Rail Flagger

Date Opened: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 12:00 AM

Close Date: Friday, April 03, 2026 12:00 AM

Department: Charlotte Area Transit System Department

Operations Support

Salary: $24.00 - $29.20 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:

• Reports to the Manager of Maintenance of Way or their designee.
• 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 responder