MBTA hiring Program Manager Draw 1 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States | LinkedIn (2024)

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 SummaryThe Program Manager for the Draw 1 Program is the executive leader for the $1.2 billion North Station Draw 1 Replacement and Associated Track & Signals Upgrade Project. The Draw 1 Program Manager defines and articulates the vision for the successful completion of the overall project(s) and provides leadership to the program team. The Program Manager is responsible for solving complex technical and program issues, communicating with large audiences, working collaboratively with the MBTA Board, and briefing the press. The Program Manager is responsible for making decisions regarding the program design, delivery, and community engagement.

The Draw 1 Bridge carries all MBTA commuter rail traffic on the north side of Boston. It is the last crossing before trains terminate at North Station, the fifth largest transit station in New England and a critical connection point for Amtrak’s Downeaster rail passenger service, as well as MBTA rapid transit and bus lines. North Station, located immediately below TD Garden, is a terminal station for four MBTA Commuter Rail lines – the Fitchburg Line, Haverhill Line, Lowell Line, and Newbury/Rockport Line – serving regions north of the greater Boston metropolitan area. There are 57 passenger stations across these four MBTA Commuter Rail Lines. The existing Draw One Bridge movable spans present an ongoing maintenance challenge and are found to be beyond repair. Similarly, the approach spans and the Signal Tower A is at the end of their useful life. This results in the need to replace the Draw 1 Bridges, Signal Tower A, and approach spans.

The Draw 1 Program addresses the critical need to bring the Draw 1 Bridges into a state of good repair and improve the reliability and safety of MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak services. The MBTA has identified specific project goals for the Proposed Project which include:

• Maintaining current operations for MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak ‘Downeaster’ service throughout construction. Throughout construction, a minimum of four (4) active tracks over the Charles River and a minimum of eight (8) active tracks at North Station would be maintained during weekdays and a minimum of two (2) tracks over the Charles River and a minimum of five (5) active tracks at North Station, thereby limiting public transportation disruptions.
• Maintaining marine traffic in the regulated navigation channel beneath the bridges.
• Providing operational flexibility and redundancy.
• Accommodating potential future MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak ‘Downeaster’ rail operations.
• Minimizing impacts on the Built and Natural Environment, and
• Improving the resiliency of the Draw One Bridge to severe storm events.

The Draw 1 Program Manager will be responsible and accountable for the Program execution plan and the on-schedule, on-budget delivery of the North Station Draw 1 Bridge Replacement. The Draw 1 Program Manager will have direct oversight of the professional services design engineer of record (EOR), Construction Management team, and other Program participants including oversight of potentially multiple separate construction contracts. The Program Manager will also engage and interact closely with the MBTA’s Commuter Rail Operations and Operator (Keolis), Amtrak passenger rail service, and the region’s freight operator, CSX. The Program Manager reports directly to the MBTA’s Chief of Capital Delivery and will be subject to the oversight of the MBTA’s Chief Engineer, General Manager Office, and MBTA Board of Directors.

The Program Manager for Draw 1 is a strong, versatile senior leader who has demonstrated success managing. capital programs of various sizes and complexity. The Program Manager must have a depth of experience in capital program management, the effective leadership of large, complex organizations and/or projects preferably in the public sector, and the political and management acumen to operate at the senior levels of state government.

The Program Manager must be able to oversee and direct the successful completion of the Draw 1 Program and provide inspirational leadership to a highly talented and experienced team. The Program Manager should be as adept at solving complex technical and program issues as he/she is at speaking to a large audience, working collaboratively with the governing boards, or briefing the press. Above all, the Program Manager will be empowered to make decisions and must be fully willing and able to do so.

This position is a project-specific position and is limited to the terms of the construction contract. Employment beyond the construction contract is left to the discretion of the MBTA at the completion of the project, which is currently anticipated to be in December 2032.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Leading a team of professionals in the successful delivery of the program including oversight and management of the construction management consultant team selected for the Draw 1 Program as part of the integrated project team.
• Overseeing the Construction of several and/or one large complex construction contracts to ensure that their scope, schedule, and budget are met and support the delivery of the Program within the identified schedule for full commissioning.
• Directing the day-to-day program operations across a spectrum of specific disciplines including funding, design, permitting, operations interface, contracts management, fiscal management, change management, safety, testing, and commissioning.
• Managing and ensuring policies and procedures are developed and in place to guide the development, testing, and commissioning of the newly constructed expansion.
• Managing and ensuring program and project control systems to manage costs and schedule performance are in place and are used to proactively identify potential project issues before they impact project cost or schedule.
• Ensuring that document controls and record-keeping systems are consistently being followed.
• Managing and addressing contractual issues of any party involved in the program, including the professional services designer, contractors, Keolis, freight operators, consultant program and construction manager, and other consultants.
• Reviewing, negotiating, and approving project change orders and change requests.
• Assisting with the development of new or revised operating rules as required.
• Obtaining interoperability Agreements with other railroads, as required.
• Coordinating with Keolis and MBTA Operations throughout the program delivery to ensure a seamless handover of the completed program for revenue service.
• Conversant in all FRA regulations and participate in and coordinate with the FRA safety submittal approval and certification.
• Reporting monthly on project status in a format that can be used both internally and externally.
• Overseeing all aspects of public communication, outreach, and engagement with stakeholders including local, state, and federal agencies for the Program.
• Making regular presentations on program status and performance to the MBTA Board of Directors. Progress reports will include schedule and budget updates and timely identification and explanation of issues requiring action by the General Manager or the Board with sufficient information for informed decision-making.
• Any other incidental duties and responsibilities associated with the management of the program or assigned by the General Manager of the MBTA.
• 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, and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination, and Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science from an accredited institution in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Fifteen (15) years of experience in leading and managing capital programs and projects
• Seven (7) years of experience serving as the Program or Construction Manager on program(s) of comparable scale/complexity at $750M or more in the public and/or private sectors.
• Demonstrated success as a senior leader responsible for delivering a major program implementation or similar scale Commuter Rail and/or Bridge program.
• Demonstrated experience with leading and managing upwards of $1B-dollar construction programs in the public or private sector.
• Demonstrated experience with the Design/Bid/Build and Design/Build delivery methods.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with Federal Agencies which may include but is not limited to the Federal Railroad Administration and Federal Transit Administration.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with local, state, and federal agencies, and governance boards.
• Demonstrated success in leading large, complex organizations.
• Must possess superior communication skills. Demonstrated experience with communications at the senior executive level of public state government or private sector.
• Experienced and comfortable with the press and public media.
• Highly motivated self-starter capable of performing without detailed direction or close supervision.
• Strong project controls knowledge and ability to accurately evaluate consultant and contractor cost and schedule submissions.
• Excellent writing, organizational, analytical, time management, and interpersonal skills.

Substitutions IncludePreferred Experience and Skills;

• Registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or the ability to obtain through reciprocity/comity.
• Seven (7) years of proven ability to communicate with C-level/C-suite.
• MSCE or MBA from an accredited institution.
• Program Management Professional certification or Certified Construction Manager.
• Experience with testing and commissioning track, signal, and communication systems within FRA compliance.
• Experience with installation and cutover railroad signal/PTC/ATC systems.
• Experience in railroad operations, dispatch, and train controls.
• Experience with the design, construction, and commissioning of movable bridges.
• Familiar with FTA, FRA, MBTA, and MassDOT rules and regulations regarding project delivery, environmental requirements and permitting.
• Familiar with AREMA, AASHTO, and MBTA standards

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English
• 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 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 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 circ*mstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service

Disclaimers and Definitions:

• 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.
• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
• 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.
• 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. 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.
• 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.
• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 .
• 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 .