Manager, Rail Qual. Assurance

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, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides 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 Manager, Rail Quality Assurance professional manages, develops, implements, and manages all aspects of the Rail Quality Assurance plan and Quality Management system. Manage a team of quality assurance technical staff to achieve department goals and lead process improvement initiatives. Responsible to audit Metro Transit Rail Maintenance programs to ensure they are compliant with State and Federal reporting requirements.

• Directs, administers and manages the configuration management and asset management of all rail related assets.
• Creates, documents and implements inspection criteria and procedures; supervises workers engaged in inspection and testing activities.
• Ensure compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Agency and State rules and regulations, while also ensuring a high level of internal and external customer service.
• Oversees the audit process mandated by MT Quality plan for compliance with applicable State Safety Oversite, FRA and Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) regulatory plans for Rail Division; Represent Metro Transit during FTA triennial and FRA audits and preparing required data and reports.
• Create and maintain departmental Standard Operating Practices (SOPs), work instructions and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) manuals, as built drawings and technical documentation.
• Establish clear goals and performance standards of department and of departmental personnel; conduct performance evaluations; manage staff compliance with policies, rules, procedures, practices, and adherence to labor contracts.
• Develops, recommends and implements strategic business plans and processes for the quality control area.
• Measure, monitor and analyze the processes and implement actions necessary to meet goals and drive continual process improvements.
• Performs other duties directly related to this position as assigned.

Any of the following

combinations of experience in FRA, DOT, FAA or other governmental regulated mandated business and were responsible for the quality of the maintenance or production as it relates to communication systems, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, fleet vehicles, support equipment, or railroad maintenance of way equipment, and completed education in transportation, engineering, administration, quality assurance, manufacturing management or closely related field.

• High school diploma/GED with ten (10) years of experience including three (3) years of experience must include supervisory or management, lead worker, or project management experience with responsibility for coordinating, prioritizing, and/or assigning work of others; generating solutions to problems; and ensuring work product outcomes or goals are met or exceeded.
• Associate degree with eight (8) years of experience including three (3) years of experience must include supervisory or management, lead worker, or project management experience with responsibility for coordinating, prioritizing, and/or assigning work of others; generating solutions to problems; and ensuring work product outcomes or goals are met or exceeded
• Bachelor's degree or higher with six (6) years of experience including three (3) years of experience must include supervisory or management, lead worker, or project management experience with responsibility for coordinating, prioritizing, and/or assigning work of others; generating solutions to problems; and ensuring work product outcomes or goals are met or exceeded

License Requirements:

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Experience with quality and continuous performance Improvement processes, tools, and training (e.g., Six Sigma).
• Experience with managing staff compliance with policies, rules, procedures, practices, and adherence to labor contracts.
• Experience with configuration management and asset management - preferably in rail related assets.
• Experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural and inclusive environments.

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Knowledge and understanding of vehicle inspection techniques and maintenance schedule plans, as well as knowledge of original equipment manufacturer warranties, contracts, technical specifications and administrative procedures.
• Knowledge of labor grievance and arbitration processes.
• Knowledge of AC/DC electrical systems, principles of analog and digital electronics, electronic control circuitry and associated mechanical, HVAC, pneumatic, hydraulic systems, testing and inspections, methods/tools, basic welding skills.
• Knowledge of Quality and Continuous Performance Improvement processes, tools, and training
• Skilled in negotiating and persuasion skills, including the ability to address and resolve issues with diplomacy and tact.
• Skilled in organizing and prioritizing complex projects, managing multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner, and set priorities to meet critical time deadlines.
• Skilled in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point.
• Ability to learn applicable FRA, American Public Transportation Association (APTA), and Association of American Railroads (AAR)and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and recommended practices.
• Ability to communicate successfully with a variety of disciplines and levels, both internal and external staff
• Ability to develop and implement policies, procedures and management programs.
• Ability to perform in-depth electro-mechanical troubleshooting and must possess universal technician skills.
• Ability to lead and direct, select, train and develop competent personnel to implement quality programs.
• Ability to create and review technical documentation, including project plans, test procedures and design documents.

What you can expect from us:

• 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.

More about why you should join us!

Union/Grade: TMSA/Grade J

FLSA: Exempt

Safety Sensitive: Yes. Subject to random Non-DOT drug tests.

What your work environment would be:
This position may require work in outside environmental conditions; no effective protection from the weather, and in extreme weather conditions. May also require work in inside environmental conditions; protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperamental changes (i.e., garages, etc.) This position may be exposed to noise that may cause the incumbent to shout to be heard above surrounding noise level. There may be exposure to hazards - includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places or exposure to chemicals. Incumbent may encounter atmospheric conditions; one or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system or the skin; fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases or poor ventilation. This position may involve feeling vibration - exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body, may be on-call, working a variable shift and may involve traveling.

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.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.