Assistant Engineer (I, II, III) - Communications

Description

Title:                                      Assistant Engineer (I, II, III)-Communications

Department:                           Engineering           

Post Date:                              09/15/2023          

Close Date:                            09/28/2023           

Hay Point Evaluation:           702      

Salary Range:                        $92,660-$121,616         

Position Classification:          Safety Sensitive      

Location:                                Queens           

Reports To:                             Engineer Communications Maintenance – Level III

This is a Non-Represented 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.

Responsible for assisting the Engineer – Communication Maintenance to plan, manage, coordinate, and evaluate the work of Communication forces in various aspects of Communication maintenance, including, but not limited to: testing, inspection, and repair of all communication facilities.  The position will be accountable for preparing maintenance schedules, scheduling workforces, managing project work, conducting manpower utilization studies, preparing the budget, and overseeing safety programs.  The position will also assist the Engineer in managing and coordinating the activities related to the operation and oversight including design and troubleshooting of various communications subsystems and may include CCTV, PA, DC power systems, IP networks, and HVAC; responsible for implementing continuous process improvement practices as they pertain to system maintenance requirements.  This includes developing, periodically evaluating, and updating system maintenance procedures and documentation, ensuring accurate records are kept and that staff is familiar with all the above.

This position will also be responsibilities to ensure efficient communication flow, organized data management, and streamlined operations. The dynamic nature of these duties means that an Assistant Engineer Communications may be assigned various ad hoc tasks and special projects. These tasks could span from ensuring the accuracy, clarity, and consistency of department documents, creating and distributing official memos and notification emails on behalf of the Principal or Engineers, organizing and archiving reports generated by various projects, initiatives, and activities, maintaining accurate and up-to-date database records.

 Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Plan, direct, coordinate and evaluate all Communications-related activities to ensure all implementation, testing, inspection, and maintenance goals and initiatives are met. Includes daily management of forces, scheduling and prioritizing work and field inspections and hands-on troubleshooting.
  
  
• Establishing new standards and procedures for the maintenance of Communication systems consistent with current existing policies to achieve departmental goals. Determine how new procedures will be implemented. Monitor and evaluate installation/construction of programmed work. Conduct design reviews. Write installation / maintenance procedures and processes as required.
  Prepare, manage, and monitor section budget. Establishment of appropriate staff resource requirements and fiscal guidelines. Initiate and oversee the procurement of materials.
  Apply the applicable Labor Agreements consistently and uniformly. Interpret work rules. Assist in handling grievances in section, relative to the existing contract. Research answers for formal Union claims. Provide input for future labor negotiations. Provide required documentation for Claims and Labor Relations. Assist in responding to complaints from other departments and the public.
  
  
• Conduct investigations and recommend new creative and innovative technologies for application at the LIRR. Ensure employees are properly trained on all new and emerging technologies in a timely manner.
  
  
• 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 performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
  
  
• Manage, implement and control the adherence to safety rules and regulations. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions for employees. Preform safety audits.
  Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example. Investigate reported on-job accidents for cause and prevention.
  
  
• Perform other assignments as requested by Management. Support operational and weather-related and administrative needs of the Comm Dept.

Qualifications:
I. Assistant Engineer Level I
A
• A bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field or must be actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Demonstrated, directly related, equivalent experience (approximately 5 years) and education may be considered in lieu of the degree, subject to approval of hiring manager.
• Successful completion of the LIRR Engineering Department Junior Engineer Program or a minimum of two (2) years as a Communication Technician or Communication related experience.
• Must possess recent, related progressive experience (approximately 2 years) in at least one of the following telecommunication fields: Networks, PBX, CCTV, Network Security, System Administration and Configuration.
• Must possess strong working knowledge / understanding of construction and maintenance practice for inside and outside cable plant.
• Knowledge/experience with troubleshooting communications systems.
• Working knowledge and understanding of communications systems including voice and data network technologies.
• The ability to direct field personnel in a union environment.
• Possess effective administration, organization, project management, and leadership skills and abilities.
• Effective problem-solving skills and ability to make effective, sound decisions.
• Must be available to be “on-call” as necessary, beyond normal business hours.
• Must possess the ability to prepare organizational plans and budgets.
• Must possess strong analytical abilities.
• Must possess strong computer skills with working knowledge of various software packages (i.e., Microsoft Suite).
• Must possess strong communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with all levels of management as well as the ability to develop effective working relationships with the unions.

B.
• Thorough understanding of Railroad disciplines.
• Knowledge of Company Policies and Procedures and applicable collective bargaining agreement(s).

Assistant Engineer Level II
A.
• Must possess ALL required qualifications listed above for a Level I
• A bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field OR must be actively pursuing a degree with an established completion date. A completion plan may be developed as a stipulation of the placement into this position. If the plan is not attained, the incumbent may not advance to level III.
• Must possess recent, related progressive experience (approximately 5 years) in one of the following telecommunication fields: fields: Networks, PBX, CCTV, Network Security, System Administration and Configuration.
• Must possess specialized skillset(s) required to configure and administer vital Communication Department technical systems.
• The ability to conduct investigations.
• Must possess a familiarity with procurement process, project estimates, budgets and schedules.
• The Engineer II position also requires the following minimum requirements if elevated from Engineer I position:
• Recommendation from the Section Head and approval of the Chief Engineer.
• 3.0 out of 5 or better on two consecutive performance appraisals.
• Completion of 50% of MECC classes.

• PREFERRED/DESIRABLE SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:
• Knowledge of managing layer 1, layer 2, and layer 3 protocols.
• Recent, demonstrated ability to manage/supervise office and/or field personnel.
• Familiarity with procurement process, project estimates, budgets and schedules.

Assistant Engineer Level III
A.
• Must possess ALL required qualifications listed above for a Level I & Level II.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field. Demonstrated directly related, equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of the degree, subject to approval.
• Must possess progressively responsible, recent, related telecommunication experience (approximately 9 years) in one of the following fields: fields: Networks, PBX, CCTV, Network Security, System Administration and Configuration.
• Recent experience managing/supervising staff in a related capacity. (approximately 1-2 years)
• Must possess practical experience of communications’ maintenance field operations and communications technology.
• Must possess a thorough understanding of Railroading Communications operations with background in communication maintenance practices and theory.
• Must possess thorough understanding of Railroad disciplines.
• Must possess knowledge of Company Policies and Procedures and applicable collective bargaining agreement(s).
• Must be familiar with Communication’s department SOP and maintenance practices.
• If promoted from Engineer II position, has demonstrate progressive understanding of our systems and good decision making.

PREFERRED/DESIRABLE SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:
• Thorough understanding of Railroad disciplines.
• Knowledge of Company Policies and Procedures and applicable collective bargaining agreement(s).

Other Information

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.

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.