Director transportation

Full job description

Salary

$160,000.00 Annually

Location

45 High Street, Boston

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

24-20297

Department

MBTA - Railroad Ops (Commuter Rail)

Area

783-Commuter Rail Supervision

Opening Date

05/10/2024

Closing Date

5/24/2024 11:59 PM Eastern

Union Affiliation

Executive

Safety Sensitive

Yes; this is a Safety Sensitive position. Employees in this role will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.

Essential Classification (Emergency Staff)

Yes; this position is classified as essential. Employees in this role are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by supervisory personnel during declared States of Emergency.

On-Call or 24/7

Yes; this position is classified as on-call or 24/7. Employees in this role must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as directed by supervisory personnel.

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Director of Transportation- RRO will direct, plan, and supervise the day-to-day and long-range functions of the commuter rail and water service contractors as well as supervise a small professional staff to ensure contractor compliance with contract requirements, strongly focused on the daily delivery of service and constant improvements of the Commuter Rail system. This position focuses on transportation services- the front line of what we do.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Investigate, monitor, and analyze on-time performance and capacity issues in order to identify trends, to make recommendations for improved performance such as schedule adjustments, and to assess related performance measurement penalties.
• Monitor, collaborate, and direct the Commuter Rail contracted operator to plan and recommend railroad crew and equipment assignments, consistent with the demands of the service.
• Coordinate and work with the commuter rail and water contractors, and others in all phases of transportation planning and delivery, including, but not limited to, scheduling production, alternative service plans, delay mitigation, and service delivery improvements.
• Confer daily with other MBTA officials, as well as other departments internal to Railroad Operations, concerning the prioritization of daily work activities and long-term planning that may affect the movement of commuter rail passengers.
• Coordinate and direct the commuter rail contractor and host railroads in all phases of the provision of commuter rail service which includes but is not limited to facilities, layovers, stations, and parking lots.
• Respond to customer complaints as communicated through the MBTA’s Feedback programs.
• Conduct periodic reviews of performance measurements with the commuter rail and water contractors; monitor contractor adherence to FTA, FRA, NORAC, DTE, NTSB and all other applicable policies and regulations.
• Conduct inspections of passenger trains and facilities and other transportation facilities to ensure effective and safe performance and assure conformance with operating rules, orders, recommendations, and requirements.
• Investigate and analyze field problems in order to develop and implement solutions that are following FRA and MBTA tariffs, regulations, and practices.
• Support the department in the development, negotiation, administration, and review of operating and other agreements with regional railroad including Amtrak and area freight and excursion railroads.
• Provide support for the continued development and implementation of all applications in the Commuter Rail IT environment, including Train Records Management Systems, Automated Passenger Counters, and onboard Passenger Train Information Systems.
• Participate in the development of the Railroad Operations – Transportation Division budget.
• Assist with departmental community relations activities and the coordination of special events, such as the running of special trains.
• Ensure budgetary goals are met and that all work is performed in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Respond or report to work as directed by supervisory personnel for emergencies, extreme weather conditions, or any other abnormal conditions that impair service or the safety of service, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and to assist at emergencies and/or events as needed.
• Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or co-worker in a courteous and professional manner.
• Work any and all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.
• Perform related duties and projects as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Available to work all shifts and locations as assigned or directed
• Available to work as per assignment by the MBTA twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as directed by supervisory staff for severe weather conditions, emergencies or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service
• Have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations assigned or directed.

Job Conditions

• Adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the MBTA including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have the ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, background screening, and the MBTA’s medical requirements, including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screening.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting, including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job, and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in Transportation, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of experience in railroad operations transportation or maintenance and/or operations management.
• Five (5) years of experience in a people management, leadership, and/or direct supervisory role.
• Experience with FRA operations compliance.
• Effective organizational, analytical and confidentiality skills.
• Working knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint applications.
• Effectively communicate with customers, employees, and vendors.
• Have excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
• The ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience.
• The ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed.
• Be available to work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.

Substitutions Include

• A high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) from an accredited institution with the ability to comprehend, communicate and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English and an additional (7) years of experience in railroad operations transportation or maintenance may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree requirement.

Preferences Include:

• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in Transportation, Engineering, Business, or a related field
• Experience as a dispatcher or in operations management for a railroad;
• Experience with passenger train railroad operations and/or maintenance.
• Familiarity with FTA, FRA, NORAC, DPU, and NTSB policies and procedures.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team (or supervise, if required)
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection)
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service

Disclaimers and Definitions:

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.

• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.

• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.

• Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.

• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.

• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.

• On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.

• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.

• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at or .

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.

Employment Benefits at the MBTA

The MBTA offers comprehensive benefits packages to employees. Types of benefits offered at the MBTA are subject to the union affiliation / Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of the position to which you apply. Benefits that may apply to your position include the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life (basic and supplemental), Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Leave, Paid Holidays
• Retirement: pension or deferred compensation 401(a), plus MBTA contributions
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for student loans
• Commuter Choice Parking Program: pre-tax benefits for parking
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): pre-tax benefits for healthcare-related expenses
• Discounted tickets for concerts, movies, travel / vacation, etc. via TicketsAtWork.com
• Shopping discounts via GovX.com
• Verizon and AT&T service discounts
• And more...

The above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the MBTA. This summary is not a contract and is not meant to change the provisions of union contracts or Authority policy and does not establish a binding past practice.

The MBTA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer