Manager, Rail Operations

The Manager, Rail Operations, will report to the Deputy Director, Rail Operations, and is responsible for overseeing and evaluating the Caltrain commuter rail service operations and operating rules, for the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain).

• Responsible for updates to Caltrain-specific modifications to the General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR).
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of Caltrain service and operating plans through coordination with Rail Operations Planning and Contract Operators.
• Provide immediate 24/7 response to service and operational emergencies on or around the property.
• Monitor and audit contract operator operational and regulatory performance by review and approval of daily, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual performance reports.
• Represents Rail Operations, the District and the PCJPB internally and externally.  Make presentations in a variety of forums to governing boards, the public and others, including advocacy groups such as the Caltrain Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC) and the Caltrain Bicycle and Active Transportation Advisory Committee.
• Represents Rail Operations as a member of the Caltrain System Modification Review Committee (CSMRC) by reviewing Configuration Change Requests (CCR) and identifying any operational impacts and ways to mitigate/resolve those conflicts.
• Coordinate with the System Engineering Department to develop, monitor and evaluate the implementation of changes to operational systems, including Positive Train Control (PTC), Predictive Train Arrival/Departure System (PADS) and Rail Operations Control System (ROCS).
• Supervise staff.  Hire, mentor and take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action.   Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed. Participate in selection of staff. Coordinate staff training and professional development. Establish performance objectives. Monitor and evaluate employee performance.

Examples of Essential Duties:

• On site/direct monitoring of the Centralized Control Facility (CCF).
• Provide immediate (24/7) interface with contract operator for operational and customer service issues.  
• Participate in the daily morning call with the contract operator.  
• Monitor contractor’s performance on safety, efficiency testing, standard operating procedures, and emergency operations planning.
• Participating in the development of Caltrain Standard Operating Procedures  
• Evaluate contractors to determine performance fee payments for services rendered.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of train service delivery, operating plans, and public timetables.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on rail operations, on-time performance, ridership, customer satisfaction, and contractor performance/compliance.  
• Evaluate operating and service plans for special events and oversee their implementation.
• Analyze contractor’s crew assignments to ensure the efficient use of budgeted employees and identify opportunities to reduce overtime.
• Analyze performance reports, operational and customer service trends, and identify programs for improvement. 
• Collaborate with Government and Community Affairs and Customer Service to address customer issues.
• Chair of the Caltrain Operating Rules Committee, organize, develop, review and approve rule changes.
• Coordinate with the Communications Department to review, approve and implement any conductor or visual messaging system (VMS) announcements.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one’s self, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm.  Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Transportation Planning, Operations Analysis, or related field. 
• Five (5) years of full-time experience in commuter rail operations, and train control systems.
• In lieu of a degree nine years of full-time experience in commuter rail operations and train control systems.
• Two (2) years of experience managing or directly supervising staff.
• Must be able to respond to service and operational emergencies on and around the active railroad 24/7 and in a variety of weather and road conditions.
• Valid California driver license with safe driving record is required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Railroad Electrification systems and Positive Train Control systems. 
• Effective written and oral communications skills. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.