Assistant Chief Program Officer - RPS Project Controls

Position at Long Island Rail Road

Job Title: Assistant Chief Program Officer- RPS Project Controls

Department: Railroad Program Support (RPS)

MTA Agency: Long Island Rail Road

Primary Location(s): Hillside Support Facility

Salary Range/Additional Compensation Details: $142,005 - $193,332

Regulated/ Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive

Union Affiliation: N/A

Closing Date (if applicable): Open Until Filled

Shift (if applicable): Regular

Other:

About your agency:

Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles - from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Assistant Chief Program Officer- RPS Project Controls supports the Chief Program Officer- RPS with the management of the Long Island Rail Road's Capital Program and other LIRR project initiatives. This position is responsible for managing and directing the Project Controls group in performance of project controls which includes: planning, scheduling, estimating, cost and risk analysis, performance reporting, assessing impacts to the critical path, and providing recommendations to project delivery. This position will be responsible for leading and overseeing the management of staff that supports Force Account and Capital Program Projects, ensuring that information generated by the Project Controls Group is timely and accurate and complies with MTA/LIRR Capital Program and FTA procedures and guidelines. This position is responsible for ensuring that assignments and staff responsibilities are properly executed, while maintaining the highest quality standards and corporate requirements. The Assistant Chief Program Officer- RPS Project Controls must ensure that projects receive the required support ensuring effective program oversight while achieving key objectives. The Assistant Chief Program Officer- RPS Project Controls will regularly interface with Executive and Senior Management from various LIRR departments including Transportation, Maintenance of Equipment, Engineering and other internal and external stakeholders to analyze and report impacts to project schedules and/or budgets ensuring effective program oversight.

This is a Non-Represented Position.

This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide direction, oversight and management of the Project Controls and scheduling functions including performance tracking of projects within the LIRR's Capital Program.
• Maintain effective working relationships with staff, LIRR Executive and Senior Management, funding agencies and Oversight Management.
• Provide direction in the integration of systems and responsibilities in a manner that will ensure that the Project Controls Group provide the services necessary to support the projects in the LIRR Capital Program in conformance with the related established procedures and guidelines.
• Provide recommendations and final approvals or denials of related project schedules, headcount requirements, flagging report, etc.
• Direct the management of staff performance through interaction, review of management reports, and on-site inspections.
• Provide status update summaries for projects and present monthly to all related and end users and project supporting departments. Present the Capital Program at public forums and coordinate activities with external influences.
• Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development and training opportunities. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review direct reports and approve performance appraisals. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and allows all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Ensure a safe work environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example.
• All other assignments at the request of Executive and Senior staff.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field with minimum 12 years of experience in Project Controls (planning, scheduling, cost, risk, and performance reporting) including 8+ years of experience in railroad transit projects. An additional 4 years of relevant experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Must have recent, related, progressively responsible, experience in the process of planning transportation related projects, organizing work activities in logic sequence, monitoring project performance, and the ability to recommend the corrective action when performance is less than planned.

• Must possess proven ability to plan complex capital projects, including design, and construction, procurement strategies and the use of the most beneficial delivery methods.

• Must possess experience in managing project management staff with responsibility for project schedules and cost/performance reporting.

• Must possess demonstrated effective problem solving, judgment, and decision-making skills with a high degree of professional integrity.

• Must possess proven communications, human relations, strong leadership and management, negotiation and budgeting skills.

• Must have the ability to work effectively with senior level staff and individuals from external oversight agencies, consultants, MTA, FTA, etc.

• Must possess excellent organizational skills, with ability to administer assignments and handle multiple tasks.

• Must have demonstrated ability to effectively direct and motivate a professional staff to accomplish department and company goals.

• Must be an experienced professional with a high degree of professional integrity and strong work ethic.

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or similar applications.

• Required hands on experience with Oracle Primavera P6.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of railroad operations, processes and workflow.
• Certification in Project Management (e.g. PMP) preferred.

BENEFITS:

• Commuting Assistance - based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA's jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)
• Low Premium- High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)
• Pension plans and retirement savings accounts for eligible employees
• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided.
• Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees
• Employee Assistance Programs
• MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs
• Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit
• Employee Resource Groups
• Layout 1 (mta.info)

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").
• Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company's discretion.
• Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
• Current employees should be in their current position 12 months prior to starting a new role and must possess a satisfactory work history,
• including attendance and discipline record.
• Candidates selected for this position may be placed in a competitive or non-competitive class position based on their qualifications. Qualified candidates who are placed in a competitive class position are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter and in the upper right corner of your resume that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program. For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, please visit the following link https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/55-a-program.page
• LIRR:
• In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include but is not limited to, a pre-screening assessment (i.e., physical, written, and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make-up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety-sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.

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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER:

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.