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Title: Superintendent of Maintenance of Way
Company: Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit
Location: Santa Rosa, California
Job Status: Full-time
Job ID: 135053
Website: https://www.sonomamarintrain.org/employment
APPLY ONLINE: https://www.sonomamarintrain.org/employment

Purpose
The Superintendent of Maintenance of Way is responsible for planning and managing the activities and operations of the Maintenance of Way division of the SMART Operations Department, including inspections, testing, maintenance, preventive maintenance, repair, construction, quality assurance, and warranty administration of train control, signal and communication system infrastructure and wayside signals. This position will oversee the development, maintenance and implementation of the Maintenance of Way maintenance practices and support systems to ensure efficient, effective, safe and reliable service to the general public. This position supervises the Maintenance of Way Division staff. Together with the Manager of Operations, and Superintendents of Transportation and Vehicle Maintenance, this position forms part of the senior management of the SMART Operations Department.

Description
Under direction of the Manager of Operations, this position is responsible for all activities of the Maintenance of Way Division including maintenance and repair of the signal system, positive train control and communication systems, track maintenance and repair of all track, right-of-way, tunnels, bridges, stations and other structures, embankments, culverts, ditches, and grade crossings. This is accomplished by establishing goals and performance objectives for resource availability and reliability, keeping records and monitoring trends, establishing benchmarks, implementing modifications and improvements, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, local and SMART requirements including compliance with environmental requirements, allocating available resources, establishing policies and procedures within SMART guidelines, directing actions of staff members, developing staff, overseeing operating and budgetary plans, and managing budgets.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by, and minimum requirements required of, employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. SMART reserves the right to determine and amend job responsibilities.
  • Responsible for management of all division services and activities.
  • Plans, directs, reviews and evaluates the inspection, testing, maintenance and repair of track, tunnels, bridges, embankments, culverts, ditches, wayside signals and grade crossings.
  • Oversees train control, signal and communication inspections and audits.
  • Analyzes highly complex and technical track, signal and communication system maintenance problems.
  • Oversees the management of assigned maintenance and supply contracts services and ensures that contractors fulfill contractual obligations.
  • Oversees and directs technical upgrades and developments related to track, signals and communication systems.
  • Coordinates the maintenance activities with the Engineering Department.
  • Ensures staff and contract personnel receive training and utilize proper protection procedures and safety equipment prior to work on right of way.
  • Ensures compliance with applicable federal hours-of-service rules.
  • Cooperates with Transportation Division, contractors, other agencies, SMART staff and freight operators in preparing weekly right-of-way work schedules.
  • Manages right-of-way removal program including vegetation, debris, material and unauthorized people.
  • Assures quality control by utilizing the SMART Maintenance Management System (MMS) to generate reports and maintain records of train control, signal, track and communication system maintenance activities.
  • Actively review and analyze maintenance activity reports for trends in repairs, equipment failures and parts usage to determine if corrective action is needed.
  • Assigns specific tasks to subordinate staff using the SMART work order system, including withdrawal of parts and materials from SMART inventory; May check tasks upon completion for accuracy of work and closure of work order.
  • Develops, implements, and manages division goals for each assigned area.
  • Establishes and monitors staffing levels, and monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of maintenance performance.
  • Controls work schedules and optimize manpower utilization.
  • Directs monitors and participates in the preparation of periodic and special reports including daily failure and production rates.
  • Evaluates maintenance efficiency and reliability by reviewing and analyzing daily logs, field service reports, and Maintenance Management System (MMS) data reports; initiates corrective actions as needed.
  • Ensures compliance with all train and signal inspection and servicing requirements of the Federal Railroad Administration and California Public Utilities Commission; and maintains records of all mandated actions available for inspection by FRA and CPUC staff and SMART management.
  • Assists in the development of training programs, including lesson plans, classroom training, and documentation.
  • Selects, trains, motivates and evaluates assigned personnel; provides initial and ongoing staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies, implements discipline and termination procedures.
  • Develops short and long-range plans for all aspects of the division including preventive maintenance inspections and manufacture warranty requirements.
  • Assists in procurement, development and implementation of a comprehensive SMART Maintenance Management System.
  • Develops division process and procedures and communicates modifications effectively to departmental staff.
  • Participates in the development and administration of the Operations Department budget to include staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.
  • May participate in the investigation of safety violations and industrial injuries and accidents.
  • May interact with local communities regarding projects of various scope including brush or tree removal, crossing repairs, special projects.
  • Actively participates in meetings with emergency response agencies to coordinate local responses to operational problems.
  • As part of a team, implements and monitors emergency procedures to ensure that passenger delay and train disruptions are minimized.
  • Coordinates personnel and material requirements for all emergencies.
  • May respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
  • Interact with local and State agencies and contractors regarding permits for special or scheduled maintenance.
  • Communicates and coordinates with Community Outreach regarding applicable projects and activity to ensure local communities are properly notified in a timely manner.
  • Attends and participates in professional group meetings; Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of rail operation, construction, maintenance safety.
  • Coordinates Signals and Way Division operations with those of other SMART departments.
  • Assures that Signals and Way facilities are in clean and safe conditions.
  • Adheres to all safety programs.
  • Performs related work as required.

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Minimum Qualifications:
  • A bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, engineering or related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.
  • Additional related experience above the minimum may be substituted for college on a year for year basis.
  • A minimum of six (6) years of full-time verifiable management or supervisorial experience in a passenger railroad or public transportation, track, signals and train communication systems environment.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license or be able to acquire and maintain a valid California driver’s license.

Skill in:
  • Managing, supervising, and coordinating rail, signal and train communication equipment maintenance services.
  • Selecting, supervising, training and evaluating staff; supervision in a unionized work environment a plus.
  • Preparing and administering public agency budgets.
  • Strong administrative skills.
  • Exercising strong management skills in a highly regulated setting.
  • Strong computer skills (basic word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database software).
  • Specialized software related to maintenance management.
  • Reading and interpretation of mechanical and electrical drawings, diagrams, manuals and specifications.
  • Developing and maintaining parts supply operations.
  • Preparing and maintaining records and maintenance schedules.
  • Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, recommend ideas in support of departmental goals.
  • Interpreting and applying Federal, State, local and SMART policies, laws and regulations.
  • Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Working independently and as a member of a highly collaborative team and exercising sound judgment in a variety of situations.
  • Tactfully and professionally providing guidance and counseling on performance related matters.
  • Interpreting and applying oral and written instructions in a consistent manner.
  • The use of basic office equipment such as phone, computer, keyboard, printer.

Knowledge of:
  • The operation of railroad track and signal maintenance programs, quality assurance and warranty administration programs.
  • Railroad signal systems and electronics
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of 49 CFR 213, 214 and 236.
  • Principles and practices of inspection, testing, maintaining, and repairing track way, tunnels, bridges, embankments, signals, and train communication systems.
  • Principles and practices of industrial and railway safety.
  • Methods, techniques, materials and equipment used in maintenance of train, structures, and buildings.
  • Track occupancy protection and operating principles.
  • Applicable CPUC General Orders.
  • GCOR regulations and compliance.
  • FRA regulations and compliance, including requirements for Positive Train Control and functionality of SMARTS train control system.
  • Elements of Railway Signaling.
  • Basic and advanced railroad engineering with the ability to review and read engineering schematics and reports.

Ability to:
  • Troubleshoot any rail/signal/communication problem and advise on how to repair.
  • Develop construction plans and execute them.
  • Ability to create detailed technical records of proposed and completed work.
  • Analyze trends, forecast future requirements, and implement plans to meet goals and objectives.
  • Ensure required parts are stocked to complete projects in a cost effective and timely manner.
  • Establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with colleagues, staff, contractors, third party agencies, freight operators, and others contacted in the course of the work.
  • Prepare, read, interpret and effectively utilize electronic schematics.
  • Ensure compliance with policies, rules and regulations.
  • Foster a climate of communication, cooperation and respect.
  • Prioritize works schedules, short- and long-range goals for optimum effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Comply with the random drug testing provisions for safety sensitive classifications as required by the DOT.
  • Work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
  • Successfully pass a pre-employment medical exam that uses the standards of the California Commercial Driver’s License.
  • Analyze complex operations situations and prioritize multiple and interactive tasks.
  • Demonstrate Satisfactory driving record as defined below:

    • No more than two moving violations and/or “at fault” accidents within the last 3 years;
    • No “at fault” in a fatal accident within the past 5 years;
    • No leaving the scene of an accident within the past 3 years;
    • No DUI’s or Reckless Driving violations within the last 7 years on the current DMV printout.

  • Ability to work off-hour shifts, weekends and holidays.
  • Ability to perform the physical requirements of the job.

Position Details:
  • Annual Salary: $151,673 - $184,371.
  • There is a 12-month probationary period following appointment to this position.
  • FLSA Status: Exempt.
  • A thorough background check will be required including, but not limited to: current and past employers, personal contacts, education verification. A credit report will be required for positions covered under Labor Code 1024.5. (A complete list of background check documents will be provided upon request).
  • A pre-employment physical, including a urinalysis drug screen, will be required.
  • A pre-employment psychological screening, administered by a licensed psychologist, will be required.
  • SMART’s Drug Free Workplace policy covers all positions within the District. This position is covered by the Company Authority policy which states that positions in the Operations Division and some positions in the Public Safety Department are also covered by random testing, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and return-to-duty and follow-up drug and/or alcohol testing.
  • Proof of vaccination for COVID-19 required for employment. (Exemptions for religious or medical reasons available).
The Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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