Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

JOB SUMMARY

This position: Serves as the lead for a team delivering training primarily to trainee and incumbent Locomotive Engineers. Oversees the day-to-day training activities and follow-up of individual contributors on the team. Serves as the primary relationship manager with Locomotive Engineer leadership in the Transportation Department (e.g., General Road Foreman, Director of Operating Rules) regarding all issues concerning training and recertification of Locomotive Engineers. Responsible to analyze Engineer performance issues, including safety-critical issues, and to recommend and implement training and non-training recommendations to address those issues. Balances conflicting priorities to achieve training objectives.  Leads, develops, and motivates Locomotive Engineer training staff. Supervises all DSLE training officer responsibilities and oversees the Locomotive Engineer Simulator recertification process. Coordinates with Assistant Director, Conductor Training, on planning and implementation of shared training responsibilities, including but not limited to recertification training for Locomotive Engineers and Conductors. Coordinates with other team leads in the Training Department to implement joint program initiatives, address logistical/resource issues, and support program development efforts. Assists in assessment of team and organizational needs and establishment of plans to address those needs. Evaluates, recommends, and implements/facilitates learning activities to build future capabilities to support Metro-North Railroad in meeting organizational goals. Delivers training and testing as required to meet operational needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages the day-to-day activities of all team members and trainees, ensuring alignment with Training Department and client needs. Addresses issues in collaboration with unit, Training Department, and client department management.  This includes, but is not limited to, overseeing the planning and implementation of all training activities, monitoring and evaluation of student progress, and organization of classroom and student schedules. Delivers training and testing as required to meet operational needs.
• Assesses training programs on an ongoing basis, recommends changes as appropriate, and ensures effective implementation of changes.  This includes, but is not limited to, quality improvements, delivery methodologies and mechanisms, and feedback/coaching strategies.  Leads the team in assessing and reporting on student progress; ensures consistent and effective approach to student evaluation.
• Maintains a strong alignment between the Transportation Department and the team by working with Transportation managers and support departments to develop and implement training programs that match organizational structures and staffing needs. Ensures effective communication with other teams and departments.
• Leads, manages, coaches, and develops staff.
• Keeps current with industry-leading training trends and operational trends through participation in MNR meetings, benchmarking, external partnerships and industry affiliations.
• As needed, handles other responsibilities as assigned.
• Select, develop, and motivate staff and provide career development for team members. Provide effective coaching and counseling. Manage team and individual performance. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables staff to develop and contribute to their full potential.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must have demonstrated ability in the following core competencies: 

Technical Training Expert

• Create and deliver effective and efficient training processes and services tailored to unique business needs.
• Manage people and training-related costs.
• Ensure proper locomotive engineer recertification processes using the simulator.
• Have in depth knowledge of all locomotive engineer related simulator activity.
• Ensure internal and external customer focus.
• Apply information technology appropriately to rapidly deliver quality training products and services.
• Demonstrate success working across businesses by building a foundation of communication and partnership.
• Demonstrate strong planning, organizational, analytical and communication (verbal, written, presentation) skills.
• Working knowledge of automated Human Resources and learning systems (including TIMS, KRONOS, LMS).  

Performance Consultant

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and foster teamwork.
• Develop and align strategies with business and serve as inside consultant for line management.
• Assist line managers in solving organizational, personnel, and change-related issues.
• Contribute to management team's strategic decision-making.
• Foster systems thinking, customer focus, and continuous learning.
• Strategically manage workforce development.
• Keep current with business trends, rules/regulations, and the training implications.
• Ability to change priorities while meeting deadlines. 

Change Agent

• Understand the organizational culture and what is effective and ineffective.
• Demonstrate project planning skills and meet deadlines even as priorities change.
• Institutionalize change capability within the organization.
• Help line managers to lead and facilitate change.
• Act as a consultant in organizational effectiveness.
• Enhance management development. 

Training Competencies

• Ability to design, develop, implement, facilitate, evaluate, and measure training and development activities.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles.
• Assist in forecasting MNR training needs.
• Ability to identify and correct unsafe conditions and work practices and emphasize the importance of safety to others.
• Ability to analyze performance problems and implement solutions.
• Actively partner with management to identify training and development needs.
• Display excellent presentation, verbal and written communication skills.
• Develop and maintain network of contacts with third party vendors and business partners.
• Working knowledge of multiple human resources disciplines including organizational change, employee relations, diversity, and performance management. 

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, Human Resources Management and/or related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education and/or technical credentials may be considered in lieu of degree to include four (4) years of additional related experience.
• Licensed Locomotive Engineer qualified on Metro-North Railroad Operating Rules and Physical Characteristics or 3 previously qualified with the ability to rapidly requalify.
• Minimum of five (5) years of related experience. Must include experience training and/or certifying Engineers. Experience may include relevant training and qualification periods, as well as education in addition to or beyond the above requirement.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience managing professional staff and/or functions or projects.
• Valid driver’s license required.

The following is/are preferred: 

• Supervisory experience.
• Experience working with a unionized workforce.
• Training certification
• Customer service experience.

BENEFITS

• Commuter Assistance – based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA’s jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)
• Low Premium – High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)
• Pension Plans and Retirement Savings Accounts for eligible employees
• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided.
• Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees
• Employee Assistance Programs
• MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs
• Work Life Services team
• Employee Resource Groups
• Managerial Benefits

OTHER INFORMATION

• Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).
• Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company’s discretion.
• Employees driving company vehicles will be subject to License Monitoring and must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
• Current employee applicants should be in their current position 12 months prior to starting a new role and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

If you seek a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability, or for a religious practice or observance, to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.