Chief Bridge Inspector

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 is responsible for performing routine and emergency field inspections of railroad and highway bridges and tunnels located on Metro-North Railroad (MNR) territories. Position is also responsible for managing proper documentation of the inspection results, per Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) mandates and New York State bridge inspection requirements and laws. Ensure Metro-North’s bridges and tunnels are safe and meet structural requirements for the daily passage of trains and the general public.

Responsibilities:

• Create annual bridge inspection schedule, perform annual field inspections, and complete inspection reports as per the MNR bridge inspection program on assigned territories. Request/coordinate track outage. Set up traffic control at job sites as required.
• Assist the Assistant Deputy Director in managing bridge inventory and provide Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) on inspection reports to ensure all information is accurate.
• Inspect conditions flagged by New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT), and/or MNR, as well as fracture-critical elements and fatigue-prone elements. Prepare in-house flag reports as per MNR bridge inspection program requirements to document all bridge/tunnel conditions and send to the Assistant Deputy Director for review. Request the removal of the flag when the flag condition is remediated.
• Perform emergency inspections in response to vehicular collisions with bridges or similar events. Evaluate bridge strike damage and determine if restrictions can be removed or if restrictions must remain until repairs can be completed. Request emergency bridge repairs, as necessary, to minimize impact to MNR train operations.
• Manage Bridge Inspector and provide direction, guidance, and feedback on job tasks, observations, and work challenges encountered. Responsible for selection, training, career development, and managing the work performance of staff. Promote an engaging and team-oriented work environment built on trust, respect, and open communication. Responsible for promoting and reinforcing a professional and safe work environment. Other duties as assigned.
• Select, develop, and motivate staff and provide career development for team members. Provide effective coaching and counseling. Manage team and individual performance. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables staff to develop and contribute to their full potential.

Required Qualifications:

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of Railroad Bridge Inspection requirements and procedures.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications.
• Ability to interact with all levels of management within Metro-North, as well as local government and community representatives.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work well in a team environment with inspectors as well as various Metro-North Departments.
• Must be able to work at heights that may exceed 100 feet.
• Ability to work with fall arrest and access equipment while performing inspections.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and capable of working independently.
• Problem sensitivity, time management, and planning skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to be on call 24 hours/ 7 days for emergencies.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work in any and all weather conditions.

The following is/are preferred:

• Experience with railway maintenance and operation.
• Working knowledge of MTA MNR Operating Rules and Regulations.
• Working knowledge of MNR Physical Characteristics.
• Experience with inspection of other structure types such as retaining walls, drainage structures, buildings, and utility towers.
• Experience in traffic control at job sites.
• Completion of NYSDOT Bridge Inspection Training or NHI Bridge Inspection Seminar, or similar bridge inspection courses.
• Experience in civil/structural design or construction.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field, or demonstrated equivalent experience, education, and/or technical credentials, to include four additional years of related experience, may be considered in place of a degree.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in civil engineering-related projects (e.g., building and/or bridge design and/or inspection, construction management, etc.)
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience managing staff/diverse workforce and/or projects.
• NY or CT Professional Engineer (PE) License; or National Institute of Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) III/IV Certificate – Bridge Safety Inspection; or NHI Certificate - Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges; or able to obtain PE within 6 months from award or able to obtain NICET III/IV Certificate or NHI Certificate within 6 months from award.
• Attend within one year of the award, the Railroad Bridge Inspection and Scour Inspection Classes per the MNR Bridge Inspection Manual.

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

• Bachelor of Science/Engineering in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Experience managing staff and/or engineering projects.
• Experience performing bridge inspections.

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.