Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Engineer Officer–Track & Right of Way (ROW) will ensure that the Operating Contractor follows the Annual Engineering Service Plan for Railroad Operations track and that track, and related infrastructure are compliant with maintenance standards and regulatory requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Engineering and Maintenance with planning and coordination of both maintenance and upgrading of Commuter Rail tracks and ROW, provides a safe physical plan for operations.
• Monitor the MBTA’s Operating Contractor’s/other parties’ performance of track maintenance and ROW management including Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) mandated track and ROW inspections.
• Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations and the (FRA).
• Provide long term planning and programs towards rehabilitation and proper maintenance of railroad infrastructure.
• Control the quality of railroad repair and replacement work on MBTA rights of way on both freight and passenger lines, including Sperry or equivalent rail tests on continuous welded rail (CWR) and main line jointed rail.
• Control the design quality of replacement or rehabilitated tracks by ultrasonically testing and oversee additional testing if conditions warrant.
• Approve Contractor’s crosstie replacement program submitted in the annual Engineering Services Plan; and oversee incidental tie replacements and assure old ties are removed in a timely manner according to Operating Agreement.
• Inspect and control property use of ROW and tracks; develop and maintain plans for long range track and ROW maintenance; and develop and control Track Department budget and staffing levels.
• Assure track geometry measurements are performed and turnouts are walked and inspected.
• Assure all grade crossings are inspected and maintained as approved in the Grade Crossing Improvement Plan; and assure track drainage systems are consistently maintained.
• Manage the reviews of all incoming correspondence, plans and specifications concerning requests to utilize railroad property including land dispositions, utilities occupations and long and short-term leases and licenses; research requests from MBTA personnel and outside parties for construction drawings, specification, as-built plans, and other railroad property related documents and provide copies.
• Provide technical assistance to other MBTA Departments as required and directed.
• Remain current with the MBTA's Safety Management System (SMS) Plan as well as the position's outline responsibilities.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and/or assist at emergencies and special events as needed. Respond to each inquiry from a customer, vendor or co­worker in a professional and courteous manner.
• Respond to work as directed by supervisory personnel for emergencies, extreme weather condition, or any other abnormal conditions that impair service or the safety of service, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-­Harassment and Anti-­Retaliation policies.
• Perform related duties and projects as assigned.
• Will provide supervision and management of multi-million-dollar track/ROW maintenance and repair contract.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in civil engineering including experience working on design or inspection of track structures and related infrastructure.
• Related experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal and time management skills.
• The ability to use Word, Excel, and database applications.
• Have excellent customer service skills.
• The ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience.
• Have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed.
• Be available to work twenty-­four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• The ability to supervise and work with a diverse workforce.

Substitutions Include

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related work experience may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree requirement.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Knowledge of FRA regulations.
• Professional Engineering (PE) registration.
• A Master’s degree in Civil Engineering.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

1. General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
2. Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. Recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
3. Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
4. Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
5. Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA, but a valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number are required prior to starting work. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
6. Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
7. Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
8. On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
9. Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
10. ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
11. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.
12. Intern / Co-Op / Fellow Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship, co-op, or fellowship at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on city from which the employee commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns, co-ops, or fellows.

Employment Benefits at the MBTA

Full-Time Employees:

The MBTA offers comprehensive benefits packages to full-time employees. Types of benefits offered at the MBTA are subject to the union affiliation / Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of the position to which you apply. Benefits that may apply to your position include the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life (basic and supplemental), and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Retirement: Pension or deferred compensation 401(a), plus MBTA contributions
• Complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail)
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for student loans
• Commuter Choice Parking Program: Pre-tax benefits for parking
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax benefits for healthcare-related expenses
• Discounted tickets for concerts, movies, travel / vacation, etc. via TicketsAtWork.com
• Shopping discounts via GovX.com
• Verizon and AT&T service discounts
• And more...

Internships:

Internship positions are not eligible for most MBTA Benefits. However, paid sick time may be incurred. Each intern also receives a complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail) to use throughout the duration of their internship. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email internships@mbta.com for more information.

Disclaimer:

The above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the MBTA, which may or may not apply to a specific position. This summary is not a contract and is not meant to change the provisions of union contracts or Authority policies and does not establish a binding practice. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email hrstaffing@mbta.com for more information.

The MBTA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer