Senior Rules Specialist

About the role

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization providing service to over 86.5 million customers, operating out of Grand Central Terminal. This position is responsible for leading and supervising the Operating Rules Department to ensure employee and public safety.

Responsibilities

• Administer and manage qualification and examinations and annual requalification examinations covering applicable rules, special instructions and operating practices for Transportation, Engineering, Mechanical and tenant railroad employees.
• Ensures the integrity and professionalism of the examination process.
• Develop and update instructional materials, and examination materials for initial operating rules qualification and annual requalification.
• Cook up employee qualification schedules with crew management and line and staff officers.
• Maintain accurate records of employee qualifications and examinations.
• Manage the Department’s responsibilities and interaction with the Operations Control Center.
• Serve as liaison to the Operations Control Center.
• Collaborate with Capital Trainmasters and Engineering to identify operational impacts from Capital and M of W projects to develop Operating Rules that maintain a safe and efficient operation.
• Conduct on-train and field operational testing and monitoring.
• Aid in the preparation, revision and maintenance of 49 CFR Part 217 program related materials.
• Perform various administrative duties including but not limited to: Maintain Operating Rules, Employee Special Instructions, Electrical Instructions for Operating Employees, Roadway Worker Protection, Emergency Instructions, and Hazardous Materials to meet Metro-North requirements, industry practices, and Federal Regulations.
• Develop and update instructional materials and examination materials for initial Operating Rules qualification and required re-qualification.
• Ensure updates are timely and effective to remain compliant with Federal regulations and address the needs of the organization.
• Coordinate distribution of all Operating Rules Department documents and materials.
• Ensure all tenant carriers receive the required updates in changes to Operating Rules, Employee Special Instructions, Employee train schedules.
• Compile and issue operating instructions, write complex operational documents such as Bulletin Orders, General Notice, Operations Notices.
• Attend industry conferences to maintain relationships and ensure Metro-North remains current with industry standards and practices.
• Attend daily and weekly operational meetings to support the operation.
• Manage and assist other MNR departments with comply 365.
• Select, develop, and motivate staff and provide career development for team members.
• Provide effective coaching and counseling. Manage team and individual performance.
• Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables staff to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Requirements

• Qualified on and possess an in-depth knowledge of the Operating Rules and Employee Special Instructions, Emergency Instructions, Electrical Instructions for Operating Employees, Equipment Operating Instructions, and Roadway Worker Protection.
• Proficient in creating and delivering PowerPoint presentations on Operating Rules instruction in a classroom and field setting.
• Ability to effectively evaluate and interpret operationally critical documents and generate concise reports.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with people at all levels of the organization and outside agencies.
• Strong time management, planning, analytical and organizational skills.
• Strong leadership skills to support and guide others while promoting and fostering teamwork.
• Ability to remain current on rules and regulations as required.
• Available to work various days and hours, including nights and weekends.
• Available to work along Metro-North Railroad territory.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint).

Preferred

• Familiarity with foreign/tenant railroad’s operating rules (GCOR, NORAC, Long Island Railroad, etc.).
• Familiarity with 49 CFR parts 214, 217, 218 and 236; subpart I, Positive Train Control.
• Proficient in Microsoft Power BI.