Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

Description

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. 

*Only current LIRR Employees will be considered for this position*

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.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is accountable to ensure that the technical support and administrative services are provided for the Engineering Department to successfully manage and oversee its day-to-day operations and Capital commitments. The Assistant Chief Officer - Workforce Management & Operational Support  is responsible for leading and directing all administrative functions of the Engineering Department and manpower resource management for 2,200+ employees.   Responsibilities include overall workforce development, resource and succession planning, hiring planning, recruitment, selection, hiring and training for new and existing positions in the department. 

Directs Engineering staff with respect to the successful and uniform implementation and management of corporate and departmental policies and procedures as they relate to discipline, payroll, employee bids/bumps/moves in compliance with the respective collective bargaining agreements, performance appraisals, drug and alcohol testing, absence control, FMLA, Military leave, disability management, management education and employee development, labor grievances, , tuition assistance, training, trials and investigations. Resource planning and utilization functions to ensure the appropriate level of staffing are maintained and to ensure proper management of timekeeping/payroll/overtime/auditing practices and procedures for accurate payment of payroll and compensation compliance with all collective bargaining agreements.  Coordination with MTAHQ, MTA-OIG (Office of Inspector General), NYS Comptroller, Office of Attorney General and other agencies as required.

Oversight, development, and management of the Engineering Department's $487M operating, reimbursable, and OFC budgets.

Oversee the development of department's materials and vehicle fleet procurement, management, and maintenance strategies and documentation to support the agency, MTA HQ, Construction & Development and satisfying regulatory and oversight agencies for the Engineering Department.  '

As a senior Engineering Department management representative, the incumbent works to bridge the gap between the Engineering department disciplines and all other departments in a collaborative fashion to ensure that departmental production and productivity goals are supported as they relate to safety, on-time performance, reliability, and any other corporately established goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct and provide oversight for all administrative functions within the Engineering Department, including, but not limited to manpower resource planning, employee selection, promotions, performance management, CTAMS/payroll management, time and attendance,  overtime coverage management, absence control, disability management, probationary reviews, FMLA, military leave, compensation, employee bids/bumps/moves in compliance with the respective collective bargaining agreements, succession planning, management development, training, grievance/union claim management and oversight for all Engineering 2100+ personnel.

• Direct the development, administration, control and management of the Engineering departments $487 million annual budget (operating and reimbursable).  Manage and control overtime expenditures and represent the Engineering Department on the Presidents Overtime Task Force.  Direct the development of annual hiring plans and headcount requirements to support both engineering operations as well as Capital Program force account needs.  

  Manage Operational Budget Impact (OBI) tracking and reporting.

• Provide direction and leadership to the Engineering Manpower Office for manpower resource administration.  Provide strategy and planning for manpower improve availability and planning.
• Oversee the Engineering Department’s Materials and Vehicle Fleet groups.  Ensure that appropriate materials and vehicles are available to disciplines for the successful performance of all Engineering operations. Ensure materials and vehicles are accounted for and documented. Ensure funds for materials and vehicles are available and that costs related to these are minimized and verified. 
• Oversee the managing of all labor relations activities with the Department.  Ensure labor issues are equitable and uniform throughout the department and are within fair labor practices as well as the applicable collective bargaining agreement and arbitration rulings.  Provide oversight and guidance for labor grievances, trials, negotiations, claims and labor costing.
• Provide assistance to the Chief Engineering/Deputy Chief Engineer and Assistant Chief Engineers in the formulation of a comprehensive recruitment, hiring and training program to ensure that an adequate and capable management staff is available to successfully execute the goals of the Engineering Department.  Training shall include the use of all systems, procedures, and practices that will improve the process by which Engineering carries out their responsibilities and ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Assist the Vice President – Maintenance of Way and Chief Engineer in directing the development, planning and updating of the Engineering Department’s State of Good Repair (SOGR) programs for each discipline (Track, Structures, Signal, Communications and Power).  Oversee the SOGR funding needs and prioritization of infrastructure acquisition for near, intermediate and long-term planning including Capital Programs and 20 years needs assessment for the department.

• Serve as a senior staff member to the Vice President - Maintenance of Way, ensuring mission, goals and activities are communicated throughout the Engineering Department. Perform all other assignments at the request of senior management. 
  Select, develop and motivate staff. Create an environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential. 

   

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Organizational Management/Engineering or related field.  An additional four years of demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree. 
• Minimum 12 years experience with and knowledge of technical, labor, and administrative issues, company policies and procedures, labor agreements, and occupational and environmental safety. 
• Minimum 10 years prior extensive experience managing a staff in an operations/union environment responsibility managing a multimillion-dollar departmental budget and progressively responsible planning and administration managerial experience in an operations environment. 

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's Degree in Business/Organizational Management/Engineering or related field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must possess extensive experience developing and administering policies and procedures, working experience with collective bargaining agreements and related union work rules.
• Experience interviewing, selecting and hiring of candidates.
• Experience with human resource related activities such as hiring, staffing needs, review of compensation issues, departmental strategic business planning and organizational management and succession planning.
• Excellent computer skills with experience working with complex database and payroll systems (i.e., Kronos).
• Excellent leadership, organizational, interpersonal and management skills to effectively administer new MTA, Engineering procedures and initiatives and create a professional working environment for continuous improvement.
• Must have demonstrated leadership abilities, effective communication, presentation, negotiating, problem solving, planning, analytical, judgement and decision-making skills with the ability to lead and influence change.
• Ability to establish goals, deadlines, provide direction to staff and coordinate activities with other disciplines, departments and MTA agencies.
• Ability to train employees on new initiatives, guidelines and procedures. 
• Must be available during non-working hours and during emergencies to provide management support.
• Experience working in the Engineering operating/unionized environment.
• Experience with the procurement and management of large-scale inventory.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• 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.
• 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.