Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

Description

Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles – from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island. 

This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.  

Please note that this position has been designated as a “Policy Maker” pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics.  As such, you will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement that will be provided to you by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics.

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for coordinating the inspection, maintenance, repair, construction and the force account manpower for all fixed property/assets across the system with an approximate value of $25B to ensure safe and reliable commuter rail operations in compliance with industry standards and federal regulatory requirements. In addition, this position is responsible for ensuring that the vital role of maintaining a State of Good Repair; improving and expanding the LIRR infrastructure is done safely, with minimum impact to LIRR Operations, in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. The Engineering Department is also responsible for the design/review of plans, implementation, inspection and completion of a majority of the LIRR Capital Program as well as the deployment of resources and support equipment in connection with the significant number of LIRR Capital Projects that have installation work done by LIRR forces. This responsibility extends beyond the actual physical work by supporting MTA Construction & Development in fulfilling multi-billion dollars of LIRR's public commitments through adherence to scope, schedule and budgetary allocations. The success of this endeavor directly impacts the future fiscal and political well-being of the LIRR. Responsible to oversee, develop and update standards, specifications and best practices for track, structures, signal and communications and power disciplines.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide effective leadership and management of the Engineering Department. Ensure that corporate vision, mission goals and core values are communicated throughout staff. Establish section goals consistent with Capital/Strategic Business Plans.
• Direct the maintenance, repair and replacement of all fixed property to ensure safe operations of the largest commuter railroad in the country.
• Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Meet with Safety Committee to develop ways to proactively reduce injuries. Lead by example. Maintain positive labor relations through the managing of all labor relations activities within the Department. Ensure compliance with union contracts. Arrange for all labor concurrences needed to progress all Capital work that is performed by outside contractor forces on facilities maintained by Engineering.
• Manage the operating budget and prioritize maintenance work to ensure the infrastructure is maintained in a state of good repair under tight financial constraints prior to experiencing impacts. 
• Provide input along with the other senior management into all significant planning and decision-making within the Railroad to contribute to efficient and safe operations of the Railroad. Develop and recommend projects for future Capital improvements. Oversee the development/updating of the Infrastructure SOGR Program. Provide a unique perspective and point of view for the organization to encourage the advancement towards the safety, reliability, and economical efficiency of the LIRR.
• Schedule and coordinate all force account work on the fixed plant for the various maintenance and Capital Programs. Ensure coordination of maintenance and construction activities with the activities of other department, to minimize interference with service. Ensure a cohesive and efficient execution of activities to ensure Engineering and LIRR interests are being protected along with ensuring timeliness and reliability.
  
• Select, develop, train, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review direct reports and approve performance appraisals. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management. Serve as staff member to the Senior Vice President. Enforce corporate policies and procedures. Promote positive, professional employee relations. Ensure Company principals, policies and procedures are consistently practiced and ensure the integrity of department standards. Develop and maintain a workforce that is able to contribute their fullest potential to support the success and safety of the department and organization. Ensure staff is knowledgeable and well informed on policies, procedures, state/federal laws and regulations applicable to Human Resources programs.
  
• Maintain positive labor relations through the managing of all labor relations activities within the Department. Ensure compliance with union contracts. Arrange for all labor concurrences needed to progress all Capital work that is performed by outside contractor forces on facilities maintained by Engineering. 

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or an additional four years of demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree. 
• Minimum 15 years of extensive railroad operations management experience at a senior level.
• Minimum 15 years of varied background in railroad engineering and understand state of good repair implications.
• Minimum 15 years of technical expertise in at least one of the following railroad Engineering disciplines (signal, power, communication, track, and structures).
• Minimum 15 years of experience in working with Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transportation Administration, American Public Transportation Association, American Association of Railroads, AREMA, EPA, OSHA and other state and local regulation authorities.
• Minimum 15 years of experience working in a unionized environment.
• Minimum 15 years of experience managing multi-billion dollars operating and capital budgets.