Assistant Director - Force Account

Opening:

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal.  We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut.  A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation.  MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities to its employees.

Position Objective:

To manage construction projects built primarily by Metro-North Railroad personnel in the Maintenance of Way departments (collectively called “Force Account”), in a safe and efficient manner, on time and within budget; with, or without, the support of outside, non-Metro-North Railroad construction contractors. Also oversees other construction related projects as assigned.

Responsibilities:

• Develop scopes of work and estimates for all assigned Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) construction projects involving Maintenance of Way resources (Force Account), by coordinating efforts with all involved Force Account departments including Track, Structures, (Electrical) Power, Communication and Signal, as well as other departments, to include Safety, Security, Maintenance of Equipment, Capital Programs, Budget, Procurement, the MTA, CTDOT, etc. Participate in correspondence with the MTA and CTDOT as required. Coordinate Force Account construction activities with non-Metro-North construction contractors, and/or oversee the construction work of such contractors as required.
• Identify cost sharing between MNR and CTDOT and assist other Project Managers in the development of project financial structure and reviewing the billing and invoice processes.
• Develop schedules, force account cost estimates, material specifications, and detailed project management plans that satisfy all current or future requirements with the approval of CTDOT/MTA Project Managers of supported projects.
• Coordinate with the internal Procurement & Material Management department, secure and monitor outside contractual services, and arrange for the use of the Metro-North Railroad General Engineering Consultants (GEC) on projects assigned.
• Act as the project manager to coordinate force account work efforts among all participating MNR departments and CTDOT and 3rd party Contractors, schedule regular progress meetings, and conduct field inspections as needed.
• Direct efforts in the development of design criteria and specifications for assigned force accounts and 3rd party projects.
• Provide management oversight for the monthly spending vs. work complete and budget vs. actual summary documents, review, and sign invoices, and monitor material purchases for all CTDOT projects.

Required Qualifications:

(Knowledge/Skills/Abilities)

• Construction project management skills to determine project scopes and budgets, develop project management plans, brainstorm construction means and methods, and identify construction schedules.
• Ability to coordinate the construction work effort of multiple departments for task completion.
• Strong oral presentation and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with transportation operations and how they interrelate with construction operations.
• Familiarity with general railroad maintenance of way operations.
• Familiarity with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations as they relate to construction.
• Strong motivation and self-starter with strong interpersonal people skills.
• Ability to spend considerable time at construction project field sites during construction and participate in off-hours (nights & weekends) project work activities or significant cutovers (commissioning a project / making it operational) with sub-department Task Managers and their workforces.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and/or comparable applications.
• Familiarity with Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling, and/or comparable systems. Must be available 24 hours 7 days per week as required.
• Must have valid driver’s license.

Required Education/Experience and Training:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Project Management, or a related discipline. Demonstrated equivalent education/ experience and or technical education to include four (4) additional years of related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Seven (7) years in project management including project scope development, scheduling, planning, administration, budget, and coordination of the design and construction of rail transit force account projects in an operations environment.

The following is/are preferred, but other satisfactory combinations of relevant experience, education, and/or technical credentials will be considered:

• Professional Engineering License
• Background, experience, and/or training in railroad maintenance of way (track, structures, communications, signals, electrical traction power, etc.) or railroad train operations is preferred.

Other Information

This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to toxicological testing.

Pursuant 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.

Selection Criteria

Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, not all qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the position are guaranteed an interview. To be selected for a position, one must meet the following criteria: (1) satisfy the minimum requirements listed in the job posting, (2) if applicable, successfully pass a written and practical exam, (3) satisfy a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), and (4) pass a verbal interview. Metro-North may also require the applicant to undergo a physical ability test, and, if the Company extends a conditional offer, may require him or her to undergo a medical examination, which may include toxicological testing. Failure to pass any step within the hiring process will result in the disqualification of your application.

Additional Criteria for Current Employees: Current Metro-North employees must be in active service to be eligible for consideration. Agreement Employees applying for a position outside of their present craft are required to have worked in your current union for at least one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline to be eligible to apply for a posted position and have completed the agreed upon formal training commitment, including on-the-job training or lock-in requirement, if applicable (for example Signal Trainee, Foreman-In-Training, etc.). If you are transferring to another craft, you may be required to forfeit your seniority in your present union. Non-agreement employees must have worked in their current position for a minimum of one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline. Along with a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), employees are also subject to an internal investigation, which includes an evaluation not limited to discipline records and performance assessments.

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. If interested, please apply online at www.mta.info

HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified applicants can submit an online application by clicking on the 'APPLY NOW' button from either the CAREERS HOME page or the JOB DESCRIPTION page.

For instructions on completing the online application, go to the MTA intranet site and click on the PeopleSoft Information hyperlink. From there select the User Guides hyperlink to gain access to the "Viewing/Applying for Jobs Online" guide under the Recruiting section of the page.

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.