Rail Program Manager II (61032816)

South Carolina Department of Transportation; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

South Carolina Department of Transportation is seeking a Program Manager for Intermodal and Freight's Rail Programs to lead statewide rail initiatives, develop program processes, and ensure compliance with federal and state requirements.

The role coordinates with SCDOT divisions, partners, and consultants, supervising staff and contracts while guiding the Rail Plan implementation and performance measures.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and five years of relevant program management experience or an accepted equivalent.
• Valid motor vehicle operator's license is required.

Responsibilities

• Serves as Program Manager for Intermodal and Freight's Rail Programs; develops and manages processes, procedures, policies, and activities.
• Leads statewide rail efforts; coordinates implementation of the South Carolina Statewide Rail Plan; serves as subject matter expert on rail requirements.
• Coordinates with SCDOT divisions and federal, state, local, and private-sector partners to advance rail priorities; provides technical assistance and recommendations to management.
• Supervises the Assistant Program Manager and manages assigned consultants and contractors.
• Rail Program Development and Administration: develops the operational framework for Rail Programs using the Statewide Rail Plan as a guide; establishes procedures and performance measures.
• Rail Planning and Program Coordination: updates the Statewide Rail Plan; develops strategies to advance rail transportation goals; coordinates studies and projects.

Skills

Program management

Rail program coordination

Stakeholder collaboration

Contract management

Education

Bachelor's degree + 5 years experience

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Serves as the Program Manager for lntermodal and Freight's Rall Programs, responsible for developing and managing program processes, procedures, policies, and activities. Leads assigned statewide rail efforts, coordinates implementation of the South Carolina Statewide Rail Plan, and serves as the subject matter expert on rail programs and applicable federal, state, and Department requirements. Coordinates with SCDOT divisions and federal, state, local, and private-sector partners to advance rail priorities and provides technical assistance, program guidance, and recommendations to management. Supervises the Assistant Program Manager and manages assigned consultants and contractors.


• Rail Program Development and Administration - Develops and manages the operational framework for l&F's Rail Programs using the most current South Carolina Statewide Rail Plan as a guiding resource. Establishes program procedures, processes, and performance measures consistent with Department policies, applicable federal and state requirements, and management direction. Coordinates implementation of program activities and monitors progress toward established goals and objectives. Identifies operational issues and recommends improvements to management to enhance program effectiveness and efficiency. Supervises the Assistant Program Manager, assigns and reviews work, provides guidance, and evaluates performance.


• Rail Planning and Program Coordination - Coordinates implementation and future updates of the South Carolina Statewide Rail Plan and related rail planning activities. Develops strategies to advance statewide rail transportation goals and identifies opportunities to improve freight mobility, freight and passenger rail service, rail infrastructure, multimodal connectivity, and economic competitiveness. Coordinates the development of rail studies, initiatives, and projects that support statewide transportation priorities and Department strategic objectives. Coordinates with internal Department offices and external partners to support implementation of established rail program priorities.


• Rail Program Leadership, Stakeholder Coordination and Technical Assistance- Leads and coordinates assigned statewide rail program efforts and serves as the subject matter expert for SCDOT rail programs, applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements, and related SCDOT policies and procedures. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the FRA, freight and passenger railroads, other SCDOT divisions with rail-related responsibilities, state and local agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, councils of governments, ports, economic development organizations, consultants, and other stakeholders. Represents l&F on rail-related committees, boards, working groups, meetings, and other forums. Provides technical assistance, program guidance, and recommendations regarding rail programs and related transportation issues. Procures, develops, negotiates, and manages consultant contracts supporting rail program activities. Prepares executive correspondence, presentations, reports, briefings, and policy recommendations for Department leadership, the Secretary of Transportation, and other governmental officials.


• Funding, Policy and Compliance - Coordinates and administers rail program policies and strategic initiatives. Coordinates development and implementation of grant applications, funding strategies, legislative initiatives, and program priorities. Ensures rail program activities comply with applicable federal regulations, state laws, grant requirements, and Department policies. Evaluates program requirements and recommends policy, process, and procedural improvements that strengthen the effectiveness and consistency of the statewide rail program. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• A bachelor's degree and five (5) years of relevant program management experience; or an approved acceptable equivalence. A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required.


• The physical demands for the essential functions of this position include sitting or standing at a desk for extended periods and working on a computer. May be required to lift up to 30 lbs. May be required to work outside of normal work schedule, especially during inclement weather and/or other departmental-related emergencies.

Additional Comments

The South Carolina Department of Transportation is committed to a diverse workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.