Commuter Rail Operations & Compliance Manager

About the role

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority ("SFRTA"), the operator of Tri-Rail, is seeking a Commuter Rail Operations and Compliance Manager to join our team. This supervisory position, reporting directly to the Director of Operations, is critical to ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable commuter rail services in South Florida.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of commuter rail services, including scheduling, dispatch, and coordination with maintenance teams to ensure optimal service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations, including safety protocols and operating rules, to maintain the highest standards of operational integrity and safety.
• Manage the maintenance programs for rail vehicles and infrastructure, ensuring all assets are in optimal condition and contributing to reliable service performance.
• Develop and implement safety policies and procedures to ensure the well-being of passengers and staff. Lead incident investigations and ensure thorough reporting and corrective actions.
• Work closely with contractors responsible for rail service operations and maintenance, ensuring contractual obligations are met and that service delivery meets SFRTA standards.
• Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as internal departments, to align operational goals with broader organizational objectives.
• Oversee contractor adherence to Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), FRA, FTA, and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) policies and regulations, ensuring that all operations meet stringent federal and state requirements, safeguarding operational integrity and safety.
• Support the development, negotiation, administration, and review of operating and other agreements with regional railroad entities, ensuring effective management for smooth coordinated operations.
• Plan, budget, and manage capital rehabilitation projects and other special projects, ensuring that infrastructure improvements and other capital initiatives are executed efficiently and within budget.
• Manage staff through daily interactions, assignments, and follow-ups, supporting internal team management and complementing the primary operational responsibilities.
• Ensure that staff are properly trained, equipped with the necessary tools, and adhere to company guidelines, with training responsibilities potentially shared with Human Resources and other departments.
• Conduct analyses of SFRTA's operations and prepare monthly reports to monitor performance and support continuous improvement efforts.
• Act in Director of Operations’ absence, directing the Operations Department functions to ensure continuity of leadership and decision-making.
• Ensure the fair and consistent application of SFRTA's rules, regulations, and policies, including strict adherence to EEO, Anti Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Anti-Retaliation policies, to maintain a respectful and legally compliant workplace.

Requirements & Competencies

• Knowledge: Commuter Rail Operations, Regulatory Compliance, Maintenance Management Systems, Operations Management Software, Project Management Tools.
• Skills: Leadership, Problem-Solving, Data Analysis and Reporting, Communication, Stakeholder Coordination.
• Abilities: Attention to Detail, Safety Management, Regulatory Compliance Monitoring, Project Execution, Use of Communication Tools.
• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Transportation Management, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field; minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in rail operations, including managing the day-to-day activities of a commuter rail service or a similar transportation system, to include a minimum of 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role as a Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers and certified under 49 CFR Parts 240 and 242 for a combined minimum of 5 years. Master’s degree in business administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), or a related field is preferred; 10 years of progressively responsible experience in rail operations, including managing the day-to-day activities of a commuter rail service or a similar transportation system, to include a minimum of 5 years in a managerial or supervisory role, with direct responsibility for leading teams as a Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers and certified under 49 CFR Parts 240 and 242 for a combined minimum of 10 years.

Supplemental Information

Job Posting 2026-0005
Advertisement Opening Date April 20, 2026
Advertisement Closing Date Continuous
Job Title Commuter Rail Operations and Compliance Manager
Department Operations
Reports To Director of Operations
Pay Grade 82
Starting Salary Range $101,728.83 - $117,255.90**
Position Salary Range $101,728.83 - $168,837.14
Supervisory Yes
Job Category Officials & Administrators
FLSA Status Exempt
FLSA Exemption Executive Emergency Critical Yes
Essential Personnel Yes
Telework Eligible No
Location: Pompano Beach, FL
Work Schedule 40 hours M - F; 8 am - 5 pm***
Flex Schedule Eligible Yes
Travel Ability to travel locally as needed.
Drivers' License Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license, or ability to obtain such within 90 days of date-of-hire.
Advertisement may close without notice.
Priority will be given to qualified candidates with a minimum salary requirement within the advertised starting range. Applicants with a minimum salary requirement exceeding this range may be considered based on experience.
Must be willing to work evenings or weekends as needed.