Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

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.

Summary

The Director, Climate Resilience Planning develops and oversees overall strategies, capital plans, and project implementation activities related to climate resilience for capital assets and topics across Metro North, Long Island Railroad, and Staten Island Railway assets. As a senior leader in the C&D Planning Division, the Director, Climate Resilience Planning will build and manage a robust agenda for climate resilience and risk mitigation within the MTA’s capital program. 

For more information about MTA climate programs, see https://www.mta.info/climate

Responsibilities

Develops and refines capital prioritization and leads other planning initiatives relevant to the future of the MTA’s capital investments facing climate risks, particularly with regard to Metro North, Long Island Railroad and Staten Island Railway assets.  

With significant latitude for independent judgment and decision-making, the Director creates, manages, executes and oversees a comprehensive process for capital planning, including robust data analytics, for climate adaptation. 

Developing strategies that will achieve discrete and quantifiable climate resilience goals within MTA’s long-term capital program 

Engaging multiple sources to collect and curate science-based climate risk projections and information to be employed by all MTA agencies 

Designing and implementing assessments of system- and asset-scale climate risk vulnerabilities and analyses of various physical and programmatic climate risk mitigation strategies 

Developing capital planning strategies designed to address multiple types of short, mid, and long-term climate vulnerabilities.

Prioritizing initiatives that advance climate resilience goals within MTA’s capital program using data-driven approaches.

Tracking MTA progress towards mitigating climate risk exposure and establishing internal methodologies to quantify the value of proactive climate risk mitigations. 

Accelerating priority capital projects toward construction by coordinating across stakeholders and leveraging strong project management skills.

Building collaborative relationships across multiple units within MTA and the broader community of stakeholders across the New York City region.

Developing and presenting planning information, processes, and results to stakeholders, including internal leadership, government officials and community partners.

Selecting, developing, and managing direct and indirect reports, including coaching and cultivating a team. 

Utilizing analytic and data visualization tools (e.g., maps, charts and graphs) to facilitate analysis and communication of relevant capital information and priorities.

Spearheading ongoing climate resilience tracking protocols, decision-making criteria, and analytic tools with the goal of continuous improvement of the MTA’s capital planning process,  

Maintaining awareness of national and international best practices in climate resilience innovations across the transportation sector that could be relevant for the MTA, particularly for open cut railroad assets.

Supervising consultants, including careful review of draft deliverables, providing constructive feedback, vetting consultant recommendations with colleagues across the MTA, and ensuring high quality final deliverables. 

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Engineering, Public Administration, Environmental Sciences, Transportation or related field.

Must have a minimum of ten (10) years relevant experience.

Must have a minimum of at least six (6) years in management of large projects, or supervisory role in a large, multi-faceted organization.

Master's degree preferred.

AICP or PE certification/license a strong plus.

Strong supervisory and technical skills.

Understanding of and fluency with climate modelling, sustainability initiatives, and risk-based decision making.

Excellent verbal, written, analytical, and presentation skills.

Ability to perform in-depth quantitative and qualitative analyses.

Knowledge of the MTA regional network and its operating context is desirable.

Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines and maximize the output of a small staff.

Strong organizational, analytical, problem solving, and planning skills. Must be a self-starter who can identify needs and strategies, and resources to meet those needs.

Ability to interface with senior staff, political and business representatives.

Ability to interact with managers and employees at all levels in the organization, and to work as part of a team.

Ability to work with both senior level staff and technical personnel on a diverse array of issues.

Ability to manage a large number of products and deadlines simultaneously.

Ability to take initiative and be proactive with ability to identify and anticipate department needs and recommend solutions.

Proficiency with data analytics, visualization tools, statistical software, and spatial analysis using GIS or similar mapping tools.

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”).

Selection Criteria

Based on evaluation of education, skills, experience, and interview.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.