Lead Transportation Manager
Description
Job Title: Lead Transportation Manager | Department: Transportation |
MTA Agency: LIRR | Primary Location(s): Various |
Salary Range/Additional Compensation Details: $134,390 - $144,666.95 | Regulated/ Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive |
Union Affiliation: N/A | Closing Date (if applicable): 4/14/2026 |
Shift (if applicable): | Other: |
About your agency: 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. | |
JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible to manage the day-to-day operations and activities of assigned territories to ensure safe, reliable and efficient performance and to maintain optimum on-time performance. Recommend, develop, and implement alternative operating plans as necessary in a quick and efficient manner with minimal service disruptions. Develop integrated operations efforts with peers in various departments within the Long Island Railroad, particularly the operating departments (Mechanical, Engineering, Customer Service) or other agencies (Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, etc.) to ensure a coordinated, seamless operation. This position will contribute towards departmental goals; maintain compliance with union work rules, policies, procedures and governmental regulations. Direct, oversee, and supervise the activities of Transportation Department Supervisors to meet and/or exceed all departmental goals of Safety, On Time Performance, and Customer Service. Select, develop 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 performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential. Represent Superintendent in his/her absence as required. Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to company safety policies and procedures. Cover assignments based on a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week operation, work relief days as required in order to respond to service disruptions or emergencies.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manage and oversee crews and managers in day to day train operations in assigned territories to ensure safe, reliable and efficient performance to maintain optimum on- time performance. Recommend, develop and implement alternative operating plans as necessary in a quick & efficient manner with minimal service disruptions.
- Report on site of service disruptions/emergencies as required; 24 hrs, 7 days a week basis.
- Take the lead role in assigned areas of responsibilities focusing both Transportation Managers and all Transportation Department employees in meeting departmental and corporate goals and objectives in being responsive to the customer with principal accountability towards comfort, courtesy and communications.
- Develop integrated operations efforts with various departments within the Long Island Rail Road, particularly the operating departments (Maintenance of Equipment, Engineering, Passenger Services) or other agencies (Amtrak, NJT, etc.) to ensure a coordinated, seamless operation.
- Coordinate all trial and investigation activities within the assigned territories with the Trial Office to ensure that proper investigation procedures are adhered to.
- With supervisory staff, review and recommend ways to improve fare collection techniques and procedures to ensure maximum revenues are collected and control payroll costs, particularly overtime. Work with staff for a cost-effective operation.
- Provide leadership and guidance in providing a positive influence to subordinates for personal growth and development and create an environment that respects individual differences and supports departmental diversity in the workplace goals.
- Select, develop 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.
- Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example.
- If an applicant is Engine Service Qualified (ESQ), maintaining a valid Locomotive Engineer Certification and is not on the active-duty Locomotive Engineer Roster, they will be required to provide Engine Service coverage during Engine Service manpower shortages.
- Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Business, Transportation, Computers, or related field. Demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree.
- In lieu of a Bachelor's Degree, a candidate may be chosen if (s)he possesses a HS Diploma and a minimum of ten years demonstrated transportation experience, five of which must be demonstrated operations managerial or front-line supervisory experience.
- Minimum 1 year – Must be a seasoned manager or supervisor with the ability to manage change and to help build an effective and productive organization. Must be able to motivate and develop subordinates.
- Minimum 1 year - Must have a proven record as a successful manager or supervisor with expertise and experience managing train crews, equipment, and/or schedules.
- A valid Driver’s License is required for this position.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Must be fully qualified on the operating rules and physical characteristics of the LIRR, including Amtrak Zone A.
- Must possess recent and related, progressively responsible management/supervisory experience in Transportation Operations.
- Must possess a strong operating background, including familiarity with FRA Regulations for Train, Track, and Equipment Operations and a working knowledge of crew and equipment manipulations.
- Must have experience in positions with departmental or section budget responsibilities.
- Must possess proven and effective leadership, problem solving, human relations, and written and oral communication skills.
- Must have strong interpersonal skills with an ability to diplomatically deal with all levels of the organization.
- Must have a record of working effectively in a team environment within and beyond the department.
- Must have a sophisticated understanding of situational awareness, situational leadership, and emotional intelligence.
- Must possess expert analytical and judgment skills with the ability to make timely and effective decisions in a stressful or emergency environment, while maintaining professional integrity.
- Must have knowledge of operating budgets and collective bargaining agreements.
- Must possess experience handling labor relations/union issues and administering organizational policies and procedures.
- Must have experience developing policies and procedures.
- Must have a proven record of effectively assessing complex problems, developing strategic solutions and effectively and efficiently implementing corrective action plans.
- Must be a self-starter who is able to meet deadlines and demanding changes have the ability to work with limited direction/support.
- Must be familiar with Terminal Emergency Action Plans and other contingencies.
- Must have experience handling labor issues and administering organization policies and procedures.
- Must have impeccable professional ethics, with the ability to manage change and to help build an effective and productive organization.
- Must have a working knowledge of applicable software computer applications.
- Must be available consistent with 24-hours/day, 7-days/week operational demands.
- Must have completed the mandatory e-train curriculum (16 courses) for Level 1 managers.
- KNOWLEDGE & SKILL REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO Lead Transportation Manager Train Service:
- Must have been fully qualified/certified Train Service Conductor.
- KNOWLEDGE & SKILL REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO Lead Transportation Manager Operating Safety, Rules & Regulatory Compliance:
- Must possess extensive knowledge of CFR and FRA mandates.
- Must have experience in developing and implementing training classes and/or programs.
- Must have the proven ability to oversee and translate operating rules and practices into practical classroom application.
- KNOWLEDGE & SKILL REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO Lead Transportation Manager On-Board Revenue & Compliance:
- Must have extensive knowledge of Fare Collection and Manual of Instructions to Passenger Train Service Employees (ADL-205).
- Must possess a strong customer service background and experience.
- Knowledge of SMART contractual agreements is preferred.
- Prior analysis and/or auditing practice experience as it pertains to revenue collection is desired.
- Experience with LIRR’s Revenue Central Support Systems (CSS) is preferred.
- KNOWLEDGE & SKILL REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO Lead Transportation Manager Train Movement:
- Must possess extensive knowledge in the area of Train Movement and have served as a Supervisor-Train Movement in the Movement Bureau and/or PSCC.
- KNOWLEDGE & SKILL REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO Lead Transportation Manager In Capital Projects:
- Must possess extensive knowledge in the area of Train Movement and have served as a Supervisor-Train Movement in the Movement Bureau and/or PSCC.
- Must be qualified on the Rules of the Operating Department at the Train Dispatcher level.
BENEFITS:
- Commuting 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 and Office of the Chaplains unit
- Employee Resource Groups
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 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 employees must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record.
- Candidates selected for this position may be placed in a competitive or non-competitive class position based on their qualifications. Qualified candidates who are placed in a competitive class position are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter and in the upper right corner of your resume that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program. For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, please visit the following link https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/55-a-program.page
- LIRR:
- In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include but is not limited to, a pre-screening assessment (i.e., physical, written, and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make-up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety-sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.
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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER:
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.
If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.