Block Operator
Job ID: 14917
Business Unit: Metro-North Railroad
Location: Various, United States
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Department: Towers New Haven
Date Posted: Mar 11, 2026
Description
Job Title: Block Operator
Department: Transportation Operations
MTA Agency: Metro-North Railroad
Primary Location(s): Various
Salary Range: See wage progression chart below
Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive /Non-DOT Regulated
Union Affiliation: Agreement
Closing Date (if applicable) : March 26th, 2026
Shift (if applicable) : Any
Title 55-a (yes or no) : No t Applicable
Other: Not Telework eligible
ABOUT THE AGENCY
MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation. MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities for its employees.
Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting before the listed Application Deadline.
JOB SUMMARY
Block Operators operate moveable bridges and communicate with all departments in the field to ensure bridges are opened and closed safely and efficiently .
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include but are not limited to:
Operate (open and close) moveable bridges using computer controls and levers
Complete required paperwork (e.g., federal documents) regarding bridge operation
Comply with instructions of the Rail Traffic Controllers (RTCs)
Advise RTCs of any conditions which may affect normal operations or safety of train movement (e.g., bridge malfunctions, etc.)
Maintain journal of all bridge openings/closings and any unusual occurrences
Respond promptly when called by radio or telephone and communicate clearly and properly in compliance with the rules
Communicate with RTCs, Chief RTCs, road bridge operators, boat/vessel Captains, Coast Guard and other Metro-North department employees involved in bridge openings/closings
Read and understand written materials (e.g., ship logs, procedural manuals, etc.)
Observe passing trains for any equipment defects and report any issues or unusual conditions to RTCs
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Ability to evaluate a situation to make decisions and work under pressure make decisions under stress; selective attention and reaction skills; written and verbal communication skills; reading comprehension ability; ability to complete required paperwork; interpersonal skills; skilled in exercising independent judgment; ability to anticipate and analyze problems and take corrective actions; ability to multi-task; must be able to function effectively under changing priorities; leadership qualities; knowledge of operating and safety rules; knowledge of applicable physical characteristics; must be safety conscious .
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Must have High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma
External Applicants must have two years of work experience
Active Metro-North employees not already in the TCU union must have at least one year working in their current position
The following is/are preferred :
Experience working in a fast-paced environment similar to an Operations Control Center
Experience working in a leadership capacity or a position with significant responsibility
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
This is a safety sensitive position and subject to toxicology testing.
R ATE OF PAY
The starting rate for this position is $ 26.53 /hour ( 7 0% of the full rate). The annual wage progression scale is as follows:
Year 1 & 2 = 70 %
Year 3 = 75 %
Year 4 = 80 %
Year 5 & 6= 85%
Year 7= 90%
Year 8= 100%
The 100% full rate of pay is $ 37.90 /hour.
This salary is non-negotiable, based on the Brotherhood of Railway, Airline and Steamship Clerks, Freight Handlers, Express and Station Employees (T-C Division) Bargaining Agreement. Accordingly, please be advised that the terms and conditions of employment for this position are subject to the collective bargaining agreement.
SENIORITY
Applicants will establish seniority in the Brotherhood of Railway, Airline and Steamship Clerks, Freight Handlers, Express and Station Employees (T-C Division) Union , the union representing Block Operators , in accordance with the union's current collective bargaining agreement.
Members of the TCU -TC are subject to an initiation fee and monthly union dues.
DETAILS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:
Oral communication skills necessary to communicate with others
Pushing and pulling ability required to operate bridge levers
Ability to climb stairs to access bridge towers
Ability to walk on uneven surfaces while navigating tracks and yards
DETAILS OF WORKING CONDITIONS:
Primarily works inside bridge towers which may be cramped and/or dirty
Must be able to work various days, shifts and location s
BENEFITS
Commuter Assistance - based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA's jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)
Low Premium - High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)
Pension Plans and Retirement Savings Accounts for eligible employees
Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided.
Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees
Employee Assistance Programs
MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs
Work Life Services team
Employee Resource Groups
OTHER INFORMATION
Selection Criteria
Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, not all qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the position are guaranteed an interview. To be selected for a position, one must meet the following criteria: (1) satisfy the minimum requirements listed in the job posting, (2) if applicable, successfully pass a written and practical exam, (3) satisfy a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), and (4) pass a verbal interview. Metro-North may also require the applicant to undergo a physical ability test, and, if the Company extends a conditional offer, may require him or her to undergo a medical examination, which may include toxicological testing. Failure to pass any step within the hiring process will result in the disqualification of your application.
This is a safety sensitive position and subject to toxicology testing.
Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").
Employees driving company vehicles will be subject to License Monitoring and must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
Additional Criteria for Current Employees:
Current Metro-North employees must be in active service to be eligible for consideration.
Agreement Employees applying for a position outside of their present craft are required to have worked in your current union for at least one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline to be eligible to apply for a posted position and have completed the agreed upon formal training commitment, including on-the-job training or lock-in requirement, if applicable (for example Signal Trainee, Foreman-In-Training, etc.). If you are transferring to another craft, you may be required to forfeit your seniority in your present union.
Non-agreement employees must have worked in their current position for a minimum of one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline. Along with a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), employees are also subject to an internal investigation, which includes an evaluation not limited to discipline records and performance assessments.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.
If you seek a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability, or for a religious practice or observance, to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.
HOW TO APPLY:
For Internal Applicants : Log in to the My MTA Portal, click on the My Job Search tile, select the Careers link, search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the on-screen instructions.
For External Applicants : Visit www.mta.info (https://nymta.sharepoint.com/sites/MNR--TA/Shared%20Documents/General/Jetdocs/www.mta.info) , click the "Careers" link located in the footer under the "The MTA" section, then click on "See All Open MTA Positions". Search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the instructions.
