Chief Program Engineer-Operations Support

Title:                              Chief Program Officer-Operational Support 

Department:                  LIRR Operational Support Group (OSG)

Post Date:                     11/20/2023

Close:                            12/1//2023

Hay Point Evaluation:    1358

Salary Range:                $140,077 - $183,851

Position Classification: Safety Sensitive 

Location:                       Queens 

Reports To:                  Vice President-Capital Program Delivery & Oversight 

This is a Non- Represented Position.

Please note that this position has been designated as a "Policy Maker," pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics. As such, you will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement that will be provided to you by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics.

Summary:

This position is accountable to oversee the LIRR Operational Support Group by providing the necessary support to LIRR Operations and MTA Construction & Development’s delivery of critical work. Responsible for In House and Force Account projects and Executive Management initiatives. Oversight; management; design review; quality and project controls; and administrative personnel necessary to effectively support the project design and construction of vital projects that maintain a State of Good Repair across all LIRR’s infrastructure.  Responsibilities include development of strategies that most effectively meet LIRR objectives and best utilize in-house personnel as well and ensuring close coordination and teamwork with LIRR Operational Departments, MTA Headquarters, MTA Construction & Development Group and LIRR Delivery Business Unit and staff departments to minimize customer inconvenience during planned or unplanned service disruptions.  To ensure all projects and initiatives are supported safely, with minimum impact to LIRR operations, in accordance with LIRR procedures and design standards, and is accomplished in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. This position plays an important role in shaping the long-term direction of the company and implementing the infrastructure improvements necessary to achieve our goals.

Responsibilities:

·     Leadership: Provide effective leadership and management to the LIRR Operational Support Group.  Ensure that LIRR Operational support staff is adequately, properly trained; motivated; and capable of the successful management of In-House projects.  Continue to seek opportunities for improvement.

·      Support C&D’s Program Oversight: Address the requirements for MTA, FTA, and other oversight groups to ensure projects comply with the funding requirements; are conducted within the established procedures and guidelines.

·     Ensure In-House projects are monitored, and procedures are implemented to ensure proper management of funds.

·      Ensure oversight committees and public forums are provided with accurate In-House updates, as needed.

·      Interaction with Executive Management and Internal Departments: Accurately communicate with MTA/LIRR Executive Management, Chairman, President and SVP and Vice Presidents. 

·      Ensure LIRR operating Executive Management are kept informed of any issues that will impact the operation of their respective departments.  Maintain positive relations with the various external constituencies consistent with LIRR objectives and policies.

·     Ensure close coordination and teamwork with LIRR Operational Departments, MTA Headquarters, MTA Construction & Development Group and LIRR Delivery Business Unit and staff departments to minimize customer inconvenience during planned or unplanned service disruptions.

·      Daily Departmental Responsibilities: Develop plans for the achievement of long-term strategic objectives through participating in the planning, organization, communication, and control of LIRR business activities.

·     Compliance with Regulations: Ensure compliance with governmental regulations (FRA, OSHA, EEO, etc.) and MTA requirements in accordance with LIRR objectives and policies.

·     Assessing and improve performance: Provide effective coaching and counseling of staff. Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Review direct reports and approve performance appraisals. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.

·     Carryout responsibilities for discipline of employees when necessary.

·     Safe practices: Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions.  Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example.

·      Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management.

Qualifications:

·         Must possess a bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, or related field of study. 

·         Must possess considerable experience (approximately 10-15 years) in dealing with Railroad Force Account and third-party designers, contractors, and other corporate personnel.

·         Must possess a proven successful and effective leadership record at a senior management, section/department head level, which includes interface with Railroad operations.

·         Must possess excellent knowledge of project and quality controls, including schedule and budget, critical thinking and analytical skills, and knowledge of operational needs.

·         Must possess ability to negotiate agreements at a senior level.

·         Must possess excellent leadership and management, facilitation, and negotiating skills.

·         Must possess superior communication, human relations, problem-solving, decision-making, negotiation, and judgment skills.

·         Must possess excellent long and short-range planning skills.

·         Must possess experience in providing briefings to Executive level such as Vice President, Sr. Vice President, President, Chairman and Board Members on a variety of departmental topics when called upon.

·         Must possess experience in working with Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transportation Administration, American Public Transportation Association, American Association of Railroads, AREMA, EPA, OSHA and other state and local regulation authorities.

·         Must possess detailed labor relations experience. 

·         Must possess excellent leadership and management skill.

·         Must be politically sensitive with ability to effectively work with senior staff, all departments company-wide, other MTA agencies, and the public. 

·         Must possess a demonstrated strong work ethic and a high level of professional integrity.

Other Information:

In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include, but is not limited to, a pre-screening assessment (i.e. physical, written and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A background investigation, medical examination and safety sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.