Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of all programs related to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) training and certifications within Operations Training. This role ensures Operations Training compliance with applicable FRA regulations including, but not limited to, 49 CFR Parts 214, 219, 221, 228, 233, 234, 240, 242, 243, 245 and 246.

This position oversees FRA certification processes and works cross-functionally to align internal programs with federal regulatory requirements. In addition, this position provides oversight to ensure compliance with applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, assisting in the integration of OSHA requirements and FRA requirements into Operations Training Programs.

This position is also responsible for the design, development, piloting, evaluation, and continuous improvement of operations and technical training programs to support a wide range of employee training needs – including new hire onboarding, regulatory compliance, and other organizational initiatives.

Key responsibilities include collaborating with training staff to develop instructional materials, identifying training needs driven by regulatory and policy changes, new equipment or procedures, performance challenges, or safety initiatives, and implementing effective training solutions.

This role contributes to the development and oversight of department-wide policies and standards related to program development, including program evaluation, revision control, and documentation protocols.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and oversee FRA training certification programs.  In addition, plan, develop, and assist in the creation and maintaining of FRA regulatory training programs, and compliance requirements. This includes conducting needs assessments based on regulatory compliance requirements, designing and developing training programs and materials aligned with FRA standards, piloting programs with relevant stakeholders, and ensuring timely delivery in accordance with compliance deadlines. Ensure all programs address identified regulatory gaps and mandates. Periodically evaluate training content based on feedback, audit findings, and updates to FRA regulations and relay findings to appropriate stakeholders.
• Interpret and stay current with all applicable Federal Railroad Administration regulations, guidance documents, updates and rulemakings. Provide interpretations and ensure Operations Training materials align with current FRA requirements. Act as a subject matter expert on regulatory compliance, offering support to all stakeholders.
• Coordinate with relevant departments to assist in employee certification and recertification activities, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements. Periodically review training program effectiveness and FRA compliance, assist in identifying gaps and corrective actions, stay updated on regulatory changes, and collaborate across departments to support overall compliance.
• Oversees and facilitates engagement, strategic outreach, special projects, and initiatives within Operations Training, including but not limited to Engagement Days, C3RS, District Committees and District Reviews
• Provide support for general operations training program development efforts, assisting with the creation, updates, or coordination of learning initiatives outside of core regulatory training, as needed
• Keep current with industry-leading training and operational trends through participation in MNR meetings, benchmarking, external partnerships and industry affiliations. Participate in the development of department-wide standards and policies related to program development and management.
• Contributes to the development and oversight of department-wide policies and standards related to program development, including program evaluation, revision control, and documentation protocols.

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
• 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

Performance Consultant

• Display 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
• Keep current with business trends, rules/regulations, and the training implications
• Change priorities while meeting deadlines
• Work with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of applicable Federal regulations
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and/or comparable applications
• Working knowledge of automated learning systems (such as Enterprise Learning Management or similar applications)

Change Agent

• Understand the organizational culture and what is effective and ineffective
• Demonstrate project planning skills and ability to 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

• Design, develop, implement, facilitate, evaluate, and measure training and development activities
• Apply strong knowledge of adult learning principles
• Assist in identifying and forecasting MNR training needs
• Identify and correct unsafe conditions and work practices and emphasize the importance of safety to others
• Analyze technical and non-technical 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
• Provide working knowledge of multiple human resources disciplines including organizational change, employee relations, diversity, and performance management

Other Requirements

• Ability to work out of any Metro-North terminal/location as required

Additional Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities for Specialization [Certification]:

• In-depth knowledge of FRA regulations and certification programs
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations
• Knowledge of Metro North Railroad Operating Rules
• Experience in railroad operations, safety, compliance, or regulatory affairs
• Strong project management, communication, and analytical skills
• Familiarity with internal auditing, data systems, and document control
• Ability to collaborate across multiple departments with external regulatory agencies
• Knowledge of various training delivery methods, including eLearning, instructor-led training (ILT), virtual instructor-led training (vILT), on-the-job training (OJT), and blended learning formats.

The following Knowledge/Skills Abilities is/are preferred:

• Knowledge of Metro-North or comparable operations and safety procedures
• Knowledge of effective graphic design and other relevant design principles

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education, and/or technical credentials to include an additional four years of related experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Minimum of five (5) years of related experience. Must include at least three years of related experience in training and training program development (must include both training and program development experience). Overall 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 projects.

The following is/are preferred: 

• Certification in training, instructional design, or related area
• Other relevant post-secondary technical education or certification
• Experience working with a unionized workforce
• Experience in safety training or management

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.