POSTING NO. | 10419 |
JOB TITLE: | Assistant Director – Maintenance of Way (MofW) Training |
DEPT/DIV: | Operations – Training |
WORK LOCATION: | Various |
FULL/PART-TIME | FULL |
SALARY RANGE: | $ 107,570.00 – $ 139,971.00 |
DEADLINE: | February 06, 2025 |
Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting before 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.
Position Objective:
This position serves as the lead for a team delivering training primarily to trainee and incumbent Maintenance of Way employees in the Structures Department. Oversees the day-to-day training activities and follow-up of individual contributors on the team. Serves as the primary relationship manager with leadership in the Maintenance of Way Department regarding all issues concerning training and recertification of employees in the relevant programs. Responsible to analyze employee performance issues, including safety-critical issues, and to recommend and implement training and non-training recommendations to address those issues. Balances conflicting priorities to achieve training objectives. Leads, develops, and motivates Maintenance of Way training staff. Coordinates with other Assistant Directors in the team on planning and implementation of shared training responsibilities, including but not limited to recertification, refresher, and regulatory training. Coordinates with peers in the Training Department to implement joint program initiatives, address logistical/resource issues, and support program development efforts. Assists in assessment of team and organizational needs and establishment of plans to address those needs. Evaluates, recommends, and implements/facilitates learning activities to build future capabilities to support Metro-North Railroad in meeting organizational goals.
Responsibilities:
- Manages the day-to-day activities of all team members and trainees, ensuring alignment with Training Department and client needs. Addresses issues in collaboration with unit, Training Department, and client department management. This includes, but is not limited to, overseeing the planning and implementation of all training activities, monitoring and evaluation of student progress, and organization of classroom and student schedules.
- Assesses training programs on an ongoing basis, recommends changes as appropriate, and ensures effective implementation of changes. This includes, but is not limited to, quality improvements, delivery methodologies and mechanisms, and feedback/coaching strategies. Leads the team in assessing and reporting on student progress; ensures consistent and effective approach to student evaluation.
- Maintains a strong alignment between the Maintenance of Way Department and the team by working with Maintenance of Way managers and support departments to develop and implement training programs that match organizational structures and staffing needs. Ensures effective communication with other teams and departments.
- Leads, manages, coaches, and develops staff.
- Keeps current with industry-leading training trends and operational trends through participation in MNR meetings, benchmarking, external partnerships, and industry affiliations.
- As needed, handles other responsibilities as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Must have demonstrated ability in the following core competencies:
Technical Training Expert:
- Create and deliver effective and efficient training processes and services tailored to unique business needs.
- Manage people and training-related costs.
- Ensure internal and external customer focus.
- Apply information technology appropriately to rapidly deliver quality training products and services.
- Demonstrate success working across businesses by building a foundation of communication and partnership.
- Demonstrate strong planning, organizational, analytical and communication (verbal, written, presentation) skills.
- Strong technical background in Maintenance of Way operations preferably Structures.
- Demonstrated knowledge of railroad operating rules and railroad safety rules.
Performance Consultant:
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and foster teamwork.
- Develop and align strategies with business and serve as inside consultant for line management.
- Assist line managers in solving organizational, personnel, and change-related issues.
- Contribute to management team's strategic decision-making.
- Foster systems thinking, customer focus, and continuous learning.
- Strategically manage workforce development.
- Keep current with business trends, rules/regulations, and the training implications
- Ability to change priorities while meeting deadlines.
Change Agent
- Understand the organizational culture and what is effective and ineffective.
- Demonstrate project planning skills and meet deadlines even as priorities change.
- Institutionalize change capability within the organization.
- Help line managers to lead and facilitate change.
- Act as a consultant in organizational effectiveness.
- Enhance management development.
Training Competencies
- Ability to design, develop, implement, facilitate, evaluate, and measure training and development activities.
- Knowledge of adult learning principles.
- Assist in forecasting MNR training needs.
- Ability to identify and correct unsafe conditions and work practices and emphasize the importance of safety to others.
- Ability to analyze performance problems and implement solutions.
- Actively partner with management to identify training and development needs.
- Display excellent presentation, oral, and written communication skills.
- Develop and maintain network of contacts with third party vendors and business partners.
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, Education, and/or related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education, and/or technical credentials to include an additional four years of related experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
- Current qualification in one or more areas of instruction relevant to Maintenance of Way operations.
- Minimum of five (5) years of related experience. Examples of relevant experience include railroad maintenance of way operations, training and development, and/or other related operations, technical, or professional experience. Must include experience training and/or certifying employees in relevant crafts. Experience may include relevant training and qualification periods.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience managing professional staff and/or functions or projects.
- Select, develop, and motivate staff and provide career development for team members. Provide effective coaching and counseling. Manager team and individual performance. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables staff to develop and contribute to their full potential.
The following is/are preferred:
- Knowledge of Metro-North safety procedures.
- Knowledge of Metro-North Operating Rules governing Maintenance of Way.
- Supervisory experience.
- Experience working with a unionized workforce.
- Training certification.
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.