Supervisor of Operations-SPRINTER

NCTD; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

NCTD seeks a Supervisor of Operations - SPRINTER to oversee the daily SPRINTER train and switching operations. You will supervise operations staff, ensure safety, and ensure compliance with FTA, CPUC, and DOT regulations while maintaining SPRINTER qualifications.

You will coordinate with dispatch and maintenance teams, perform regular checks, and participate in safety programs. A strong background in rail operations and safety discipline is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum three years prior work experience in an operations-focused position.
• Must obtain and maintain SPRINTER Train Operator and Train Attendant qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Supervise operations employees and plan daily SPRINTER train and switching operations.
• Ensure compliance with DOT/FTA/CPUC rules and regulations.
• Oversee train crews, conduct pre-trip inspections, and document incidents.
• Maintains qualification as SPRINTER Train Operator and Train Attendant.

Skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Under the direction of the Manager of Train Operations, the Supervisor of Operations - SPRINTER is responsible for the supervision of all operations employees while planning daily train and switching operations. They ensure that SPRINTER operations are done in a safe and efficient manner and that services are operated in compliance with the specifications and regulations of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and other regulatory and governing agencies.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position is distinguished by its responsibility for the provision of passenger transportation by ensuring the safe movement of trains. This position is required to obtain and maintain qualification as a SPRINTER Train Operator and Train Attendant. This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and will participate in a random testing pool under those guidelines.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position reports to the Manager of Train Operations. They have no direct supervisory responsibility. Further, this position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted.

Working Conditions

Normal working conditions for this position are in an operational field setting, including the SPRINTER Operations & Maintenance Facility, onboard the SPRINTER trains, at rail stations, and anywhere along the SPRINTER right of way. Individuals in this position must be able to work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries, wear protective equipment including hearing protection, safety-toe boots, safety glasses and other Personal Protective Equipment items as assigned by NCTD. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants’ facilities, and other locations as required.

Essential Functions

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Fulfills the District’s mission to provide of safe, reliable, and user-friendly public transit services for the SPRINTER rail mode. Emphasis is on providing high-quality, customer-friendly services, that reflect unified operations throughout the District.
• Ensures compliance with all train orders, signals, railroad operating rules and regulations for safety, operations, and compliance with all DOT, FTA, and CPUC rules and regulations.
• Reviews instructions from dispatchers and discusses with locomotive engineers and any other train crew members to ensure comprehension and compliance.
• Ensures inspection of all equipment on cars prior to departures and documentation on pre-trip inspection checklists.
• Assists and instructs train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars.
• Assist rail training department when needed to train new employees.
• Performs scheduled and random check-rides of operations personnel to ensure regulatory compliance, rules compliance, operational proficiencies and overall safety.
• Documents and communicates regular status updates relative to rail operations, including any deficiencies, to the Manager of Rail Operations on a regular basis, or as otherwise indicated based on circumstances. Coordinates and shares documentation with NCTD Safety and/or Compliance staff as required.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local, rail/transit industry regulations, rules, standards, and accepted best practices to ensure ongoing NCTD familiarity with all regulatory issues.
• Helps implement rail system emergency programs and coordinate system response to rail system and service emergencies.
• Responds to emergency system failures, service disruptions, incidents, and accidents involving District operations and/or assets.
• Oversees train crews in their duties regarding all aspects of passenger train operation.
• Completes applicable reports and any other required documentation as needed based on the specific nature of any incident or issue that occurs while on duty.
• Maintains qualification as SPRINTER Train Operator and Train Attendant.
• When required, performs the duties of a Train Operator or Train Attendant.
• Analyzes or assists in analyzing data from SPRINTER event recorders, and video both for post-accident investigations and for random reviews of individual operator performance.
• Performs duties of supervisor with respect to NCTD’s Control of Drug Use and Alcohol Program.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent GED.
• Minimum three years prior work experience in an operations-focused position.
• Basic mechanical skills to perform simple procedures and repairs are desirable.

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.

Certificates/Licenses

• Possess and maintain a California driver’s license, Class C, and a satisfactory driving record for the last five years.??
• Must have and be able to maintain qualifications as SPRINTER Train Operator and Train Attendant.?
• Must be able to become RWP Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties.
• Maintain compliance with the District’s policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.??

General Requirements

• Knowledge of U.S. Federal, State, local, and rail transit industry safety, operations, mechanical, and maintenance procedures, standards, and practices.
• Able to create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public.
• Must have strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to successfully interact with individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds through excellent communication, teambuilding, and customer service skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to gather, organize, and analyze facts and data.
• Demonstrated use of discretion and judgment in execution of duties.

• Must be able to manage and maintain simultaneous, transitional, and emerging priorities.
• Able to respond in-person to system emergencies and system problems on any shift and under any weather or time-of-day circumstances.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described 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.

The employee must possess the ability to use the phone and computer, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions, and lift equipment up to 50 pounds on a periodic basis. The employee must be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information. The employee must be able to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way. The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals. The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.

Machines / Tools / Equipment

• Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.

NCTD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if NCTD is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background check. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right’s Department Fair Chance Act webpage.

NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.