Project Manager, Railroad Operations

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is seeking a Project Manager of Rail Operations to oversee MBTA Rail Operations capital projects from planning through construction, ensuring quality, schedule, and budget adherence. You will report to the Director of Railroad Capital Planning and Finance and collaborate with multiple departments.

The role involves managing budgets, coordinating with consultants, contractors, and external agencies, and preparing government and stakeholder presentations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Planning, Business, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in project management, operations, public administration, or planning in transportation services, or related industry experience.
• Five (5) years of relevant experience in overseeing planning, engineering, business, and/or program or project management processes.
• Master’s degree preferred; substitutions allow for related experience in lieu of degree as noted in the addenda.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, Visio, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all Commuter Rail Operations projects within the MBTA’s CIP.
• Develop and maintain project budgets, monitor cashflow, and reconcile with CIP goals.
• Prepare and present project status reports and required regulatory reports.
• Manage multiple consultant and construction contracts to meet safety, cost, and schedule targets.
• Coordinate project tasks with internal departments and external agencies.
• Negotiate assignments, amendments, change orders, and contingency use.
• Review monthly payments and schedule submissions from consultants/contractors.
• Prepare project scopes, budgets, and schedules; assist procurement as needed.
• Ensure compliance with MBTA standards, policies, and EEO/anti-harassment policies.
• Present projects to elected officials, community groups, and other stakeholders.

Skills

Communication

Writing

Analytical thinking

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Planning, Business, or related field

Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Planning, Business, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Visio

PowerPoint

Job description

The Project Manager of Rail Operations will manage the development of MBTA Rail Operations capital projects from project inception (planning) through the design phase (conceptual, preliminary, and final) and the construction phase (including project close-out), with full responsibility for quality and for controlling the schedule and budget. The Project Manager will report to the Director of Railroad Capital Planning and Finance and will closely coordinate and collaborate regularly with other departments.

• Oversee and manage all Commuter Rail Operations projects within the MBTA’s Capital Investment Plan.
• Manage capital project funding requests, amendments, and development of Project Charters for Commuter Rail Operations capital projects.
• Develop and maintain project budgets, monitor cashflow projections and expenditures, and reconcile with monthly, quarterly, and annual goals established within the CIP.
• Assist in monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting for all Commuter Rail Operations capital projects and projects, including mandated reporting to regulatory agencies, such as the FTA, FRA, etc.
• Manage multiple consultant and construction contracts to ensure project requirements are fulfilled, and that project safety, contract cost, and schedule requirements are met.
• Manage projects in accordance with MBTA standards, manuals, policies, and procedures.
• Assist in the development of project scopes, budgets, and schedules, and assist in the procurement of consultants and contractors, as required.
• Negotiate project assignments, task orders, amendments, change orders, and use of contingency, and make recommendations for approval.
• Review monthly payment and schedule submissions from consultants and contractors.
• Coordinate and participate in stakeholder review meetings, value engineering sessions, constructability reviews, and risk workshops.
• Coordinate project tasks with internal Railroad Operations staff, consultants, contractors, and other MBTA departments, including Contract Administration, Procurement and Logistics, among others.
• Coordinate project activities with outside agencies, abutters, utility companies, community groups, and other third parties affected by the project, as required.
• Ensure that all work has been completed, and necessary approvals have been obtained, before advertising projects for construction, including budget approval, environmental permits and approvals, real estate actions and approvals, force accounts, other agency and municipal agreements, and other third-party agreements.
• Manage construction projects from advertisement to contract closeout to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget.
• Analyze all contract proposals or bids and provide recommendations for management approval.
• Organize and prioritize workload, be proactive in identifying project needs/requirements.
• Prepare project-related correspondence, reports, charts, and presentations.
• Prepare and make project presentations to elected officials, community groups, and others.
• Work independently in addressing complex tasks in a time-sensitive environment.
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and policies of the Authority, including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Anti-Retaliation policies.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include a focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location-specific functions.

Supervision

• None.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Planning, Business, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Five (5) years of experience in project management, operations, public administration, or planning in transportation services, or related industry experience.
• Five (5) years of relevant experience in overseeing planning, engineering, business, and/or program or project management processes.
• Excellent writing, organizational, analytical, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, Visio, and PowerPoint applications.
• Effective professional written, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven track record of collaboration, transparency, and problem-solving skills.
• Have the ability to communicate with customers, employees, and vendors effectively.
• Have the ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.

Substitutions

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• An associate degree from an accredited institution with an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• A master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s Degree in Engineering, Operations, Planning, Business, or a related field, from an accredited institution.
• Five (5) years of experience in project management.
• Previous public sector experience, particularly with the MBTA, MassDOT, FTA, FRA, or a transit agency.