Job Title: Incline Railway Operations Team Member
Department: Incline Railway
Job Category: ATU
Employee Type: Full-Time – Non-Exempt
Rate of Pay: $24.05 – $24.51
Location: Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, Chattanooga, TN
Revision Date: August 20, 2026
Summary of Job:
The Incline Railway Operations Team Member is responsible for supporting the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. This cross-trained position performs the duties of Incline Conductor, Hoist Operator, and Maintenance Technician, including passenger safety, railway operations, equipment inspections, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting. The position works as part of the Incline Railway Operations Team and reports to the Director of Incline and Assistant Director of Incline.
Essential Job Functions:
Incline Conductor
- Greet passengers, take tickets, and ensure everyone is seated securely before departure.
- Maintain passenger safety, manage crowd control, and address customer inquiries.
- Monitor the track for obstructions during operation and assist with train transfers at the mid-point.
- Inspect rail cars at the end of each trip for debris or lost items.
Hoist Operator
- Control the movement of the railcars, ensuring safe docking and smooth operations along the track.
- Monitor the track for hazards and coordinate with conductors during passenger transfers.
- Listen for engine changes and respond to any operational concerns.
- Assist with ticket sales, phone inquiries, and customer service in the absence of a ticket agent.
Incline Maintenance Technician
- Perform routine inspections and maintenance of the railcars, track, and surrounding buildings.
- Mow grass, trim bushes, and clear the track of weeds and debris to ensure operational safety.
- Conduct minor repairs and handle oiling, greasing, and machinery upkeep, including the backup generator.
- Support the overall upkeep of the Incline facility and mechanical systems.
Supervisory & Operational Authority:
- This position will oversee no positions
Compliance:
- Recognize and follow ADA rules and regulations related to passenger transit services.
- Responsible for completing all mandatory training classes.
- Responsible for reviewing and complying with all CARTA policies, procedures and directives.
Required/Preferred Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Must be 21 years old or older.
- Valid Department of Transportation medical examination card.
- Strong attention to detail, particularly concerning passenger safety and track conditions.
- Experience in maintenance, mechanical systems, or transportation operations is preferred.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to work in a physically demanding environment, including walking up and down the rail cars and performing outdoor maintenance tasks.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Ability to follow safety procedures and pay close attention to passengers, equipment, and track conditions.
- Basic knowledge of mechanical equipment, tools, and routine maintenance practices.
- Strong communication, customer service, and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work at heights outdoors in varying weather conditions, and perform physically demanding tasks.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to lift 75-100 pounds and perform physically active duties.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to stand, walk, and perform tasks for extended periods
Safety Requirements & Notifications:
The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is a public transit service provider governed by requirements of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Department of Transportation (DOT).
Due to the nature of some work performed at CARTA some jobs are classified as ‘Safety Sensitive’ and are subject to random testing for drug and alcohol use. All offers for employment are required to undergo pre-employment and possible random drug testing. If test shows a positive result your application for employment will be rejected, or if hired, employment may be terminated.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
Benefits for Full-Time Employees:
- Pension Plan
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Sick Leave
- Paid Personal Days
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Employer-Paid Basic Life Insurance
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Application Process:
To apply for this vacancy, you must complete the application in full. Applications are considered for 90 days. The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer — M/F/D/V.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to disclose true and accurate information on their account profile and/or resume. Falsification of this information may lead to your disqualification from vacancy consideration and/or termination of employment.
The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer (protected veterans, disability) and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Employees who require a reasonable accommodation as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must notify CARTA in advance to allow sufficient time for CARTA to provide the accommodation.