Railroad Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA's Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture.

Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed. Job Summary The Director of Railroad Capital Programs Reporting, who reports to the Senior Director of Railroad Capital Programs, will oversee Commuter Rail capital projects executed by the Railroad Operations department, including station, facility, track, communication and signal, power, and rolling stock initiatives.

This position is responsible for financial oversight, resource management, and administrative activities; directing and managing Commuter Rail projects from initiation and scoping through close-out to ensure all budgetary, staffing, and operational requirements are met. This position also supports the Ferry Operations department in the execution of Commuter Ferry vessel, barge, terminal, and related projects. The Director will manage staff, oversee training and administrative tasks, manage contract budgets, and coordinate with interdepartmental teams on a wide range of capital program requirements and railroad-specific topics.

Duties & Responsibilities Oversee and manage a team of Project Managers, Project Coordinators, consultants, contractors, vendors, and other staff throughout the execution of project assignments to ensure program requirements, contract costs, and schedule milestones are met. Oversee all projects and initiatives managed internally within the Railroad and Ferry Operations departments, as well as those executed externally through Keolis, Amtrak, CSX, Mass Coastal, Boston Harbor City Cruises, and other force account providers. Lead the strategic development of project scopes, budgets, and schedules to drive the capital planning and development process for Commuter Rail and Commuter Ferry initiatives.

Direct the procurement of consultants and contractors and approve staff recommendations for contract proposals or bids. Oversee negotiations for project assignments, task orders, amendments, change orders, and the strategic use of contingency funds. Manage the timely review and analysis of monthly payment and schedule submissions from consultants and contractors.

Organize and manage stakeholder update meetings, value engineering sessions, constructability reviews, and risk workshops, among other meetings. Support groups within the Railroad Operations department, including Engineering, Mechanical, Transportation, PTC, and the Rail Modernization team. Also responsible for providing similar support to the Ferry Operations department.

Coordinate and collaborate with other MBTA departments, including Capital Planning, Finance, Procurement, Contract Administration, Capital Delivery, and Vehicle Engineering, among other departments. Coordinate and collaborate with external stakeholders such as Keolis, Amtrak, CSX, Mass Coastal, the FTA, FRA, and the NECC to ensure regulatory compliance and effective project delivery. Ensure proactive communication and coordination with outside agencies, abutters, utility companies, community groups, and other affected third parties.

Ensure all pre-construction requirements, including environmental permits, real estate actions, and municipal agreements, are finalized and approved before projects are advertised for construction. Oversee the construction process from procurement to contract closeout to ensure projects remain on time and within budget. Proactively engage in the resolution of potential field issues and complex tasks in active rail environments.

Secure critical resource commitments from engineering, mechanical, and transportation disciplines; lead the planning of construction access, diversions, and track outages in coordination with the Railroad Operations Track Outage Committee and MBTA Right-of-Way (ROW) Diversion Program Planning team. Organize and prioritize departmental workload while proactively identifying infrastructure needs and state-of-good-repair requirements. Prepare and present comprehensive financial reports and analyses for senior management, the Board of Directors, and external agencies.

Respond to inquiries from customers, vendors, and colleagues in a professional manner consistent with Authority customer service standards. Maintain 24/7 availability to respond to project or operational emergencies, either directly or through delegated staff. Operate a company or personal vehicle to conduct site visits and attend off-site meetings.

Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned. Additional responsibilities may include a focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location-specific functions.

Supervision Direct and manage Railroad Capital Program staff, including five (5) Project Managers, three (3) Project Coordinators, and two (2) contract employees, with the capacity for additional personnel as program needs expand. Consultants, contractors, vendors, and external staff supporting Commuter Rail and Commuter Ferry projects. Minimum Requirements & Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Facilities Management, or Project Management from an accredited institution.

Seven (7) years of relevant experience in design, construction, development, and/or project management of large and complex capital projects. Five (5) years of relevant experience in the management of railroad or transit projects, or related experience in a supervisory or leadership capacity. Advanced knowledge of project controls with the ability to critically evaluate and validate consultant and contractor cost and schedule submissions.

Demonstrated success managing and supervising staff and consultants in a technical or operational environment. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experience utilizing data visualization tools such as Tableau. Demonstrated proficiency in Project Management Information Systems and scheduling software, such as Procore, e-Builder, Primavera P6, MS Project, etc.

Superior analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, with a focus on resolving complex infrastructure challenges. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present to and coordinate with diverse internal and external stakeholders. A valid driver's license in accordance with MBTA policy.

Substitutions Include A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement. An associate degree from an accredited institution with an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement. A master's degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.

A nationally recognized certification or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience. Preferred Experience and Skills Master's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Facilities Management, or Project Management from an accredited institution. Five (5) years of additional relevant experience in design, construction, development, and/or project management of large and complex capital projects.

Experience delivering projects utilizing alternate delivery methods. Experience managing on-call ROW repair or rehabilitation construction contracts. Job Conditions: Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc.

in English. Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program. Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.

Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences. Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required). Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.

Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies. Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection). Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.

Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service. Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S

Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program. Disclaimers and Definitions: General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position. Application Completion: It is each applicant's responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current).

Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.

Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established. Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

See job description for role-specific requirements. Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program.

However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S

Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview.

In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email. Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.

On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority. Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management. ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions

Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.