Rolling Stock Program Specialist

This position is eligible for teleworking, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective hire date.

Opening:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Position Objective:

This position will support the Rolling Stock Program Office's efforts in the implementation of best practices for the acquisition and lifecycle costing of buses, subway cars, commuter rail cars, and all non-revenue/work car equipment across New York City Transit (NYCT), Metro North Railroad (MNR), and Long Island Railroad (LIRR).  This position will work with business partners in NYCT, MNR, LIRR, and MTA Headquarters to understand reporting needs/goals. This role will conduct rigorous data collection and analysis, field observation, research, and modeling in support of stated reporting needs/goals. This position will support the implementation and operationalization of Rolling Stock Program Office recommendations/strategies across MTA Operating Agencies.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with analyzing a wide variety of rolling stock related datasets, including maintenance and performance data.
• Assist with gathering, analyzing, and interpreting a wide variety of data to support the transformation of the rolling stock acquisition approach across operating agencies.
• Assist in the development of reports, presentations, and/or dashboards targeted to various internal and external stakeholders. Independently lead key stakeholder meetings and advise MTA leadership on various issues relevant to their projects.
• Support the preparation and presentation of findings and recommendations of various analyses to Rolling Stock Program Office leadership and operating agencies in an accurate, understandable, and timely manner.
• Support benchmarking exercises on procurement evaluation models to inform management of the latest trends and best practices for achieving best value in rolling stock procurements
• Apply quality controls to output data to ensure data validity, accuracy, and usability by the desired audience. Identify and correct data errors and/or inconsistencies, and make sure that data meets pre-defined standards and requirements before the data is used for reporting or decision-making.
• Assist with performing data analysis and help write preliminary conclusions for Program management review, which will inform strategies developed and proposed by the Rolling Stock Program Office to facilitate implementation of a total cost of ownership approach related to acquisition and maintenance of rolling stock by the operating agencies (NYCT, MNR, LIRR). 
• Assist in ROI analysis and lifecycle cost analyses of rolling stock assets.  Break down large requests into actionable steps that will lead to the successful fulfillment of the request or achievement of a specific goal.  As an example, a request to assist in determining the total cost of ownership (TCO) of a particular rollingstock car class/asset could require that the request be broken down into smaller tasks (ex., analysis of maintenance data, financial impact to agency when cars are out of service for repairs, etc.)
• Supports all activities for the successful implementation of a total cost of ownership approach to acquisition and maintenance of rolling stock across the operating agencies of the MTA, in line with corporate strategy and business goals.
• May represent the MTA at national and international public transportation forums.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Proven change management abilities with experience leading change.
• Must have the ability to comprehend high-level business strategy objectives and effectively develop/execute ‘roadmaps’, milestones, detailed implementation plans, and Key Performance Indicators.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Excellent quantitative, analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills, together with demonstrated quantitative skills and proficiency in Excel modeling. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with proficiency in analyzing data and automating processes. Proficiency with advanced formulas and data manipulation techniques, 
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies.  External agencies may include the New York State Government, New York City government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
• Must be capable of building a strong and successful network, developing new relationships, and influencing decision makers.
• Demonstrated ability to work in team and/or group settings, including gathering data from various stakeholders and interviewing stakeholders in a team or individual setting.
• Ability to prioritize among competing needs and opportunities and manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Demonstrated ability to complete short-term and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities, quantitative skills, and ability to synthesize large datasets into actionable insights for leadership and cross-functional teams

Required Education and Experience:

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Transportation, Public Administration, Public Policy, Transportation Planning, Finance, Supply Chain, Engineering or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in one or a combination of the following areas: public transportation administration, project management, procurement operations, budget planning, managing process improvement and efficiencies.
• Three (3) years of related experience. A Master’s Degree or experience in highl evel, comprehensive Excel modeling may be used to substitute for up to 1 year of work experience.

Preferred:

• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools like Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent platforms.

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers, or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.