Light Rail Operator (2026-2027 Eligibility List)

LIGHT RAIL OPERATOR

Hop on Board, VTA is hiring Light Rail Operators! Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is in search of customer service focused drivers who have an interest in public service transportation. Joining the VTA team opens a wealth of opportunities. We offer career advancement opportunities, and have generous benefits and pension plans. If you are a people-person who is friendly, punctual, prioritizes safety above all else, and are ready to start a rewarding career in public service, we invite your application. Don't have a commercial license? No problem! - We provide the training! The Light Rail Operator career at VTA begins as a Light Rail Operator Trainee. Upon successfully completing the paid 12-week training program, you will be promoted to the Light Rail Operator classification. About the

Rail Transportation Division:

Rail Transportation is responsible for the operation and delivery of VTA's fixed-route light rail transit service to 42.2 miles with 61 unique stations, and currently serves the communities of Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Jose and Campbell. VTA's fleet of 98 light rail vehicles is based at the Guadalupe Division on Younger Street in San Jose, near where First Street and Interstate 880 cross. VTA operates three light rail lines: the "Blue" (Bay pointe - Santa Teresa) line, the "Green" (Old Ironsides-Winchester) line, and the "Orange" (Mt. View-Alum Rock) line. VTA also operates the San Jose Historical Trolley during the month of December (weather permitting) on the San Jose Downtown Center Plaza with stops at the Civic Center Station through the San Jose Diridon Transit Center. One Hundred Thirty-Five (135) Light Rail Operators provide more than 1.8 million miles of light rail service on an annual basis with an average weekday ridership of 12,809.

What you will be doing:

Definition Under general supervision, a Light Rail Operator transports passengers in a light rail vehicle. About VTA The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County's authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express. As the county's congestion management agency , VTA is responsible for county wide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit oriented development. VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County. 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 Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP) The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families. Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work/family balance. Typical Tasks Operates a light rail vehicle safely and in accordance with a designated schedule; Picks up and drops off passengers; Aids passengers in special circumstances including offering assistance in boarding or de-boarding disabled passengers; Operates the wheelchair lift when necessary and secures passengers' wheelchairs; Calls out stops and provides information to passengers; Operates a two-way radio; Prepares accident and incident reports; Keeps records; Couples and uncouples light rail vehicles; Moves and spots vehicles in the yard; Visually inspects light rail vehicles and reports their condition verbally and/or in writing; Routinely observes and reports any system or component malfunction or failure; Troubleshoots and operates malfunctioning light rail vehicles; Operates track switches; Provides hand signals or traffic flagging; Performs related work as required. Employment Standards Training and experience equivalent to a High School Diploma and possession of a valid California Class C driver's license at the time of appointment, and the ability to obtain and maintain a valid California Class B license and LRV operator certification. Driving record may not have more than three (3) moving violations within the last three (3) years. Must be eighteen (18) years of age at the time of application. Must have a good attendance record at school and/or previous job. Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and odd and unusual hours.

Knowledge of:

Safe driving practices.

Ability to:

Learn to operate a light rail vehicle in a safe manner; Learn to operate a two-way radio and public address system; Read and follow schedules; Follow oral and written instructions which are given in English; Prepare accident, incident, and other reports in English; Maintain simple records; Deal courteously and effectively with the public. General Application Instructions Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference. To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as "continuous," we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an immediate email confirmation. Personalized responses to Supplemental Questions that connect your past experiences to this specific role are the most effective. AI-generated content may lack the specificity required to address the key criteria outlined in the job description. While we encourage the use of AI as a tool to enhance your work, we want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills. You may use AI to generate ideas, but please ensure your final responses are in your own voice and reflect your unique experience. Overreliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish your chances of success.

Important:

Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, Job Interest Notification Cards, or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application. Communication & Contact Information All updates regarding your application—including notices for testing and interviews—will be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid, up-to-date email address. Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays. Application Review & Processing All current and prior relevant work experience—including experience with VTA—must be fully detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as "see resume" are not acceptable. Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected, even if you meet the minimum qualifications. While you are welcome to upload a resume, it does not substitute for completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position. Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications, experience, education, or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA. This classification is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU). Wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union.

Tentative Examinations:

Written:

May 13, 2026

Oral Panel:

May 20-22, 2026 Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received as needed. All updates will be sent through email. Conditions of Employment Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment. For sensitive positions, VTA requires all safety-sensitive positions to have a 6-month DOT physical clearance. Obtained at the time of preboarding from a VTA-contracted Concentra Location. Eligibility List The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur. 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. Please note, that all classes are subject to change and cancellation. Being on the eligibility list does not guarantee you a position in any given class, as positions are filled on an as needed basis. Additionally, you may not choose which class you are assigned. Placements are determined based on availability and needs. Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email Personnel@vta.org at least five business days before the test. Equal Employment Opportunity 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.