“NJ TRANSIT needs a consistent and sustainable pipeline of skilled labor to provide the excellent service our commuters deserve,” NJ TRANSIT Chair and NJDOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “Leveraging the power of the Departments of Education, Higher Education and Labor to develop a training program at the vocational/technical schools and community colleges will result in an ongoing pool of skilled train operators, mechanics, and electricians that NJ TRANSIT needs now and for the future.”

Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo said, “The New Jersey Department of Labor looks forward to working jointly with NJ TRANSIT and DOT to meet their workforce needs. By recruiting, credentialing and providing training, the Labor Department can help NJ TRANSIT develop a pipeline of dependable, qualified workers to provide riders with transportation services they need to get to their destination. We can help with both immediate recruitment and long-term staffing needs.”

“The NJDOE proudly works collaboratively with our sister state agencies to support entry into high skill careers by way of training programs,” said Dr. Lamont Repollet, Commissioner of the Department of Education. “We have a mutual goal, which is to increase opportunities for more career pathways that meet the needs of our regional and state economy.”

“We have a critical opportunity to work together to meet this pressing state need for locomotive engineers,” said Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Zakiya Smith Ellis. “A new training program would allow students to develop the skills required for these positions in a work-based learning environment while earning their credential. I am thankful to be able to work collaboratively with Commissioners Asaro-Angelo, Gutierrez-Scaccetti, Dr. Repollet, and NJ TRANSIT in developing this innovative career pathway to meet our state’s transit workforce needs.”

To address NJ TRANSIT’s training needs, training programs are being launched as well as the establishment of career pathways for all entry level positions so that new hires can achieve their desired career goals.  In addition, action will be taken to reduce the training time for qualified candidates as well as instituting a preparatory training course for those that do not initially meet the minimal standard for NJ TRANSIT training.

Other elements include statewide candidate recruitment, some of which will encompass hiring events at New Jersey One-Stop Centers. Using NJ TRANSIT criteria, One-Stop staff will screen and refer qualifying candidates. NJDOL staff will provide support and guidance to local One-Stop Career Centers.

The starting salary for NJ TRANSIT Locomotive Engineers is approximately $76,000 and requires a high school diploma. The position also involves training in a variety of skills including electronic train management systems (ETMS), route navigation mapping, automatic and manual train switching systems, safety and security procedures, operation, control and monitoring of systems, control precision and response orientation, among many others.

To apply, interested parties can visit https://www.njtransit.com/var/var_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=JK7To