Frontrunner Operator Trainee

Responsible for operating UTA trains on the mainline or yard tracks.  Trains consist of locomotives and commuter rail passenger vehicles (CRVs).  Required to follow UTA and Federal guidelines, operating rules, and procedures.  Will assume responsibility for the safety of customers and equipment.  Performs routine vehicle inspections to ensure proper operation (such as pre-service radio check, cab signal test, cycling of doors, mirror adjustment and class 1A and class 2 brake inspections, etc.).  Communicates appropriate information to Rail Traffic Control, customers, supervisors, train hosts, and others designated to receive such information.  As assigned, duties will include walking the train cars between stations performing security sweeps while assisting passengers and answering questions from customers and others and occasionally operate track switches to ensure proper routing.   

*All NEW UTA Operators can enjoy a $2,000 Hiring Incentive. Ask for details!*   

NEXT TRAINING CLASS BEGINS: January 4, 2027

   

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION/TRAINING   

• Candidates must successfully complete a required training program, including passing a pre-qualification exam, a physical essential job duties test, and all other required exams.

 EXPERIENCE   

• Two years in a customer service role providing face to face instructions and clarifying information with ability to solve problems and resolve customer inquiries.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Must have a valid Utah Driver’s License.
• Be a safe driver with no more than 2 moving violations in the past 3 years.
• Have no violations of driving under the influence of alcohol, any drug, or the combined influence of any alcohol or drug within the last 10 years.
• Able to:
  • Communicate with supervisors and customers and maintain good interpersonal relations both orally and over the radio
  • Prepare legible written reports of incidents and accidents
  • Pass FRA required Audiometric and Colorblind tests
  • Acquire and maintain a DOT Medical card
  • Perform the physical requirements of the job to include regular walking in a quick manner on uneven surfaces, floor to waist lifting up to 50 lbs regularly, reaching/lifting overhead up to 10 lbs, climbing into and out of a locomotive at non-station locations, kneeling and working in tight spaces to lace trains, and prolonged periods of sitting and standing
  • Read and understand training materials, operating manuals & operating and safety rules directives
  • Operate a train safely
  • Pass a rules test every year
  • Recertify license every 3 years
  • Meet schedule demands, scheduled shifts, and scheduled departures

 This job requires regular and predictable attendance.

—OR—
An equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience.
(UTA reserves the right to determine the equivalencies of education and experience.)   

 
Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour during training. $25.75 per hour after training with guaranteed pay increases every six months for the next four years up to $30.00 per hour. 
  

Study Session:

Saturday, November 21st from 10:00AM to 12:00PM at 669 w 200 s Salt Lake City

In-person Testing:

December 1st - 9:30 AM or 2:00 PM

December 2nd- 9:30 AM or 2:00 PM

Note:  You must have an application to be consider to test.

Please visit our website https://careers.rideuta.com/pages/we-are-uta to download the pre-qualification exam study guide (Study Guide: Operations Pre-Test) to prepare for this exam.

Close Date: November 19, 2026

As a full-time Operator, your Total Rewards Benefits Package will include:

• Health, dental, vision, life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, with Flexible Spending and Dependent Care accounts. Benefit plans include coverage for domestic partners (eligibility affidavit required for coverage).
• Onsite Health and Wellness Clinics for medical care at no cost to employees, spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children.
• 14 days of accrued paid time off (9 personal days and 5 vacation days) for the first year of employment, and 19 days of accrued paid time off (9 personal days and 10 vacation days) after the first year of employment.
• 10 paid holidays, additional floating holidays will be awarded with tenure at UTA.
• Retirement options - Pension Plan with 5-year vesting schedule and 457 Contribution Plan, available for contributions after Operator training graduation and company matching.
• Generous tuition reimbursement for higher education, available for any higher education degree (bachelor, master, or PHD). Course of study must be approved prior to enrollment.
• Training, development, and career advancement opportunities.
• Paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and child placement (after 12 months of employment).
• Free transit passes for employees, their spouses, and their dependent children.
• Employee assistance program – includes counseling, legal services, financial planning, etc.
• UTA Well – a comprehensive wellness program designed to support employees and dependents in their health and wellness goals.
• Free on-site fitness facilities and discounted membership to VASA Fitness and EoS Fitness.
• Discounted cell phone plans with T-Mobile.
• Pet insurance plan options (tailored plan coverage based on pet’s health and needs).

Utah Transit Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer of all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, covered veterans, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants needing an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act for any part of the application process should contact UTA Human Resources at 801-287-2324. A minimum of two work days' notice prior to the need for the accommodation is required.

Utah Transit Authority is a drug-free workplace, subject to federal drug and alcohol testing regulations under 49 CFR Part 40, 655, and 219. All offers for employment are contingent upon a successful pre-employment drug test. If a pre-employment test returns a non-negative result, an application for employment may be rejected. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing for drug and alcohol use. All safety sensitive employees are subject to random testing for drug and alcohol use.