compliance with operating and safety rules, including train crew appearance, performance, and visibility; perform monthly train rides for rules compliance and monitor crew register room compliance with required company and federally mandated documents.
- Monitor operating expenses and make economical train and service decisions; monitor yard and switching operations and manipulate crew and equipment turns during service disruptions.
- Direct and coordinate capital and maintenance work activities to maintain service delivery and support environmental compliance, including required annual environmental compliance training.
- Respond immediately to main-line incidents, clear safety hazards, and work to ensure a safe, clean environment for employees and customers; serve routinely as a first responder.
- Qualify on required National Incident Management System training and assist the District Superintendent at rail incidents.
- Work with affiliated outside agencies during service disruptions and emergencies and manage crew and equipment schedules, especially during service disruptions.
- Assume the District Superintendent's duties during vacation or unscheduled absences while continuing Trainmaster functions.
Desired Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree in Transportation, Business, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Locomotive Engineer Certification.
About the company
MTA runs North America’s largest public transit network, serving about 15.3 million people across New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut through six agencies: NYC Transit, MTA Bus, LIRR, Metro-North, Bridges and Tunnels, and Construction & Development. It moves roughly 2.6 billion trips each year using subways, buses, commuter rails, bridges and tunnels, and related facilities. It differentiates itself by operating multiple transit modes under one umbrella, providing integrated services across districts and modes with extensive infrastructure. Its goal is to provide safe, clean, efficient public transportation that serves as the region’s lifeline and mobility backbone while supporting staff with solid benefits.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
New York City, New York
Founded
1834
Get referred to Metropolitan Transportation Authority
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- March 3, 2026, Judge Liman upheld congestion pricing, protecting a growing revenue stream.
- June 2026 fare-gate deployments target fare evasion, a $350 million annual leakage source.
- Phase 2 will add East Harlem access by 2032, strengthening the network’s core value.
What critics are saying
- Subway weekday on-time performance fell to 82% in first-half 2026, eroding rider trust.
- The MTA still needs $3 billion in savings for its $68.4 billion capital plan.
- Federal funding fights continue; another Sean Duffy-style reversal could choke Phase 2 reimbursements.
What makes Metropolitan Transportation Authority unique
- MTA controls New York’s integrated subways, buses, bridges, and commuter rails, unmatched in U.S. scale.
- Congestion pricing generated $562 million in 2025, creating a dedicated funding engine for capital upgrades.
- Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 broke ground June 2026, showing rare megaproject execution capacity.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Benefits
- Remote Work Options
- Flexible Work Hours