We are looking for an experienced leader in operations, ready to take on a critical role within a growing transit agency. TriMet is seeking a Rail Director with the tenacity and strategic insight needed to lead, transform, and inspire our rail team. Reporting directly to the Senior Director, Operations Command Center and Rail, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of rail operations in Portland, Oregon. This role requires a dedicated professional with a track record of success in driving organizational change, enhancing safety practices, and leading a strong operational team. The Director of Rail Operations will be responsible for addressing state safety requirements, and identifying opportunities to improve processes that are vital to the efficiency of our operations. This role will lead initiatives to build operator morale and cultivate a resilient, high-performing team environment. The ideal candidate will be a proven problem-solver who thrives in fast-paced, challenging situations, is ready to work hands-on alongside our team, and possesses a strong understanding of an operations environment. If you are a strong leader with an unwavering commitment to excellence and team empowerment, we invite you to apply for the role of Rail Director at Trimet.

This role requires being in office five (5) days per week.

Reliable in-person attendance is an essential function of all positions. TriMet is an in-person first organization, with a strong emphasis on in-person collaboration, customer service, and safe and efficient operations. Some positions may be able to work up to two days remotely depending on department policy, business needs, and manager discretion.

Ensure a commitment to safety through consistent and professional behaviors in performance of job requirements that demonstrate safety is a fundamental value that guides all aspects of our work. Perform related duties as required. 

Serve as a good steward of TriMet by regularly utilizing our transit system to maintain a strong and current understanding of customers’ experiences and of TriMet’s product and service offerings.

Forbes Magazine recently ranked TriMet as one of the top five places to work in Oregon! TriMet is ranked the number one Oregon-based employer in the state, as well as the top “Transportation and Logistics” employer in the state.

 

Essential Functions

 

1. Responsible for the management of rail operational programs, including streetcar, rail field operations, and departmental staff. Responsibilities include setting of goals and performance objectives, and monitoring and adjusting as needed to achieve required results. Coordinates activities within rail operations to assure peak safety performance, operations efficiency, and productivity. Develop and deliver projects from inception to close-out, on time and within scope and budget. Manage and maintain cost effective delivery of all rail transportation services.
2. Model, and hold staff accountable through open communication, employee participation, performance management, and professional development. Provide direct supervision and effective leadership of managers, assistant managers, supervisors, and operators, including oversight of hiring and training. Provide individual coaching, mentoring and counseling. Manage employee relations issues, including grievance handling, training and development, corrective actions, performance improvement plans, disciplinary actions, and terminations. Ensure appropriate delegation of related issues.
3. Ensure effective leadership and management of all rail operations staff in support of agency goals, regarding safety, on time performance and customer service. Ensures coordination and cooperation between rail operations and other departments/divisions to support effective customer service. Develop a work environment that is inclusive, respectful, and in full partnership with members and officers of the ATU. Ensure consistent application of policies, procedures, and labor agreement throughout the workforce.
4. Develops recommendations and presentations to Executive Management on matters pertaining to rail operations, such as safety initiatives, operational changes, rule and process updates, incident investigation and response, long term strategies, and engineering project operations impacts.
5. Responsible for performing and supporting Competency Management System assessments in Transportation, and Field Operations. Oversee rule compliance and shared information platforms.
6. Collaborates in the development, implementation and administration of emergency service plans (accidents, emergencies, service disruptions, inclement weather, natural disasters and special events) and emergency service related communication for internal and external stakeholders. Assumes role as TriMet Incident Commander to advanced events, emergencies, or natural disaster. Investigator in charge of advanced rail incidents or accidents.
7. Responsible for oversight of the management of track access and special events planning and execution.
8. Responsible for providing oversight and coordination for planned rail disruptions, including working with other departments to ensure adherence of track maintenance and support rail-related capital projects.
9. Represent TriMet with public and elected officials, business leaders, and community groups in coordination with the Public Affairs Division. Make presentations and provide media comment if requested and testimony as required in arbitration and/or civil courts, representing the agency and general public in all matters. Advance and protect the interests of the District and the general public in all matters.
10. Control, monitor, and approve budgets and operational forecasts for department, including capital expenditures, labor resources, and materials and supplies (M&S); accountable for monitoring own department. Identifies opportunities for containing costs, and may be responsible for increasing revenue. Accountability for budget includes direct reports’ monitoring.
11. Provide support to the Senior Director, Operations Command Center & Rail Operations on critical OCC duties and issues as needed, ensuring alignment and collaboration across Rail Operations and OCC.

A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree is required.

A Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Public Administration, Transportation/Logistics, Transportation/Urban Planning is preferred.

A minimum of eight (8) years of total credited experience, with five (5) years of progressive responsibility in rail operations, including managing union employees in a twenty-four hour, seven day a week operation are required.

Three (3) years in a managerial level role in Rail Operations are required.

Possession of current/valid Class "C" license issued by Oregon or Washington; ability to pass a driving record check meeting TriMet driving record standards. 

Or any equivalent combination of training or experience.

*The amount of credit a candidate receives for prior years of experience is based on the relevancy of that experience to the required or preferred prerequisites of the job description.  Experience is prorated based on hours worked. LRHR assigns and validates the "credited experience".

About TriMet

TriMet provides bus, light rail and commuter rail service in the Portland, Oregon, region. Our transportation options connect people with their community, while easing traffic congestion and reducing air pollution — making our region a better place to live.

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