Assistant Chief Engineer/Officer - Track
Description
Title: Assistant Chief Engineer/Officer - Track (REPOST)
Department: Engineering
Post Date: 11/18/2024
Close Date: 12/02/2024
Hay Point Evaluation: 1090
Salary Range: $133,509 - $200,264
Position Classification: Safety Sensitive
Location: Queens
Reports To: Deputy Chief Engineer
Please note if you have already applied for this position, your application is still under consideration. You do not need to apply again.
This is a Non-Represented Position.
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.
Please note that this position has been designated as a "Policy Maker," pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics. As such, you will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement that will be provided to you by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics.
SUMMARY:
The Assistant Chief Engineer/Officer - Track is responsible for managing over $3 billion in infrastructure assets (i.e., more than 700 miles of track, infrastructure, and associated roadway maintenance equipment) and hundreds of millions of dollars in investments within Capital Programs. Responsible to manage, oversee and provide leadership in all aspects within the Track and ROW departments including the planning and directing design, maintenance, construction, test and inspection efforts and control of procurement of necessary materials and equipment. Ensure standards, specifications, procedures, best practices, and management controls of the Track Department are all within Federal, State and LIRR regulations. Ensure safety reviews are performed when designing, installing, maintaining, testing, and inspecting all elements in Track and Right of Way maintenance and construction projects for LIRR. Ensure properly functioning and cost-effective track operations for a safe and reliable railroad. Establish standards and controls to ensure adherence for construction, maintenance, testing and inspection of all tracks and right of way equipment and operations. Ensure project scopes, estimates, reports, and schedules are accurate. Ensure department procedures are updated to reflect current practices and audits are addressed. This position is also responsible for overseeing execution, completion, and provisioning for maintenance of capital investments of Force Account Construction. This position will also provide the support necessary for recruiting, selection, hiring and training of new positions in the Track and ROW departments. Responsible for safety of Track and ROW employees and 3rd Party Contractors, and Safety initiatives to improve employee and operational safety. The ACE – Track is also required to coordinate resources and forces of other departments necessary to achieve Capital and Maintenance goals. This position also works with union leadership on all aspects of safety, performance and discipline.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
- Provide leadership through planning, directing, controlling, and evaluating the activities of the Track/ROW organization that is responsible for project construction and maintenance work. Formulate and implement track renewals, production work and heavy maintenance programs. Direct and monitor performance of field personnel in all phases of production and maintenance programs along with special projects. Direct and control maintenance programs along with special projects. Direct and control the Right-Of-Way organization responsible for project program and maintenance tasks of ROW. Oversee Construction Management Team to effectively, efficiently, and safely complete Capital Programs on time and on budget. Ensure that Projects Controls, Field Monitoring and analysis of project status is performed through standard practices. Monitor performance on all related Force Account projects based on physical progress and earned value.
- Lead and oversee regular testing and inspections to ensure that high standard maintenance and construction programs are developed and implemented in accordance with LIRR/ FRA standards.
- Oversee the development to establish and ensure standards and procedures are met and adhered to all track operations. Ensure that the administrative functions are satisfactorily carried out to meet the reporting requirements of LIRR and MTA. Direct investigation and progress improvement in material, equipment and procedures for Track and LIRR. Direct the development, implementation and maintenance of quality programs for the Track Department.
- Direct preparation and administration of Track budget, schedules and estimates to ensure proper cost control. Direct subordinates in the efficient use of budgeted resources. Review cost reports; investigate overrun/ under run conditions. Ensure all necessary materials are procured for both maintenance and construction projects for the Track Department.
- Ensure an accurate hiring plan is developed with the required lead–time to hire and train a successful staff and workforce. Ensure commitment and continued adherence to the current MTA, LIRR, and Engineering policies and procedures. Oversee the coordination of hiring and training of Track Department employees to ensure adequate levels of employees are available to successfully execute Track plans and objectives.
- 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 staff is knowledgeable and well informed on policies, procedures, state/federal laws and regulations applicable to Human Resources programs.
- Maintain positive, effective relationships with other LIRR departments, unions, other MTA Agencies and local governments. Respond to internal and external correspondence relating to track and right-of-way environment. Direct employee relations with various labor organization and Labor Relations Department as necessary. Communicate with department managers on a daily basis concerning progress of all Engineering work.
- Direct the implementation of department wide safety program to minimize injuries to personnel and damage to equipment. Ensure adherence to safety rules and regulations. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions for employees.
- Represent the Chief Engineer from a Track standpoint at meetings with MTA sister agencies, federal, state, city, and outside agencies and other departments within the organization.
- All other assignments at the request of senior management.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A). Required
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, preferably Civil Engineering or related field. Four years additional demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree.
- Must possess at least 10 years of progressively responsible track experience in a railroad engineering environment.
- Must possess effective management experience (for both represented and professional employees) with a primary responsibility for a multi-million-dollar budget and have the ability to make immediate decisions with the potential to impact the operating budget.
- Must possess experience managing in a complex multi union environment with working knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and union work rules.
- Must possess extensive knowledge of Track operations and its function in railroad operations on a day-to-day basis as well as during emergencies.
- Must possess extensive knowledge of railroad operations, related FRA rules and regulations and engineering principles as they apply to Track.
- Must possess experience developing and implementing long term maintenance strategies.
- Must possess prior experience dealing with and managing outside contractors.
- Must possess experience in the development of scopes, estimates, schedules, and budgets.
- Must possess experience in managing a large segment of a Capital Program.
- Must demonstrate progressively responsible senior level project management experience.
- Must possess experience in the interviewing, selecting and hiring of candidates for the Track Department.
- Must possess extensive knowledge of company/department operations, policies, and procedures along with an understanding of all facets of the railroad.
- Must have demonstrated technical, leadership, management, organizational, facilitation, judgment and negotiating skills necessary to effectively administer new corporate guidelines; lead all facets of design, construction, and maintenance including standards; and to provide direction to staff and coordinate activities with other Engineering disciplines and LIRR departments.
- Must have demonstrated a high level of initiative, problem solving skills and decision-making abilities with ability to influence change.
- Must possess strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills are required.
- Must possess ability to inspect equipment, analyze track data and compile trend analysis on related defects.
- Must possess ability to motivate, train and influence others in a positive and productive manner to meet department/corporate goals and new initiatives. Must be self-motivated.
- Must have experience in the interviewing, selecting and hiring of candidates for the Track Department.
- Must possess ability to effectively motivate, develop and influence others in a positive and productive manner to meet department/corporate goals and ensure consistent and high standards among department personnel.
- Must possess the ability to plan, forecast, set objectives/goals to support corporate goals and determine course of action.
- Must possess the ability to direct business functions associated with operations, including schedules, budgets, utility costs, resource and material allotment.
- Must possess the ability to direct strategy for Capital Program.
- Must possess the ability to ensure workforce adheres to corporate/ department safety policies.
- Must possess the ability to represent the Department/ Company at various events and functions, while being sensitive to local issues and political climate.
- Must possess strong understanding of company/department operations, policies and procedures.
- Must possess the ability to lead and direct forces, develop the organization, including setting high standards of professional conduct.
- Must possess the ability to take initiative with the ability to identify problems and utilize effective problem-solving skills.
- Must be regularly available to work off-hours on a 24/7/365 basis for issue resolution/mitigation.
- Join and participate in industry professional groups (i.e., AREMA).
B.) Preferred
- Professional Engineer’s license.
- Extensive knowledge of railroad operations including Amtrak, related FRA (Federal Railroad Administration), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and NEC (National Electric Code) rules and regulations.
OTHER INFORMATION:
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.
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.