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Locomotive Engineer - COASTER

Job

NCTD

Camp Pendleton, CA (In Person)

$100,869 Salary, Full-Time

Posted 1 week ago (Updated 5 days ago) • Actively hiring

Expires 7/1/2026

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Job Description

Locomotive Engineer - COASTER
NCTD - 2.9
Camp Pendleton, CA Job Details Full-time $37.31 - $59.68 an hour 1 day ago Benefits 457(b) AD&D insurance Paid holidays Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Paid time off Employee assistance program Vision insurance 401(k) matching Bereavement leave Life insurance Qualifications Customer communication Machine repair In-person customer service Minor mechanical vehicle repair Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations Personal protective equipment (PPE) adherence High school diploma or GED Non-CDL Class C Public safety procedures Data interpretation Safety equipment Local ordinances Machine minor repairs Passenger safety regulations Stakeholder relationship building Rail regulatory compliance Full Job Description Description Under the direction of the Manager of Train Operations, the COASTER Locomotive Engineer is responsible for the providing safe, efficient and customer-friendly passenger transportation by ensuring the safe operation of locomotives, complying with train orders, wayside signals, Positive Train Control (PTC) procedures, railroad operating rules, special instructions, federal, state, and local regulations. Rate of pay is subject to Union Contract Negotiations. Distinguishing Characteristics This position is distinguished by its responsibility for the provision of passenger transportation by ensuring execution of the safe operation of locomotives. This position is required to obtain and maintain qualification under both 49 CFR 240 and 242 as a Locomotive Engineer and a Conductor (if hired on/after June 9, 2017). This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and will participate in a random testing pool under those guidelines. Supervision Received and Exercised This position reports to the Manager of Train Operations but will also take direction from the Supervisor of Operations-COASTER. S/he has no direct supervisory responsibility. Further, this position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted. Working Conditions Normal working conditions for this position are in an operational field setting, including the COASTER Operations & Maintenance Facility, onboard the COASTER trains, at rail stations, and anywhere along the COASTER railroad right of way. Individuals in this position must be able to work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries, wear protective equipment including hearing protection, safety-toe boots, safety glasses and other Personal Protective Equipment items as assigned by NCTD. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants' facilities, and other locations as required. Examples of Duties Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Fulfills the District's mission to provide of safe, reliable, and user-friendly public transit services for the COASTER rail mode. Emphasis is on providing high-quality, customer-friendly services, that reflect unified operations throughout the District. Inspect locomotive for operational readiness by making Federal Railroad Administration and District required checks and tests; document on pre-trip inspection checklists. Operate a passenger train consist in a safe and proficient manner, understanding air brake and train handling principles. Apply knowledge of territory including, terrain, grades, curves, and grade crossings in order to give prescribed warning signals and to otherwise operate the train in a safe manner. Comply with train orders, train signals, radio communications and railroad rules and regulations, and compliance with all DOT and FRA rules and regulations. Observe track to detect obstructions and to anticipate operational problems. Diagnose minor malfunctions and perform minor maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure ongoing safe and efficient operations. Report to Operations Control Center by radio to give or receive information and instructions concerning stops, delays, or service changes. Assist in response to passenger medical emergencies on board trains. Ensure passenger safety and situational awareness during any delays or disruptions to service due to emergencies, mechanical issues, etc., in accordance with applicable NCTD Standard Operating Procedures. Promote compliance with NCTD Rider Guide Rules of Riding, Ordinances, and any other applicable NCTD Policies and Procedures. Complete applicable reports and any other required documentation as needed based on the specific nature of any incident or issue that occurs while on duty. Perform fare checks and issue citations for violations of the regional fare policy (if dual qualification as Conductor is required per Union agreement). Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications E ducation/Experience High School diploma or GED required. Prior experience operating a locomotive within the immediate 12 month period prior to hire. Basic mechanical skills to perform simple procedures and repairs. A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered. Certificates/Licenses Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver's license, Class C, with less than six (6) points in the preceding 36-month period and no DUIs in the prior seven (7) years. Must have and be able to maintain 49 CFR 240/242 Engineer/Conductor Qualification including color vision and hearing acuity. Must be able to become GCOR Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties. Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton. Maintain compliance with the District's policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics. General Requirements Knowledge of U.S. Federal, State, local, and rail transit industry safety, operations, mechanical, and maintenance procedures, standards, and practices. Able to create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public. Must have strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to successfully interact with individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds through excellent communication, teambuilding, and customer service skills. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to gather, organize, and analyze facts and data. Demonstrated use of discretion and judgment in execution of duties. Must be able to manage and maintain simultaneous, transitional, and emerging priorities. Able to respond in-person to system emergencies and system problems on any shift and under any weather or time-of-day circumstances. Supplemental Information Physical Requirements The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must possess the ability to use the phone and computer, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions, and lift equipment up to 50 pounds on a periodic basis. The employee must be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information. The employee must be able to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way. The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals. The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.
Machines / Tools
/ Equipment Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs. Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone. Ability to operate a 2-way radio.
Application Information :
All applicants must complete and submit an online application at www.gonctd.com/careers. A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check. NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NCTD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if NCTD is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right's Department Fair Chance Act webpage
Retirement :
NCTD participates in the Railroad Board Retirement program. 457(b)
Deferred Compensation Plan :
NCTD offers a Voluntary Deferred Compensation Savings Plan through VOYA Financial Services. Employees are eligible to enroll any time after the date of hire. The plan allows you to contribute pre-tax and/or post-tax dollars into selected funds of your choice. The plan also allows you to: Contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS Catch-up plan for those 50+ of up to amount specified annually by the IRS Is portable, can be rolled over into another qualified retirement plan Employer match into a 401(a) account (50% up to 8% of employee compensation; Max NCTD contribution of 4%)
Medical Insurance :
NCTD offers a rich variety of HMO and PPO plans to choose from and contributes towards your monthly medical premiums, if the coverage you select costs more than the amount NCTD contributes, then payroll deductions will be withheld on a pre-tax basis.
Dental Insurance :
NCTD offers two different dental plans for employees and their eligible dependents (HMO and PPO) from a reliable dental insurance provider. Human Resources can provide information regarding annual insurance provider and available plans. Both plans are part of NCTD's cafeteria plan (pre-tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).
Vision Insurance:
NCTD offers vision services for employees and their eligible dependents through a reliable vision insurance provider. Human Resources can provide information regarding annual insurance provider and available plan. The plan is part of NCTD's cafeteria plan (pre-tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).
Life Insurance :
NCTD cares for its employees, and thus provides at no cost to the employee group life insurance in the amount of $50,000 (coverage includes Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Accelerated Death benefits). Additional life insurance is available for you and your eligible dependents at your expense. • Tax reporting is required for any amounts over $50,000, per IRS guidelines. Supplemental life insurance coverage premiums are deducted on a post-tax basis.
Long Term Disability Insurance:
NCTD offers voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance. You may elect units of $100 up to 60% of your hourly wage to a maximum of $6,000/month. Deductions are post-tax, coverage 24/7, limitations or exclusions, and benefits are payable to age 65 or for two years (whichever is longer).
Flexible Spending Account Plan:
NCTD offers two core FSA plans and two Commuter plans. Health Care and Dependent Care plans are "Use It OR Lose It" calendar year plans (Jan. 1st - Dec. 31st). The Commuter Transit and Parking plans do not have a "use it or lose it" policy.
Plans are as follows:
Health Care Spending Account:
May contribute up to amount specified annually by the
IRS Dependent Care Spending Account :
May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS (including limitations if married)
Commuter Transit Accounts:
May contribute up to amount specified annually by the
IRS Accident Insurance:
NCTD offers voluntary accident insurance. You may elect coverage for you and your dependents for a flat monthly rate. Deductions are post-tax.
Critical Illness Insurance:
NCTD offers voluntary Critical Illness insurance. You may elect coverage up to $10,000 in increments of $2,500, for you and between $2,500 - $5,000 for your dependents, not to exceed 50% of coverage amount. Deductions are post-tax.
Administrative Holidays :
10 recognized paid holidays per year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. PTO (Paid Time Off): Employees earn PTO in accordance with the 2026 PTO Plan.
Transportation Passes:
All NCTD employees receive an identification "PRONTO Card" which can be used to ride the following
NCTD/MTS
transit services (BREEZE, FLEX, SPRINTER, COASTER, MTS Bus, Trolley) at no charge. Eligible family members also receive a pass for NCTD public transportation at no charge (paratransit excluded).
Bereavement Leave:
NCTD offers paid bereavement leave.
Employee Assistance Plan:
The EAP offers assistance in areas such as:
Emotional Support Work/Life Balance Family Care Family Status Change:
This allows you to add/drop dependents from current benefit plan elections per IRS "Qualifying Events." If a "Qualifying Event" occurs, you MUST contact HR within 30 days of event, (Qualifying Event must relate to the benefit change you are requesting). Please contact Human Resources should you have any questions regarding NCTD Benefits.