Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

ABOUT THE AGENCY

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation. MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities for its employees.

Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting before the listed Application Deadline.

JOB SUMMARY

Yardmasters are responsible for the proper makeup and prompt dispatch of trains in their assigned territory.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct train make-up to ensure compliance with consist requirements and yard plans.
• Safely and efficiently assign and control all train and equipment movement within the limits of the yard by remote activation of switches, signals, clearance forms and blocking devices in accordance with Metro-North operating rules.
• Enter train consist data on PC.
• Assign and coordinates consist of and SMO switching activity.
• Provide protection to employees working on the right of way by removing and restoring tracks to and from service.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records related to train movements, track assignments and other events.
• Monitor radio, telephone, computer screens and other equipment for train movements, track movement and other relevant information and issues in territories controlled.
• Communicate relevant information to others clearly, effectively and according to protocol regarding train routing, track conditions and any other special circumstances.
• Maintain familiarity with train schedules, destinations and departure and arrival times.
• Coordinate track usage with the Maintenance of Way department.
• Prepare information reporting on time performance and delays of areas controlled.
• Post all relevant train information on DTOBOs, bulletin borders and register sheets.
• Manage unexpected and emergency events.
• Supervises yard employees and train crews in the yard.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Skilled in exercising independent judgment; ability to anticipate and analyze problems and take corrective actions; must be able to maintain attentiveness and evaluate a situation to make quick decisions under pressure; written and verbal communication skills; ability to multi-task; must be able to function effectively under changing priorities; reading comprehension ability; knowledge of operating and safety rules; knowledge of physical characteristics; must be safety conscious.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

External Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience as a qualified Air Traffic Controller OR
• Minimum of one (1) year experience as a railroad employee in a position requiring book of rules qualification OR Minimum of four (4) years of experience as a logistics manager or other position with directly related transferable skills working in a fast paced, high pressure environment OR Related education resulting in a Transportation degree(e.g., Associate Degree or higher in Air Traffic Control, Train Dispatch or related field).

Internal Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Minimum of one (1) year of railroad experience in an Operating division craft that that requires qualifying on the “Rules of the Operating Department (Book of Rules Qualification)” and one year in your current position/union and completed all training requirements OR Minimum of two (2) years of railroad experience in positions that do not require the Book of Rules Qualification and one year in your current position/union and completed all training requirements.

RATE OF PAY

The starting rate for this position is $32.04/hour (70% of the full rate). The annual wage progression scale is as follows: 

Year 1=70% > Year2=70% > Year 3=75% > Year 4=80% > Year 5=85% > Year 6=100%.The 100% full rate of pay is $45.77.

This salary is non-negotiable, based on the ACRE Collective Bargaining Agreement.

SENIORITY

New Hires placed in the training program are represented by the Association of Commuter Rail Employees (ACRE) and will be considered new employees at Metro-North for seniority purposes.
 

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

OTHER INFORMATION

Selection Criteria

Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, not all qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the position are guaranteed an interview. To be selected for a position, one must meet the following criteria: (1) satisfy the minimum requirements listed in the job posting, (2) if applicable, successfully pass a written and practical exam, (3) satisfy a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), and (4) pass a verbal interview. Metro-North may also require the applicant to undergo a physical ability test, and, if the Company extends a conditional offer, may require him or her to undergo a medical examination, which may include toxicological testing. Failure to pass any step within the hiring process will result in the disqualification of your application.

This is a safety sensitive position and subject to toxicology testing.

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”).

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.

Additional Criteria for Internal Candidates:

• Current Metro-North employees must be in active service to be eligible for consideration.
• Agreement Employees applying for a position outside of their present craft are required to have worked in your current union for at least one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline to be eligible to apply for a posted position and have completed the agreed upon formal training commitment, including on-the-job training or lock-in requirement, if applicable (for example Signal Trainee, Foreman-In-Training, etc.). If you are transferring to another craft, you may be required to forfeit your seniority in your present union.
• Non-agreement employees must have worked in their current position for a minimum of one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline. Along with a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), employees are also subject to an internal investigation, which includes an evaluation not limited to discipline records and performance assessments.

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.

HOW TO APPLY:

For Internal Applicants: Log in to the My MTA Portal, click on the My Job Search tile, select the Careers link, search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the on-screen instructions.

For External Applicants: Visit www.mta.info, click the “Careers” link located in the footer under the "The MTA" section, then click on “See All Open MTA Positions”. Search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the instructions.