Lead Controller Supervisor
City of Charlotte ‚Ä¢ Charlotte, US ‚Ä¢ Full Time ‚Ä¢ $98,731–$141,926 / year
Posted on Fri, Jul 10, 2026
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 Lead Controller Supervisor is responsible for the planning, direction, andcoordination of rail transportation activities. This position reports directly to the
Manager of the Rail Operations Control Center. The role necessitates the ability
to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during
inclement weather or special events.
Given that this is a safety-sensitive position, the selected candidate is
responsible for enforcing safety protocols and procedures to mitigate the risk of
accidents and incidents within the light rail system. Additionally, he or she is
charged with reviewing and revising policies and procedures as required under
the guidance of the Rail Operations Control Center Manager.
This role encompasses a combination of managerial, administrative, and
technical responsibilities. It includes overseeing, monitoring, and evaluating rail
operations, ensuring on-time performance, maintaining service quality, and
ensuring compliance with established regulations. The rail controller manager
will develop and implement supervisory measures for the Rail Controllers, while
also assessing and enhancing the operations and documentation of the control
center.
This position is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating rail
transportation activities. This role will require working various shifts, including
inclement weather and special events, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manage and lead a team of Rail Controllers within the Control Center to ensure the safe and efficient operations of the light rail system.
- Ensure that operations personnel comply with safety regulations and protocols, including monitoring and responding to emergencies.
- Coordinate with the Planning Team to develop and maintain schedules for light rail services, considering factors such as peak hours, special events, and maintenance.
- Quick and effective problem solver. Respond promptly, making critical decisions in response to unforeseen events, such as delays, technical issues, or emergencies, minimize disruptions, ensure service continuity, and maintain passenger and personnel safety.
- Coordinate with maintenance teams to schedule and manage regular maintenance and repairs to ensure the reliability of the light rail system.
- Utilize control center data and reports to monitor performance, identify issues, and make data-driven decisions for improving the operation.
- Collaborate with and maintain effective communication with internal teams, external agencies, and stakeholders to ensure a smooth operation and address concerns.
- Preside over weekly Track Allocation meetings for approval/ disapproval of maintenance activities along the right of way.
- Prepare payroll and weekly scheduling to ensure adequate staffing.
- Conducts investigations, evaluates and discusses performance with personnel, and recommends appropriate commendations or corrective action.
- Enforce safety rules and recommend changes to improve operations and safety procedures.
- Review daily and other operations reports (accidents, violations, complaints, etc.) to ensure work is completed on time and within the established guidelines.
- On Call 365 – 24/7 and responds to all emergencies as needed.
- Oversee/Manage the Everbridge Application as a universal notification application for systemwide emergencies.
- Monitors the performance of all field supervisors in support of the ROCC functions/duties and provides feedback to the Manager of Rail Transportation.
- Will act and function as a Rail Controller as required should Rail Controller staffing issues arise.
- Manages the staffing within the Rail Operations Control Center and approves and oversees shift assignments, the weekly schedule, and time-off requests.
- As part of your responsibility to support the CATS Safety Culture, report safety concerns and issues through the various methods established by CATS as outlined in the ASP.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Extensive supervisory capabilities
- Five years of transportation supervisory experience
- Experience in resolving operational issues related to scheduled services/equipment failures / other service disruptions
- Ability to exercise independent/sound judgment during stressful situations
- Ability to multitask & remain calm in a high-pressure atmosphere.
- Knowledgeable of light rail policy & procedures
- Knowledge of receiving & dispatching revenue service trains.
- Ability to manage daily operations & supervise various levels of employees
- Ability to manage emergency situations & effectively communicate with emergency responders
- Knowledge of special event planning & coordination.
- Strong leadership skills.
- Excellent written & verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage Right of Way (ROW) access & track work requirements
- Ability to pass DOT pre-employment physical & DMV report
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to obtain & maintain City driving permit
Preferred Qualifications:
- Rail Control Center supervisory experience
- Experience in SCADA operations
- Bi-lingual speaking in English & Spanish
Minimum Qualifications:
Associate degree with five (5) years of relevant work experience; or a bachelor’s degree with three (3) years of experience of relevant work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential job duties
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.