Assistant Manager, Rail Operations

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Metropolitan Council's Metro Transit Division is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides ridership through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as a resource for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Assistant Manager, Rail Operations assists in the planning, supervision, management, and coordination of the Rail Control Center (RCC) and Field Operations of the Light Rail Transportation division to provide daily supervision, leadership, guidance, necessary training and equipment to staff and assists the Manager, Rail Operations in monitoring all activities of the light rail system. Supervises the daily operations of Rail Operations including, coordination of activities for stations, trains, mainline operations, yard operations and Right of Way property.

• Assists the Manager, Rail Operations with the daily oversight of Rail Operations including, coordination of activities for stations, trains, mainline operations, yard operations and Right of Way property.
• Provides leadership, supervision, coaching, counseling and discipline administration as needed for Senior Supervisors and Rail Transit Supervisors; assists in the management of staff compliance with policies, rules, procedures, practices, and adherence to labor contracts, ensuring licenses, certifications and other operational requirements are valid and maintained by staff.
• Assists the Manager, Rail Operations with the development and monitoring of goals, objectives, operating rules, and departmental procedures in support of Metro Transit's operating plans, goals and objectives; assists the Manager, Rail Operations in defining staff performance measures and goals and establishing plans and priorities for the department.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of rail operating rules, procedures, regulations, and rail systems to ensure a safe and efficient operation and assists with the development and implementation of training programs, rules, procedures, and policies.
• Assists the Manager, Rail Operations in the thorough investigation of incidents, accidents, and complaints to ensure completion in a timely manner; assists in the review of investigation results and makes safety recommendations where warranted.
• Responds to and resolves incidents that impact rail operations and submits documentation identifying hazards and recommendations to improve operations.
• Prepares concise reports, compiles information and maintains procedural reference information, training records and other required documentation; documents non-compliance of rules, procedures, and policies when required.
• Partners with relevant departments to administer and monitor standardized programs such as drug and alcohol, FMLA, Disability Management, Worker's Compensation, Safety and Training programs.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of Rail Control Center equipment and other remote equipment to monitor systems, monitors and directs movement and schedule adherence of trains on the main line, yard and shops; authorizes and monitors all train movement in the yard per rules and procedures.
• Maintains a thorough knowledge of traction power, tunnel ventilation systems, mainline interlocking or manual crossovers, and adjusts service levels and headways as required by operating conditions and passenger loads.
• Develops, directs, implements and controls delay management strategies or other failure recovery techniques during service delays or other unusual situations that impact on-time performance.
• Coordinates closely with other departments within Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council.
• Performs other related duties.

Any of the following combinations of progressively responsible experience in bus operations, rail operations, public safety, or closely related field which must include two (2) years of experience in management, supervision, or lead work which could include time as a trainer or mentor and a completed educational degree in transportation, administration, management, public safety, or closely related field:

• High school diploma/GED with nine (9) years of experience which must include two (2) years of experience in management, supervision, or lead work which could include time as a trainer or mentor.
• Associate's degree with seven (7) years of experience which must include two (2) years of experience in management, supervision, or lead work which could include time as a trainer or mentor.
• Bachelor's degree or higher with five (5) years of experience which must include two (2) years of experience in management, supervision, or lead work which could include time as a trainer or mentor.

License Requirements: Valid driver's license.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Experience in rail operations as a supervisor, manager, or lead position.
• Qualified in Metro Transit Light Rail Rules.
• Experience with Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).
• Experience with labor agreements including interpretation, administration, discipline, grievance procedures and arbitration.
• Experience developing staff through coaching, professional development, and performance improvement.
• Experience communicating with internal and external stakeholders in a clear, concise manner.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Experience working with a diverse workforce or diverse communities.

What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Knowledge of Operating Rules and Standard Operating Procedures and the ability to interpret and apply them.
• Knowledge of application of ATU and TMSA bargaining agreements.
• Knowledge of principles and practices associated with transit service and control center protocols and procedures.
• Knowledge of relevant Federal, State and Local laws, ordinances and regulations including the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Knowledge of management practices, principles of supervision, performance management (coaching, staff development, performance improvement, and discipline).
• Knowledge of strategic planning concepts and applications for development of the department goals including staffing.
• Skilled at problem analysis and resolution.
• Skilled in Interpersonal leadership skills in a complex management environment.
• Skilled in the ability to organize and direct work activities.
• Ability to work effectively in a "real-time" operations environment; reach sound decisions regarding the deployment of resources while working in emergency situations and under the pressure of conflicting priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; present information clearly and concisely, and to lead effective meetings.
• Ability to read, understand, interpret laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and labor agreements.
• Ability to work within the guidelines of bargaining agreements and to work cooperatively with union leadership.
• Ability to work a varied work schedule that occasionally includes weekends, evenings or holidays.
• Ability to work independently and to lead a department by setting department goals and standards.
• Ability to work well under pressure and handle difficult situations with diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including customers, service providers and coworkers; promotes an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values diversity among all employees.

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

Union/Grade: TMSA Grade I
FLSA: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes, subject to random DOT drug tests

What your work environment would be:
Work is performed in a standard office setting and in the field. Requires conducting field inspections and off-site duties as needed. Position has exposure to working near moving parts, fumes, airborne particles, outdoor weather conditions, and vibration. Some positions may require travel between primary worksite to other sites.

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We rate your education and experience.
• We conduct a structured panel interview.
• We conduct a selection interview.