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Title: Rail Operations Officer
Company: North County Transit District
Location: Oceanside, California
Job Status: Full-time
Job ID: 120404
Website: https://www.gonctd.com/careers
Under the direction of the Director of Rail Operations, the Rail Operations Officer assists in the daily management and contract oversight of rail operations and the high quality, cost-effective delivery of District commuter and hybrid rail services. S/he ensures that District operations within assigned scope of responsibility are maintained and operated in a safe and efficient manner and that services are operated in compliance with the specifications and regulations of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and other regulatory and governing agencies.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position is distinguished by its high level of independent authority and the responsibility for all contract rail operations. This position is also distinguished by its responsibility for monitoring, auditing, and reporting on contractors engaged to provide rail operations. This position will require strong analytical skills and support activities both in the field and at work site locations to include evaluating compliance with applicable contract provisions. This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive under NCTD authority (non-DOT) and will participate in a random testing pool under those guidelines.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position reports to the Director of Rail Operations and assists in the daily management of all rail service and contract management. 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 both an office and field setting. Job duties regularly require the necessity to work beyond normal office hours for general operations support, emergency call-outs, evening and weekend meetings. Involvement in the community and direct contact with member cities, the public, transit users, and others is a regular part of this position. Business travel will be required between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants' facilities, and other locations as required.

Examples of Duties: Essential Functions

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

Administers contract rail operations and ensures completion of required paperwork.

Develops and maintains programs and procedures related to rail service operations within the guidelines, rules, and regulations required by state and federal agencies.

Monitors and evaluates the work of staff and external contractors relative to rail operations.

Monitors and inspects the day-to-day rail operations, rolling stock maintenance, track and signal maintenance, and special projects to evaluate service quality and compliance with contract and regulatory requirements as well as system safety standards.

Conducts periodic safety inspections at rail stations and facilities, reviews weekly and monthly station and facility inspections performed by designated staff, and logs discrepancies for action.

Prepares audit processes and findings report. Manages and configures ongoing audit processes to reflect evolving best practices and regulatory trends.

Serves as a liaison with applicable agencies and industry representatives. Works with District resources and contractors to identify and implement initiatives for improving COASTER and SPRINTER service quality, condition, and appearance.

Conducts contract management oversight and prepares monthly reports for NCTD staff.

Documents and communicates regular status updates relative to rail maintenance, including any deficiencies, to [the Director of Rail Operations on a regular basis, or as otherwise indicated based on circumstances. Coordinates and shares documentation with safety and/or compliance staff as indicated.

Assists in developing and evaluating program specifications to ensure safe practices and consistency with industry standards.

Coordinates with District staff in the development and maintenance of safety and security programs, passenger amenity programs, and rail system customer service and marketing efforts.

Implements rail system emergency programs and coordinates system response to rail system and service emergencies.

Develops and maintains cost-effective service delivery.

Maintains quality control and quality control programs.

Conducts contract management oversight and prepare monthly reports for NCTD staff

Develops, maintains, and coordinates rail system relationships and interactions with local governments and districts affected by rail line, regulatory agencies, and emergency response agencies.

Develops, maintains, and coordinates relationships with other District departments and functions.

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.

Participates in development and management of department budgets.

Conducts research and prepares reports and indicators on rail performance.

Responds to emergency system failures, service disruptions, incidents, and accidents involving District operations and/or assets. Coordinates with MTS, SCRRA, Amtrak, BNSF, and local law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and emergency responders.

Prepares for and participates in FRA, CPUC, FTA, and NCTD audits.

Performs project management duties as assigned by the Deputy COO.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Experience/Education

Bachelor's Degree in a related field desired.

Minimum seven (7) years prior directly relevant experience in freight railroad, passenger railroad, rail transit, or public transit operating environment.

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

Certificates/Licenses

Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver's license, Class C, and a satisfactory driving record for the last five years.

Must be able to become GCOR Qualified on NCTD owned railroad properties.

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

Working knowledge of rail passenger service delivery, preferably in the both the commuter and light rail domains.

Working knowledge of maintenance of equipment and FRA and CPUC regulations.

Working knowledge of track and rail vehicle repair.

Understanding of federal regulations and inspection timing regulations and APTA safety standards as they pertain to rail rolling stock and operation.

Knowledge of industrial safety concepts and program development and application.

Ability to create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication and teambuilding skills, including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public.

Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to prepare and deliver clear and concise reports.

Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to gather, organize, analyze, and present data to appropriate sources.

Demonstrated use of discretion and judgment in execution of duties.

Ability to manage and maintain simultaneous, transitional, and emerging priorities.

Demonstrated proficiency in computer software programs including the Microsoft Office Suite.

Availability by phone and ability to respond in person to system emergencies and system problems at any time and under any weather or time-of-day circumstances.

Supplemental Information:

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. Ability to use the phone and computer for extended periods, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions, work with office equipment, and daily lifting of equipment up to 25 pounds is required.

Ability to hear, see and to communicate verbally to exchange information.

Ability 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.

May be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals.

Ability to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.

Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces such as ballast and be able to climb in and out of locomotives.

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.

Ability to operate a 2-way radio.

Ability to carry and operate a mobile on-call device.

Application Information: All applicants must complete and submit an online application at www.gonctd.com/careers. A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check. Salary based upon experience, not to exceed midpoint of stated range. NCTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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