Transportation Operations Manager

Job Title: Trainmaster

As a Trainmaster with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of our commuter rail services. This position requires strong leadership and communication skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct the safe, efficient, and economical performance of the Transportation Department in assigned territories.
• Implement departmental Priority One safety initiatives and support inter-departmental safety goals and objectives.
• Participate in Local Safety Meetings and quarterly Safety Stand Down days within the District for Transportation.
• Complete all safety/incident/injury reports as assigned and post FRA reportable injury lists in all crew bases within their district.
• Perform required ETS checks monthly and coordinate random drug and alcohol screening of train crews and yardmasters.
• Proactively support the Metro-North Railroad safety program through execution of Operating Division safety plan elements, including safety observations, daily job briefings, and incident investigations.
• Manage and support District service delivery functions affecting on-time performance, reliability, cleanliness, comfort, courtesy, communications, and safety.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with trains at initial station 5 minutes prior to departure standard.
• Supervise Yardmasters and Switching Crews, review train make-up sheets daily to ensure consistent compliance, and enact corrective measures if non-compliant.
• Work with Fleet Management and Mechanical to ensure timely delivery of equipment to shops/yards, minimizing turn-around time.
• Monitor daily yard operations to ensure overall daily compliance with set standards.
• Perform meet and greets on specific initiatives as set forth departmentally.
• Draft customer complaint responses for District Supt. approval.
• Interface/communicate with the OCC regarding the Daily Operations Report to close out, final dispositions, and clarification of Train Incident Log Items that occur on their tour of duty.
• On a daily basis, be responsible for providing and researching Train Incident Log Items and disseminating information clearly in a Transportation Log Report for their shift/District.
• Lead and facilitate the coordinated activities of inter-departmental management personnel related to service functions on a Line or in a District.
• Approve where appropriate all random arbitrary overtime/penalty payments to train crews and Yardmasters.
• Perform required daily Yard inspection within the district.
• Office functions - oversee the ordering of supplies within the assigned district.
• Observe and report on compliance with all Operating and Safety Rules.
• Perform required observations of Train Crew appearance, performance compliance, and train crew visibility.
• Perform required monthly Train Rides for rules compliance.
• Monitor crew register room compliance for all required company and federally mandated documents.
• Monitor operating expenses and make economical train and service decisions.
• Monitor daily yard operations and switching operations.
• Manipulate crew and equipment turns during service disruptions.
• Direct and coordinate the execution of capital and maintenance work activities to ensure a consistently high level of service delivery.
• Support environmental compliance activities.
• Complete required annual training regarding Environmental compliance.
• Immediately respond to mainline incidents, clear safety hazards, and aggressively work to assure a safe, clean environment for employees and customers.
• Trainmasters are routinely first responders.
• Be qualified in all required NIMS training.
• Assist the District Supt. when on the scene of any type of rail incident.
• Work with all affiliated outside agencies during service disruptions/emergencies.
• Ability to manage/manipulate all equipment and crew schedules at all times, especially during service disruptions.
• Assume the duties of a District Superintendent while still performing functions of a Trainmaster when required for vacation/unscheduled absences of District Superintendent.
• Be available 24/7 unless scheduled off training, vacation, and or any other personal matters that require time off.

Required Qualifications:

• Familiarity with train equipment, crew assignments, train cycles, and equipment programs.
• Knowledge of ACRE labor agreements or comparable labor agreements.
• Knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations.
• Must be able to assess and correct problems in stressful situations with tight time constraints.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to facilitate and execute coordinated inter-departmental service delivery.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization and with outside agencies.
• Must be able to manage an extensive workforce and develop timely solutions to operating problems.
• Must be able to work effectively with various Metro-North Operating Departments, contractors, and personnel, as well as with outside agencies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work nights and weekends, and to be on call seven days a week when required.
• Valid driver's license.

Required Education and Experience/Training:

• Associates degree in Transportation, Business, Public Administration or related field.
• Demonstrated equivalent education, experience, and/or technical credentials to include an additional two (2) years of related experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience in a Transportation/Operations capacity in any of the following areas or equivalent to: Conductor, Locomotive Engineer, Rail Traffic Controller, Yardmaster, Training Officer for the prior listed craft.
• Compliance Officers for Locomotive Engineer and Conductors.
• OR
• Minimum of four (4) years experience in a Transportation/Operations capacity as Metro-North MofE Foreman, Technician and above, MofW Signal Department - Signal Maintainer and above, Track Department - Foreman, Electric Traction Class A Lineman, Lineman Drivers, Foreman and above, Third Rail Foreman.
• Must be qualified on Metro-North Railroad (or a comparable Commuter Railroad) Operating Manual of the Operating Department and Roadway Worker Safety Rules and Air Brake and Train Handling Instructions.
• If from another railroad, the successful candidate must become qualified within six (6) months from the date of hire.
• Must be qualified on the physical characteristics of the assigned line.
• If from another railroad, the successful candidate must become qualified on the physical characteristics of the assigned line within six (6) months from the date of hire.

The following is/are preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Business, Public Administration or related field.
• Locomotive Engineer 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.

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