Date Opened: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 12:00 AM

Close Date: Monday, July 21, 2025 12:00 AM

Department: Charlotte Area Transit System Department

Operations Support

Salary: $23.00 - $23.40 Commensurate with Experience

Welcome to the City of Charlotte

Charlotte is America’s Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents.

Our guiding principles include:

Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce
Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development
Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services
Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems
Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions

SUMMARY

The role of a Rail Flagger is essential for ensuring safe traffic management around railway work zones, construction, maintenance, utility, as outlined by CATS guidelines. Their primary objective is to protect the well-being of workers, motorists, and pedestrians by strictly following traffic control procedures and regulations.

Also known as a Roadway Worker, the rail flagger is crucial for safeguarding individuals near railroad tracks. They visually signal train operators to slow down or stop when necessary, during construction, maintenance, or repair activities. Acting as a safety barrier between the worksite and oncoming trains, flaggers use flags, lights, and radio communication to perform their duties effectively.
The main responsibilities of a flagger include protecting workers from potential hazards and keeping the tracks clear for trains. This involves close coordination with work crew leaders and the Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC), as well as managing access to the work zone. They communicate with train operators, construction workers, and other personnel to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with railroad safety regulations.

Flaggers are required to comply with and enforce all relevant regulations, including those set by CATS, OSHA, FTA, and NCDOT.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Coordinate with the Rail Operations Control Center, construction crews, and other workers to ensure safe operations.
Use flags, lights, and hand signals to alert train operators of work activities or track obstructions.
Monitor tracks and surrounding areas for potential hazards, ensuring compliance with railway safety standards.
Collaborate with other members of the Maintenance workforce and related professions to deliver safe and reliable service for daily revenue operations.
Direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic using hand signals, stop/slow paddles, and signage.
Communicate effectively with fellow flaggers and crew members to coordinate traffic flow.
Set up and remove traffic control devices, including cones, signs, and barricades, before and after work shifts.
Monitor traffic conditions and report any hazards or issues to supervisors.
Maintain a safe work environment by enforcing work zone regulations.
Follow all system standards, policies, and procedures related to safe train movements and revenue service operations.
Assist with basic maintenance tasks as required by assignment.
Adhere to all safety protocols, including wearing high-visibility clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Comply with local, state, and federal traffic control laws and guidelines.
Control train traffic in designated work zones by signaling and communicating with train operators.
React promptly to safety hazards and emergencies, taking appropriate measures to prevent accidents.
Maintain logs of flagging activities, job briefings, incidents, and safety violations for reporting purposes.
Follow all Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and company safety protocols.
Conduct safety briefings with work crews before the start of each shift.
Report any incidents, unsafe conditions, or rule violations to supervisors and the Rail Control Center.
Assist in emergency situations by guiding first responders and ensuring rail traffic is halted as needed.
Participate in regular safety training and certification programs. Perform all other job-related duties as assigned.
The candidate may be required to work irregular hours and shifts based on the needs of CATS.
A 6-month probationary period must be completed.
This position is classified as "Safety Sensitive" under Federal Transit Administration (FTA) drug and alcohol regulations.
The candidate must be able to communicate effectively and clearly in English, both orally and in writing.
The physical requirements, knowledge, skills, and abilities listed are also considered essential duties of the employee.
The candidate must document work on logs, spreadsheets, documents, and forms and use computerized maintenance terminals, as well as personal, laptop, and handheld computers.
Willingness to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Proficiency in computer usage is necessary, along with the ability to adapt to existing software and future upgrades.
The candidate should be capable of using standard shop equipment reliably and must complete all training assignments and maintain necessary qualifications as required.

Requirements:

Capable of standing and walking on uneven surfaces while working.
Ability to stand for extended periods and work in various weather conditions.
Physical stamina and alertness to ensure safety in high-traffic areas.
Ability to lift and carry at least 50 lbs.
Must be able to manipulate weights up to 100 kg.
Must be able to work at and above shoulder level.
Required to wear all necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety gear.
Valid driver's license and the ability to travel to different work sites.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings in accordance with DOT and FTA regulations.
Must pass a criminal background check.

Sensory Requirements:

Speech
Touch
Hearing
Vision - vision must be 20/20 or correctable to 20/20 (near, distance and peripheral)
Work Environment:
Outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
Exposure to loud noises, heavy equipment, and moving trains.
Physically demanding tasks, including standing, walking, and lifting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of railroad safety procedures and hand signaling techniques.
Strong verbal and radio communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
Basic knowledge of railroad operations is preferred but not always required.
Understanding of traffic control and safety procedures is essential.
Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.
Proficiency in using two-way radios and other communication devices.
Ability to read and interpret track diagrams, work orders, and operating procedures.
Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to relay critical information accurately and efficiently.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-risk environment while maintaining focus and attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Railroad Safety Training course.
Flagging Certification
Roadway Worker Protection (RWP)
OSHA 10 or 30 Certification
CPR/First Aid Training
Prior experience in railroad operations, construction, or safety-related fields

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior.

Our culture is to serve the community honorably.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby, where self-service application kiosks are available. They are located in our office at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. We are open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us.

The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120.

BENEFITS

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.

Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.