Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

JOB SUMMARY

Direct the daily operations of assigned territory, including daily train dispatchments, incident investigations, delay reporting/management, and On-Time Performance indicators to ensure a satisfactory customer experience.

This position is also responsible for directing and managing Metro-North’s Crew management Center, ensuring that crews are utilized in the most efficient manner possible. 

The goal of this position is to provide safe, timely rail service within the operating region of Metro-North Railroad.   In close collaboration with the other Deputy Chief of Field Operations, this position will provide input on track outages, and other operational impacts of future service improvements and major initiatives; and will cover the Chief Transportation Officer position in their absence. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Presides over Operations staff of assigned territory to ensure daily operations of the railroad are focused on the Operating Department targets consistent with established Corporate Objectives and guidelines and overall Customer Service goals of Metro-North Railroad (MNR).
  • Plans and achieves established safety plans and targets, oversees incident investigations and participates in District Safety meetings and activities.
  • Coordinates with the Chief Transportation Officer, other Deputy Chief of Operations, and the Deputy CTO – OCC ensuring compliance in execution of the Time Tables, Maintenance and Capital Programs as well as all other established On-Time Performance Objectives.
  • Represents Transportation on steering committees, task forces, interdepartmental work groups relative to Track outages, Service Delivery, coordination among operating departments, and ad hoc committees for incident investigation including executing recommendations for improvements.
• Oversee the daily operation of the Crew Management Office with an annual Train & Engine (T&E) operating budget of $180M, daily deployment of approximately 1,400 train and engine personnel maintaining consistency with operational service requirements, budget constraints, collective bargaining agreements and departmental goals. Ensure all Federal Standards are complied with regarding fatigue mitigation and Hours-of-Service. Oversee collaboration with Planning Department’s crew schedule process to meet Transportation’s business needs.  Control operating expenses in conformity with budget. Coordinate with Deputy Director – Finance and Administration to accurately project staffing needs to maintain adequate train crew staffing levels. 
• Oversee coordination with the Planning Department and other departments in the planning and implementation of new schedules and services (additional trains, routes, stations, etc.).  Ensure all Operating Division departments have input where appropriate and resolve any issues arising from conflicting goals and/or needs.  Ensure that the train schedules and crew requirements are all coordinated.
• Implements all directives issued by the Chief Transportation Officer to coordinate activities during major service disruptions for fastest possible restoration of service and to determine cause of problem and take corrective actions.
• Plans and directs succession planning for areas of responsibility, mentoring staff for future positions of higher authority and responsibility within the organization. administers disciplinary matters within areas of responsibility.
• Work with all MNR Departments as needed to provide Operating Division input for major new service improvements such as East Side Access, Penn Station Access.
• Take an active role in planning for new equipment acquisitions and equipment storage and servicing facilities and oversee development of implementation programs for new equipment types.
• Manage special projects for the Executive Vice President & COO and Chief Transportation Officer, as directed.
• Select, develop, and motivate staff and provide career development for team members. Provide effective coaching and counseling.  Manage team and individual performance.  Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables staff to develop and contribute to their full potential.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Operating Rules, Territory, Physical Characteristics, Federal Rules regarding the operation of trains and equipment.
• Knowledge of Line and Terminal Operations, Equipment programs, Mechanical, Engineering and Station functions.
• Knowledge of Line and District inter-departmental functions and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of safety practices, rules and regulations related to train operations.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to organize and direct the activities of others.
• Must possess quantitative and analytical skills to effectively determine and resolve service delivery problems.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to foster teamwork, develop and motivate employees at all levels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of management
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite or comparable application.
• Basic knowledge of signal, power and track structures and their influence on operations and train movement
• Valid Driver’s License.

The following is/are preferred: 

• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements covering Train & Engine employees as well as yardmasters and RTC’s. 
• Crew scheduling familiarity.
• MNR train scheduling, equipment maintenance cycles, fleet management.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Transportation, Business, Public Administration or related field.   Demonstrated equivalent experience and/or education to include an additional four (4) years of related experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Minimum twelve (12) years of experience in a progressively more complex transportation management position with experience with train movement, crew management and safety both from a preventive and incident management standpoint. Experience working in a time sensitive railroad operation.
• Minimum eight (8) years of experience in managing a diverse group of employees at various levels.

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

• This is a policy maker position. 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.