Position is open until filled with first review of applications on February 18, 2021.
Cover letter and resume required, include your experience as it relates to qualifications stated below.
Starting salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

With a core mission of connecting communities and enhancing lives, Valley Metro plans, builds, operates and maintains regional bus, light rail, paratransit and vanpool systems across Maricopa County, one of the fastest growing regions in the United States. We serve more than 60 million riders annually through a talented and passionate team of staff and contractors and a multi-modal transit system featuring local and commuter bus, regional light rail, streetcar, vanpool and paratransit.
 
To help build and strategically manage our growing operations and maintenance needs, we are seeking an exemplary leader possessing the necessary skills to identify, navigate and successfully interact within the dynamics of the organization and industry, while maintaining sensitivity to the competing needs of staff and internal and external stakeholders. We are looking for leaders who can build on the high-quality level of transit service provided to this region, while advocating for and being creative with the growing needs of our staff and riders as the system expands in the next decade.

The Deputy Director, Rail Operations, is responsible for delivering high-quality, customer-focused rail operations, including maintenance and facilities management of Valley Metro’s growing light rail and streetcar network. This position will direct and develop staff, and manage relationships with contractors and communication with Valley Metro Rail partner cities to provide safe and reliable service across the regional rail system. This position reports to the Chief Operations Officer and will assist in developing and fostering a culture centered on the Agency’s Core Values of Whatever It Takes, Team Player and Positive Customer Care/Service. This position will oversee rail operations, maintenance of way, equipment and facilities and associated functions and work alongside a Deputy Director, Transportation Services and across the organization to ensure rail service is operated effectively and efficiently across the Valley.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES / KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

The statements listed below describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Responsible for directing and managing rail operations, activities, functions, programs and staff which include, start-up/activation, maintenance of equipment, maintenance of way and facilities and the operations command system. Currently, the Valley Metro Rail regional system consists of 28 miles of light rail (with many more miles in development), a fleet of 50 vehicles (with additional new light rail and streetcar vehicles arriving) and several dozen station platforms and associated park-and-rides facilities.
 
Provides day-to-day oversight of the Operations & Maintenance of the Rail Transportation department to ensure the execution of safe and on-time performance of LRV trains operating on the alignment.
 
Prepares and reviews plans for the operation and maintenance of the system.
 
Performs On-Time performance reviews and contractual obligations with the Rail Operations contractor.
 
In consultation with the Chief Operations Officer, oversees the development and administration of annual rail operating and capital budgets; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as required.
 
In consultation with the Chief Operations Officer, participates in contract negotiations, audits or federal grants procurements and third-party contracts and in the development of cost allocation plans.
Manages and oversees preventive maintenance program for fleet, facilities and right-of-way. Evaluate and improve effectiveness and efficiencies and ensure conformance and compliance.
 
Oversees the training of all operations and maintenance personnel in accordance with regulatory requirements.
 
Coordinates and assists in the testing and integration of all operating and maintenance systems and software.
 
Coordinates all operational aspects of system start-up, expansion and revenue service.
 
Directly responsible for rail contract administration.
 
Responsible for regulatory compliance by operations and maintenance personnel including contract operations.
 
Serves as operations resource and liaison for internal and external stakeholders including the Federal Transit Administration.
 
Attends meetings and functions outside of normal working hours. Supports a 24/7, 365-day operation.  
 
Supervises large groups of employees through existing management structure and is responsible for the rail operation of the Agency in the absence of the Chief Operations Officer; provides assistance and leadership development to managers responsible for hiring, supervising, train, motivate, assign, evaluate, counsel, discipline staff.
 
Develops and leads strategic initiatives within Rail Operations departments in support of agency goals regarding service reliability, cost efficiency, safety, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.
 
Maintains accountability and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and/or standards in all work products of the department.
 
Communicates, reports project status or issues and coordinates with the Division Director, Valley Metro leadership and others across the Agency and external partners related to special events, emergency response, service changes, and requests from member cities.  
 
Directs the activities of the rail operations departments, which includes planning, coordinating, administering, and evaluating programs, projects, processes, procedures, systems, standards, and/or service offerings; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and/or standards.
 
Prepares and directs the preparation of a variety of written correspondence, reports, procedures and other written materials.
 
Conducts policy level analyses related to the Authority’s operations and recommends proposed changes and/or improvements.  
 
Prepares materials for and makes presentations to Boards of Directors, various committees, internal/external work groups and teams; communicates with staff at all levels of the agency and the public.  
 
Represents Rail Operations team by participating on several internal and external work groups and teams; communicates with staff at all levels to coordinate services.  
 
Ensures a commitment to safety through effective leadership, role modeling and implementing practices that demonstrate safety is a fundamental value and a priority in all aspects of work.
 
Performs other duties of similar nature and level as assigned.
 
Knowledge and Skills:
Knowledge of:
Leadership principles;
Advanced rail operations principles, practices and methods as applied to rail operations and systems;
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations;
Policy and procedure development practices;
Problem-solving and conflict resolution practices and techniques;
Environmental and safety practices, procedures and standards;
Strategic planning principles;
Fiscal management and budget development;
Program development and implementation principles;
Contract management and reporting;
 
Skill in:
Effective leadership and management principles and practices, including problem solving and conflict resolution, practices and techniques;
Administering programs and staff through subordinate supervision;
Developing effective work teams and motivating individuals to meet goals and objectives and provide customer services in the most cost effective and efficient manner;
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted during the work;
Operating a computer and related software applications;
Speaking in public;
Developing and implementing strategic plans;
Interpreting, analyzing, and applying federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations;
Developing, evaluating, recommending, and implementing processes and procedures;
Reading, comprehending, and reviewing financial information;
Mediating conflict;
Conducting negotiations;
Developing and administering budgets;
Setting priorities, coordinating multiple activities and meeting critical deadlines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands:
Mobility to work in a typical office setting, use standard office equipment, and to drive a motor vehicle in order to visit work sites and attend meetings; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.
 
Work Environment:
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met. Incumbents may be subjected to travel.