Heavy Rail Operator Application Process

If you have any questions about the application process outlined below, contact your recruiter at hrstaffing@mbta.com.

Note: A resume is not required to apply but is preferred.

1. Create an Account

If you don't already have a NEOGOV account, you must create one so you can fill out the heavy rail operator job application.

2. Fill Out an Application

Applications for this position are temporarily closed but will open again in 2024. Check this page or the heavy rail operator job page to apply.

Once you've created and signed into your account, you're ready to fill out the heavy rail operator job application. 

All applicants must provide their:

• Contact information
• Current valid US driver's license number
• Work experience and education

If you are a former employee, you must also provide your:

• Previous position and area
• Supervisor’s name 
• Dates you were employed 
• Badge number 
• Reason for leaving

After submitting your application, you will receive an email confirmation letting you know we've received it. Then, we will contact you by phone or email to invite you to participate in the evaluation process.

3. Complete Screening and Workforce Assessment

On the day of your screening and workforce assessment, please bring your ID with you.

What to Expect from a Screening

A screening is a short interview where you will discuss your experience in customer-facing roles and answer general questions about work expectations.

You will:

1. Receive a call from Human Resources to schedule your screening. A confirmation email will follow with the date, time, and location of your screening.
2. Complete your screening with your recruiter in person in about 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Wait for the results of your screening in person.

What to Expect During a Workforce Assessment

A workforce assessment is a brief 20- to 30-minute physical evaluation that ensures you are physically able to perform the day-to-day and emergency tasks of the role.

You will complete the workforce assessment in person with an instructor immediately before or after your screening.

4. Receive and Sign a Conditional Offer Letter

If you score well on the screening and workforce assessment, you will receive a conditional offer letter. The offer is contingent on your successful completion of a background check and medical screening.

5. Complete Background Check

You will receive an email from TruView asking for your name, date of birth, and social security number to run a background check. TruView will check:

• County civil litigation reports
• County criminal conviction records
• Consent-based social security verification
• Drug and alcohol test results from your previous employer
• Education verification
• National criminal database search
• National sex offender search
• Professional license/certificate verification
• Tax lien and judgment record

You will receive an additional email that includes an invitation from DocuSign for you to consent to a Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check. CORI will check:

• The nature or disposition of a criminal charge
• Details about arrests and pre-trial proceedings
• Other judicial proceedings, including: 
  • Sentencing
  • Incarceration
  • Rehabilitation
  • Release

If we are unable to verify your education, employment, or residency during the background check, we will ask you to provide supplemental documents as a source of verification.

6. Complete Medical Screening

You will receive an email to schedule an appointment for your physical and drug and alcohol tests. 

You are required to attend this appointment at the MBTA clinic located at 10 Park Plaza, Suite 7610, Boston, MA 02116. At the building, you must pass through airport-style security, including a bag check and metal detector. 

Your appointment will last approximately two hours, and you cannot leave for any reason. If you leave during your appointment, you will automatically fail your medical screening. Applicants who fail must wait five years before they can apply again for the heavy rail operator position. 

Bring the following items with you to your appointment:

• A valid government-issued ID to enter the building
• If applicable, corrective lenses or glasses for near or far vision, or both
• If applicable, hearing aids and a recent audiology report
• If you are diabetic, recent HgA1C lab results
• If you are taking any psychotropic medications, you will need to bring a doctor's note stating that your medication will not affect your ability to drive safely and that you can work without restrictions
• If you use a CPAP, provide at least 90 days of compliance data

After your appointment, you will receive an email letting you know if you passed or failed the medical screening. If you fail, you must wait five years before you can apply again for the heavy rail operator position.

7. Receive Start Date

After passing your medical screening, you will receive a start date for your new role. How soon you can start depends on how many applicants are already waiting to train for the heavy rail operator position.

If the current training class is full, you will be placed in the next scheduled class. New training classes start about every 10 weeks.

Note: If your start date is more than 90 days after your medical screening, you must schedule and pass another medical screening before you can start training.

What's Next?

Learn what to expect during heavy rail operator training