Testing Specialist

Description

JOB TITLE:                             Testing Specialist

SALARY RANGE:                  $59,506- $78,101

HAY POINTS:                        323

DEPT/DIV:                             People Department

SUPERVISOR:                     Manager, Testing

LOCATION:                          420 Lexington Ave New York, NY 10170

HOURS OF WORK:             9:00 am - 5:30 pm (7 1/2 hours/day)

SUMMARY:

The Testing Specialist is a member of the People Team responsible for developing, administering and validating exams to support the selection and promotion of employees. They will partner with stakeholders across the agency including business unit management, Labor, Legal and Diversity as well as the broader People team. The Testing Specialist will conduct job analyses for all titles no later than every 5 years, document and store the data and update the exams, with the approval of the Talent Assessment Manager, as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Creation of selection and promotion assessments, including written, practical skills, physical abilities, managerial pre-screening, computer skills, structured interviews, etc., to assess knowledge, skills and abilities. Develops procedures and standardizes criteria for such activities. Works with departments to develop assessments for job titles that are in line with the needs of the department and organization. Works with OHS to create physical abilities tests
• Responsible for the physical administration of small- and large-scale examinations. Works with departments to administer practical exams.
• Conducts post testing processes including analyzing test statistics, test validation, post conditional test notifications and confirmation of results, and maintenance of testing records.
• Collaborates with Talent Assessment Manager and business units to plan, develop and implement testing strategies to improve current processes in order to ensure hiring goals are met and positions are filled with the best possible talent. Analyze trends in testing and provide innovative ideas. Research, implement and adhere to industry best practices.
• Conducts job analyses and provides guidance on how to best identify critical work competencies. Provides information to Talent Assessment Manager to implement testing analysis by performing and documenting validation studies. Works with the Talent Assessment Manager and the departments to analyze the effectiveness of current exams and ensures that they reflect the current job duties, responsibilities, etc. Assists in making changes as necessary.
• Assists the Talent Assessment Manager in the conversion of paper and pencil exams to electronic exams. Work with the Talent Assessment Manager and the testing team to identify space to administer computer based electronic exams.
• Creates and maintains a professional working environment that respects individual differences, enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential, and fosters a positive employee relations climate that ensures MTA principles, policies and programs are consistently practiced.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ensuring that examinations and job analyses are developed to accurately reflect the relevant knowledge, skills and abilities to maintain an effective and competent workforce.
• Developing and administering written, practical and physical abilities tests under tight deadlines for critical and, at times, hard to fill operating titles with limited resources.
• Maintaining processes that ensure tests are fair, valid, and reliable.
• Traveling to different job locations to conduct job analysis or administer examinations.
• Converting exams that are currently administered via pencil and paper to computer automated electronic versions.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of test development and administration including test question design and validation and statistical analysis, such as standard deviation and correlations to performance and content validity.
• Analytical skills necessary for performing detailed job analyses and the creation of test questions.
• Proficiency in communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in organizational and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in working with all internal levels within a given organization.
• Proficiency in communicating and interacting well with external agencies.
• Proficiency in completing short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Proficiency in analytical and/or quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:         

REQUIRED:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Psychology, Human Resources, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Two years of satisfactory full-time professional experience in one or a combination of the following areas: working in management or methods analysis, operations research, organizational research or program evaluation; or in personnel or public administration, recruitment, position classification, personnel relations, labor relations, employee benefits, staff development, employment program planning/administration, labor market research, economic planning, social services program planning/evaluation, or fiscal management. A master’s degree in psychology or a related field from an accredited college or university may substitute for two years of experience.

PREFERRED:

• Courses in tests and measurement, statistics, research, personnel psychology, and computers.
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people to creatively develop exams.

OTHER INFORMATION:

As an employee of MTA Headquarters, you may be required to complete an annual financial disclosure statement with the State of New York, if your position earns more than $108,638 (this figure is subject to change) per year or if the position is designated as a policy maker.

HOW TO APPLY:  

MTA employees must apply via My MTA Portal. You can submit an online application by logging into My MTA Portal, clicking the My Job Search ribbon, and selecting the “Careers” link.

Logging in through My MTA Portal will link your BSC ID number to your job application to identify you as an internal applicant.

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.