Rail Traffic Controller Assistant

Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting prior to the Application Deadline.

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.

Objective:

The Rail Traffic Controller Assistant provides administrative support and assistance to the Assistant Chief and Chief Rail Traffic Controllers.

The Essential Functions include but are not limited to:

• Manage all notifications of Operations Control Center (OCC) operations, including daily train movement and service delivery by accurately inputting data into the Control Center Information Systems.
• Maintains a log of unusual occurrences for the Chief RTC
• Coordinate with OCC management staff to manage all notifications of service disruptions, and track all new developments and alternate service plans in order to capture the information needed to analyze and ultimately minimize operational impact
• Notify Fleet Management of any equipment changes to ensure consistent compliance and movement of equipment in support of maintenance programs
• Provide proper documentation for all unusual occurrences, distribute Bulletin Orders and Operations Service notices
• Compile, review, and distribute all reports generated by the train operation group
• Closely coordinate the activity of the OCC in conjunction with the Customer Service department to ensure customers are advised in real time of any abbreviations and/or alternate services available
• Receive all bridge opening requests for the region and notify appropriate parties
• Consistently communicates with the following: local Municipalities about crossing protection failure and Right of Way issues; Transportation Manager of all train operation failures; trouble desk of all related failures; Power department of all power failures, third rail and catenary wire; B&B and stations of all building and bridge failures; Track department of all related failures and issues; fleet management of all mechanical failures; all federal agencies of all related issues (FRA, NTSB, PTSB, CDOT, and Amtrak); coast guard of all bridge failures and outages; Amtrak for all Amtrak train failures or issues; CDOT for all New Haven line train failures and service disruptions; bus companies for all scheduled and emergency bus substitutions; NJT for all west of Hudson related issues; customers service center of any service disruptions; all RTCs regarding train operations

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma and
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a manager in a fast-paced office environment or
• Three (3) years of experience working in any department at Metro-North or
• One (1) year of experience working in a transportation (e.g., railroad, air traffic, bus, taxi, etc.) dispatch Operation Control Center and
• Must be able to type 40 words per minute

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in Metro-North’s OCC
• Familiarity with Metro-North operations, policies and procedures

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; reading comprehension; knowledge of railroad operations; strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization; strong organization and coordination skills; ability to work under pressure and within time constraints; must be able to effectively function within a team environment; knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and/or other computer applications; ability to type quickly and accurately; knowledge of train scheduling, operating rules, timetable routing, physical characteristics and the control of train movement(s); must be reliable, responsible, and dependable with regard to fulfilling departmental obligations; strong attention to detail and thoroughness in completing assignments; must possess a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction; must possess the ability to maintain composure in very difficult situations; must possess a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges; job requires the strong ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations; job requires the ability to analyze information and the application of logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Rate of Pay

The starting rate for this position is $30.74 (70% of the full rate). The annual wage progression scale is as follows:  Year 1=70% > Year 2=70% > Year 3=75% > Year 4=80% > Year 5=85% > Year 6=85% > Year 7=90% > Year 8=100%. The 100% full rate of pay is $43.95.

This rate has been established by the collective bargaining unit and is non-negotiable.

MNR Health Insurance & Vacation

As a full-time employee, you are eligible for the following health and welfare benefits.

Our benefits program provides flexibility, protection, and value through:

• Health care benefits, including medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Welfare Benefits, including basic and optional life, dependent life, basic and optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Disability benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts, including a Health Care Account and Dependent Care Account
• Retirement benefits, including a retirement plan, 401(k) and 457 savings plans

Seniority

Applicants will establish seniority in the Association of Commuter Rail Employees (ACRE), the union representing Rail Traffic Controllers, in accordance with the union's current collective bargaining agreement.

Members of ACRE are subject to an initiation fee and monthly union dues.

Assignments

This position is located in Grand Central Terminal. The hours, days and shifts may vary.

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

Other Information

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

According 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.