Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

This position is eligible for teleworking, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective hire date.    

Opening:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Position Objective:

Assist the Senior Director and Assistant Deputy Chief of Vendor Relations with the inspection and testing of a wide spectrum of materials procured by the MTA agencies – including safety-critical materials and materials with state and federal mandates – to ensure compliance with specifications and regulations for the maintenance of infrastructure and safety of the riding public. The Senior Manager, Inspections & Testing (Viscous Materials) will primarily focus on the management, procedures, and protocols associated with the inspection and testing of paints, greases, cleaners, oils, potable water, antifreeze, and other liquids and chemicals used by the Operating Departments. The Senior Manager will ensure compliance with contractual terms & conditions; review consultant and laboratory invoices and review expenditures for alignment with budgeted forecasts; provide expertise to Procurement and User departments in the development of specifications for, and monitor the award of, new contracts, modifications, and overall product evaluations. The Senior Manager will be responsible for a diverse staff and will work effectively in a high-profile, high-pressure environment with multiple objectives/goals and stakeholders from different levels of the Agency.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the Worldwide Technical Inspection Services Contract and laboratory contracts that cover the inspection and testing of viscous materials used by the Department of Subway, Department of Buses, the NYCT Depots, and Construction & Development to ensure that compliant materials are delivered to the MTA.
• Monitor budgets for laboratory contracts and oversight staff such that contracts remain within budgetary limits and the inspection program is properly staffed. Authorizes vendor payments and reconciles budget information.
• Review waivers that address the delivery of non-conforming materials are decided by a panel comprised of the User Department and Inspections & Testing. Present waivers to the Senior Director for final approval.
• Coordinate Special Projects related to viscous materials, on behalf of the Operating Departments, to research and develop new materials, technologies, process improvements, as well as analyze material challenges and failures. Provide the “research and development” arm to the Operating Departments.
• Assist the Senior Director with the management of quality audits related to viscous materials. Quality audits are performed at vendor facilities to qualify manufacturing processes of new vendors, monitor existing vendors, and rehabilitate vendors experiencing recurring quality issues. Review audit reports to ascertain consistencies or inconsistencies with inspection results. Provide recommended corrective measures to the Senior Director for those vendors requiring rehabilitation.
• 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 the performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Oversee and evaluate contractor performance

• Observing the work performed by the contractor;
• Reviewing invoices and approving them if the work meets contractual standards;
• Addressing performance issues with the contractor when possible; and
• Escalating issues to other parties as needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Must have technical knowledge of the properties of materials and associated specifications.
• Must have strong project management and budget experience.
• Must have knowledge of American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA), Association of American Railroads (AAR), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Transportation (DOT), NYS Building Code, and associated regulations.
• Must have experience in managing professional and science-based technicians and managers, including professional engineers.
• Must have experience with quality audits and the inspection and testing of critical materials in large manufacturing or service areas.
• Must have the ability to read shop and engineering drawings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
• Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professional and technical employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area of responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 5 years of related experience
• Demonstrated supervisory and/or leadership abilities.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• At least 3 years in a managerial and/or leadership role.
• Prior experience working in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization or governmental body.
• Attainment of or in the process of attaining a P.E. license from New York State.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s collective bargaining procedures.

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According 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”).

Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers, or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.