Manager, Rail Transportation - Blue Line

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems that employs more than 3,000 people, and prior to COVID-19, provided more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Rail Transportation Manager - Blue Line is responsible for managing the Assistant Transportation Managers, Rail Dispatchers and all Train Operators. Additional responsibilities include, direct supervision, planning and establishing priorities, budgeting, coordinating, hiring, coaching and counseling, and administering corrective action and discipline.

Note: Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. This position will be based out of the Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility in Minneapolis. The incumbent of this role will work primarily onsite with some flexibility to work remotely.

1. Provides overall guidance and direction for all Rail Transportation activities, organizational programs, policies, procedures and practices to make certain expectation are met:

• Ensure policies and procedures for the facility are updated and current.
• Develop relationships with other departments to ensure ongoing positive interactions; promotes positive and open lines of communication throughout the organization and to external contacts.

2. Evaluates, investigates and resolves employee relations/labor relations issues. Conducts grievances and prepares for arbitrations.

• Ensures compliance with agency policies and provides a workplace free of harassment and discrimination.
• Investigates violations and prepares supporting documentation
• Apply appropriate discipline when necessary.

3. Establishes performance goals and expectations to guide the department and his(her) direct reports.

• Monitors departmental and staff performance.
• Provides coaching, counseling, training and development.
• Administers corrective action, work improvement plans, or disciplinary action as required.

4. Ensures the accurate and timely validation of the HASTUS daily payroll for Train Operators at the facility level.

• Checks HASTUS daily for payroll validations.
• Checks Operator Exception Reports for accuracy.
• Close HATUS in a timely manner as required by the Payroll Department.

5. Acts as the Customer Service Advocate at the facility by investigating and resolving customer concerns to ensure appropriate action is taken.

• Checks Customer Relations program daily for new customer contacts.
• Research complaints and provides timely feedback to the customer.
• Meets with Train Operators to coach, counsel and discipline if necessary.

6. Implements and oversees the drug and alcohol program of the transportation staff they are responsible for at the facility level to ensure a safe working environment.

• Monitor monthly list for random drug and alcohol tests.
• Coordinates test provider and Train Operator schedules for required testing.
• Meets the Train Operator and provide paperwork to the drug and alcohol tester.

Any of the following combinations of progressively responsible experience in bus or rail operations including three (3) years of supervisory experience and completed degree in transportation, administration, management or related field:

• High school diploma/GED with ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in bus or rail operations including three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• Associate degree with eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in bus or rail operations including three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• Bachelor's degree or higher with six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in bus or rail operations including three (3) years of supervisory experience.

• Leading Self-Personal Effectiveness Certificate
• Leading Self-Communication Certificate
• Leading Self-Business Skills Certificate
• Leading Others-Preparing for Supervisor Certificate

License Requirements:

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

• Experience with Transit or Rail Operations. Specifically Operating Rules and Standard Operating Procedures and the ability to interpret and apply them.
• Experience in a heavily regulated field or industry providing performance feedback and work direction to others.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders at all levels of organization; to assess stakeholder needs and agendas; and to create successful and cooperative relationships with stakeholders while protecting the interests of Rail.
• Demonstrated understanding of Emergency Management Principles and NIMS reporting requirements.
• Conceptual understanding of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).
• Demonstrated ability to assess workload priorities and create workload plans, to create and maintain schedules.
• Experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive environments.

• Knowledge of and the ability to understand, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, polices, procedures, contracts, budgets, and labor management agreements.
• Knowledge of strategic planning concepts and applications for development of departmental goals including staffing and budgetary needs.
• Knowledge of the Metro Transit SCADA system.
• Knowledge of HASTUS and other software frequently used by Rail Operations.

• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse groups.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and preparing comprehensive reports and correspondence.
• Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Sound decision-making skills.
• Ability to analyze situations, identify problems, implement solutions and evaluate outcomes.
• HASTUS computer system and its applications.

• Ability to plan, supervise, train, evaluate, and motivate staff.
• Ability to represent Metro Transit before the public.
• Skilled in interpersonal and leadership skills to analyze and resolve complex management challenges.
• Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse groups.
• Sound decision-making skills.

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

Union/Grade: TMSA/J
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes, Subject to random Non-DOT drug tests.

What your work environment would be:
Work is performed in a standard office setting. Some positions may require travel between primary work site to other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.