Manager of Rail Transportation

COMTO; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Hampton Roads Transit in Norfolk, VA is seeking a dynamic Manager of Rail Transportation to lead the Light Rail Operations, ensuring safe, reliable and efficient service for the region.

The role directs Supervisors and Operators, collaborates with Maintenance teams, and oversees training, safety programs, and performance metrics, while managing budgets and labor relations to deliver high-quality transit on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Transportation Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible management experience in the operation of a Light Rail System in a unionized environment.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective, day to day leadership for the Rail Transportation department.
• Plans, develops, implements and oversees light rail SOPs, emergency procedures and rulebook.
• Oversees all light rail Operations training and certification programs.
• Participate in strategies, goals, objectives and performance indicators.
• Establish a Rail Operations Control Center for routine and emergency responses.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork in unionized environment

Knowledge of rail rules

Education

Associates Degree in Transportation Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Hampton Roads Transit is looking for dynamic, customer service oriented, and energetic people to become part of a committed team providing excellent and effective public transportation to the Hampton Roads region. We offer unmatched benefits and competitive wages in a stimulating and rewarding environment.

Salary Range: $87,939 - $114,321

The Manager of Rail Transportation is responsible for the daily operation of the HRT Light Rail system. Direct the efforts of Light Rail Operations' Supervisors and Operators to meet the goal of providing a high quality, safe, efficient and environmentally friendly light rail operation. Coordinate daily with the Managers of Maintenance of Way and LRT Maintenance to ensure that a good transportation value is delivered on time and within budget. Provides direction and oversight on employee training programs and fosters a climate of communication, cooperation and respect. Regularly visits LRV Operators and Supervisors in the field. Directs the operation of the Rail Operations Control Center and provides daily oversight.

Essential Job Functions:

(Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor to limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.)

• Provide effective, day to day leadership for the Rail Transportation department.
• Plans, develops, implements and oversees all light rail standard operating procedures, emergency operating procedures and rulebook.
• Oversees all light rail Operations training and certification programs.
• Participate in the development of strategies, goals, objectives and performance indicators to enhance performance in support of the organization's mission statement.
• Establish a Rail Operations Control Center that will effectively respond to both routine and emergency situations in a manner the will minimize any negative impacts on our patrons.
• Ensures that quality and safety are integrated into all aspects of their responsibilities.
• Manages track access program and participates in the development of a Railway Worker Protection certification program.
• Participates in the development of the operating and capital budgets.
• Participates in the development of safety plans, programs and procedures.
• Administers the provisions of the labor agreement, resolves grievances and other labor issues as appropriate.
• Projects staffing needs and manages resources to ensure that all service is delivered as scheduled.
• Maintain a positive, professional work environment that encourages respect, effective communication, recognizes accomplishment.
• Supervises the employee selection and hiring process for transportation supervisors, conducts performance evaluations and takes corrective action as required.
• On call 24 hours a day and assumes proactive leadership in urgent or emergency management situations.
• Conducts and/or directs the investigation of accidents/incidents to identify trends and training needs, minimize recurrence and assist in the determination of preventability under agreed upon guidelines.
• Manage records created and received in compliance with the Hampton Roads Transit Records Management Policies and Procedures.
• Prepare and/or coordinate with other departments any documentation required in support of the FTA triennial reviews, drug and alcohol audits, independent audits, state audits, EEO Program audit, etc.
• Performs other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills essential to lob Functions:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English both orally and in writing; must clearly and fluently speak and read the English language.
• Proven ability to effectively work with others in an operating and unionized environment.
• Knowledge of Operating, Maintenance and Safety Rules and Regulations pertaining to Light Rail Systems.

Required Software Knowledge and Skills essential to Job Functions:

Proficiency in using computer systems and the listed software applications associated with performance of assigned work is essential. Basic problem solving skills associated with software applications used is expected. Software usage relevant to job duties will be evaluated.

Software applications:

Microsoft Office Suite

Safety Responsibility:

Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one’s self, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Ensure all employees and contractors are properly trained and understand all rules, safety policies, and procedures to perform their work functions safely. Promote safety awareness by attending safety committee meetings and adhering to all safety procedures and policies. Actively conduct workplace hazard analyses for all employees to maintain a safe work environment. Encourage employee safety reporting program and communication of hazards to the Safety Department. Responsible for the timely mitigation of all unacceptable and undesirable safety risks. Accountable for safety performance within their functional area and achieving the agency’s safety goals.

Training and/or Education:

Associates Degree in Transportation Management, Engineering, or a related field. Experience may be considered in lieu of education.

Required Experience:

A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible management experience in the operation of a Light Rail System; experience must be within a unionized environment. A combination of education, as described above, and experience in the operation and maintenance of Light Rail Systems may be considered.

Licenses or Certificates:

Must have CDL Class B license and/or CDL permit and the ability to acquire within sixty (60) days of employment a valid Virginia CDL Class B license with air brake and passenger endorsements.

Special Requirements:

Ability to pass DOT physical examination. This position is classified as essential personnel.

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Unusual Demands:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work involves meeting multiple demands on a timely basis. Duties may require some seasonal overtime. Must be willing to work flexible hours as the operation of a Light Rail System requires running service during morning and evening rush hour periods as well as throughout the day and late in the evening; work outside normal business hours may be required.