Training Officer – Communications and Signals

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

This position is responsible for Delivering training to new hires and incumbent employees. Selecting and supervising new hire trainees, including ongoing performance reviews/evaluations, determination of eligibility to continue the program, and approval of program completion. Managing the overall delivery of training programs, including coordination with the client department(s), management of resource needs, coordination of trainee schedules, record-keeping, and other administrative responsibilities. Supporting and/or conducting training program development work as required. Performing peer review activities. Courses include but are not limited to: new hire and refresher training primarily for Communications and Signals employees, to include all aspects of the Signal system, and also including, but not limited to, special skills such as electronics, computer, mechanical, electrical measurements, and development of test programs; Positive Train Control (PTC); Physical Characteristics; Roadway Worker Safety; and Operating Rules.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, schedule, and deliver training programs. Includes new hire, regulatory, refresher, and induction training as required. Includes technical and non-technical training as required.
• Perform ongoing evaluation of new hire student performance. Review records and counsel students. Implement disciplinary action as required, up to and including termination from the program. Participate on performance review committee(s) or similar efforts with other Training Officers, to establish and ensure a consistent approach to new hire performance issues. For training of incumbent employees, monitor student performance, and coordinate with client department(s).
• Participate in the development and maintenance of a comprehensive onboarding process for new Training Officers. Mentor and team-teach with new Training Officers to facilitate their development as fully qualified Training Officers capable of independently delivering effective training. Provide planning and guidance in preparation for team teaching events, ensure effective support to the new Training Officer during training delivery, and provide ongoing formal mentoring and informal feedback. When team-teaching with fully qualified Training Officers, provide regular peer-to-peer feedback.
• Participate in the establishment, maintenance, and improvement of a peer review program among Training Officers across the Department as required. Conduct peer observations and provide feedback. Participate in the identification of best practices for the Department.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in the development, review, evaluation, and revision of training programs for compliance with current statutory/regulatory requirements, documented practices, technology, operational needs, and other requirements. Coordinate with other staff performing program development and/or perform program development work as required. Conduct observations of programs and/or deliver pilots of new or updated programs and provide documented feedback to the development process.
• Keep accurate and timely training records, including, but not limited to, records of attendance, new hire student progress and performance, and coordination with support departments and client department(s). Perform other administrative duties as required.
• Provide expertise on technical, operations, and/or work practices to client department(s) as appropriate. Identify performance problems (with equipment, material, and/or personnel, as appropriate) and implement solutions. Provide additional support to client department(s) as required.

Required Qualifications

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• General training and development techniques and practices
• Microsoft Office Suite and/or comparable applications (working knowledge)

Ability to:

• Deliver training in a classroom and field setting.
• Achieve appropriate qualifications as a trainer.
• Model and communicate safe practices in all aspects of work.
• Proactively identify and correct unsafe conditions and work practices.
• Manage day-to-day activities of trainees.
• Build a foundation of communication and partnership.
• Change priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Keep current with business trends, rules/regulations, and the training implications.

Demonstrated:

• Focus on/practice of safety.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and foster teamwork.
• Strong planning, organizational, analytical, and communication (verbal, written, presentation) skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Appropriate focus on internal and external customers.

Must have:

• Ability to work various shifts and locations to support operations 24 hours/7 days a week.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Additional Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of Metro-North Safety Rules and other Metro-North safety procedures (or equivalent, if from another railroad), Roadway Worker Safety Regulations, OSHA General Industry Standards, and other safe work practices.
• Familiar with other applicable regulations.
• Strong working knowledge of signal systems maintenance and testing, signal design principles, and signal relay apparatus characteristics and applications.
• Strong relevant special skills, such as electronics, computer, mechanical, electrical measurements, and development of test programs.
• Interest and ability to apply new technology with minimal training.

The following is/are preferred:

Ability to:

• Design, develop, implement, facilitate, evaluate, and measure training and development activities.
• Analyze performance problems and implement solutions.
• Deliver effective and efficient training processes and services tailored to unique business needs.
• Apply information technology to rapidly deliver high-quality training products and services.

Additional Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of Metro-North Operating Rules governing Maintenance of Way.
• Familiarity with all types of electronic, mechanical, and electro-mechanical assemblies and test methods.
• Familiarity with Metro-North, DOT, and FRA testing requirements and procedures
• Familiar with FRA fall protection regulations.

Required Education and Experience

• Associate’s Degree in a related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education, and/or technical credentials including two additional years of related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 3 years of related experience. Experience may include relevant training and qualification periods, as well as education in addition to or beyond the above requirement.
• Experience must include a minimum of one year of supervisory experience in C&S Qualified on Roadway Worker Safety or prior qualification with the ability to rapidly requalify.
• Familiar with relevant OSHA Safety and Health Regulations

The following is/are preferred:

• Experience in developing and delivering training.
• Supervisory experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience to include an additional four years of relevant experience.
• Relevant post-secondary technical education or certification.

Other Information

This is a Safety Sensitive position and is subject to toxicology 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.