Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
Chief Transportation Officer - Light Rail
Boston, MA
Jan 8, 2025
$162,710 - $180,000 a year
Full-time
Full Job Description

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, and sustainability and 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

This position will assume oversight of Light Rail Operations. The Chief Transportation Officer of Light Rail Operations will work closely with the Executive Director of Light Rail Operations and assist with developing and implementing strategies to continuously improve service for all MBTA riders, ensure all resource levels are optimized for maximum operational efficiency, maintain a positive corporate image, and increase revenue. 

Duties & Responsibilities

*    Responsible for the ongoing enhancement of the customer experience through the oversight and direction of all heavy and light rail transportation departments.
*    Will work closely with the Executive Director of Light Rail Operations on the day-to-day oversight of Light Rail Operations ensuring service levels meet established service plan goals.
*    Assists in the establishment of the overall goals, priorities, and strategic initiatives for all rail transit services for service delivery, maintenance, and budgeting purposes, to ensure the various rail departments have the necessary staffing, equipment and infrastructure to meet all established goals.
*    Will supervise approximately 700+ employees through layers of management.
*    Monitor and ensure the implementation of any needed mitigation plans to address areas of concern identified by KPI reviews or by the Division Chiefs of Light Rail Operations identified during the course of their duties.
*    Remain up to date on and fulfill all roles and responsibilities as related to the MBTA's Safety Plan and ensure resources are available to all staff informing them of their roles and responsibilities in the Safety Plan.
*    Manage and conduct investigations into any service delivery failures and implement corrective actions.
*    Participate in the development and management of the department's annual budgets ensuring sound fiscal oversight of all resources.
*    Participate in all phases of the recruitment and selection of employees for the department.
*    Ensure the department's compliance with Authority policies and procedures, including compliance with all applicable safety standards, discipline processes, and mandated trainings.
*    Assume the role of the Executive Director of Light of Rail Operations as needed during vacations and other absences or to represent the Executive Director of Light Rail at meetings, hearings and presentations when they are not available.
*    Ensure all inventory, equipment, facilities and materials under their control are protected and maintained and stored in a safe operating condition.
*    Establish and maintain sound union/management relations while upholding the rights and interests of management and adhering to collective bargaining agreements.
*    Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor or co-worker in a courteous and professional manner.
*    Respond, directly or through others, and/or report to work
for emergencies, extreme weather conditions, or any other abnormal conditions that impair service or the safety of service, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
*    Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and to assist at emergencies, service disruptions, and/or other events as needed.
*    Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
*    Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti- Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.
*    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.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
*    Available to work all shifts and locations as assigned or directed.
*    Available to work as per assignment by the MBTA twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as directed by supervisory staff for severe weather conditions, emergencies or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
*    Have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations assigned or directed.

Supervision
*    Will assume oversight of Light Rail Operations. This role will supervise all supervisory and frontline employees of Light Rail Operations which is approximately 700+ employees.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

*    Bachelor's degree in Management, Transportation Management, Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management or an equivalent field from an accredited institution.
*    Ten (10) years of transportation experience in an operational role.
*    Seven (7) years of supervisory/managerial/leadership experience.
*    Experience overseeing a large number of supervisory level staff.
*    Experience in rail transportation.
*    Effective organizational, analytical, confidentiality, quantitative, writing, multi-tasking and time management skills.
*    Experience using MS Office, PowerPoint and Graphic applications.
*    Demonstrated ability to communicate and present effectively to a diverse group of stakeholders and customers
*    Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner. Have excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
*    Ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience.
*    Commitment to the MBTA's diversity and inclusion goals.
*    Possession of a valid driver's license without infractions in accordance with M BTA policy. Have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations assigned or directed.
*    Be available to work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week, and 365 days per year.
*    Have the ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
*    Interview may include presentation or task on Rail/Transportation related subject.

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's degree from an accredited institution 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
*    Fifteen ( 15) years of transportation experience in operations of which at least ten ( 10) years in Rail/Subway Operations which includes experience in the Heavy Rail, Light Rail, OCC, or Training Department.

Job Conditions:

  • Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English
  • Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences
  • Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a 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 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 medical Clinic screening, potentially including a 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

Disclaimers and Definitions:

  1. 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.
  2. Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
  3. 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.
  4. Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
  5. 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.
  6. Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
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Job Information
Job Category:
Management
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Chief Transportation Officer - Light Rail
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
Boston, MA
Jan 8, 2025
$162,710 - $180,000 a year
Full-time
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