Manager – Trials & Investigations

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

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.

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for leading and carrying out disciplinary investigations, drafting disciplinary charges, negotiating settlement/pre-trial waiver agreements, preparing witnesses for trial/hearings, conducting official trials/hearing, and providing efficient and timely direction to departmental management with respect toprogressive discipline and/or agency-wide standards that must be consistent throughout the LIRR. The positionis also responsible for analyzing data, preparing monthly and annual reports on employee discipline, providing management training, and undertaking special projects as assigned.

Responsibilities:

• Assist department managers in performing thorough and complete investigations of incidents orrule violations. Assist departments with complex investigations by taking employee and witnessstatements. Make pre-trial assessments of necessity for disciplinary action. Draft concise and accurate disciplinary charges based upon the investigation and facts. Issue charges in the timeframe outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• Hold trials/hearings to develop a complete and thorough disciplinary case record to ensuremanagement’s rights and an employee’s due process rights are fully protected. Authorizepostponements. Make recommendations to departments as to the credibility of witnesses and the appropriateness of discipline.
• Ensure that cases are settled and/or decided at the departmental level in accordance withprogressive discipline and are consistent with agency standards across the various departmentsat the Long Island Rail Road. Ensure fair, equitable, and consistent treatment of employeesacross all departments. Ensure all cases are tracked and entered into the disciplinary trackingsystem.
• Hold pre-trials and settlement conferences on behalf of departmental management andcoordinate the settlement of cases with union officials and management. Negotiate and approveall waivers of discipline.
• Ensure witnesses are prepared and that all relevant documents and evidence are available andproduced at the trial/investigation. Ensure compliance with all contractual procedures and timelimits.
• Train managers on the consistent application of policies, how to handle complex investigations,and the disciplinary process at LIRR. Responsible for preparation of training and acting as theinstructor of training courses for managers.
• Support the Director and Senior Manager, Trials & Investigations regarding all aspects relatedto investigations and disciplinary actions of represented employees.
• Responsible for all special assignments as designated by Senior Deputy Chief - Labor Relations,Railroad Operations, such as ad hoc reports on discipline, investigatory analysis, andrecommendations.
• Assist with the maintenance of the disciplinary database(s) and the analysis of data.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Must have knowledge of administering labor contracts and/or conducting trials andinvestigations.
• Must have detailed knowledge of labor agreements and negotiations.
• Must have in-depth working knowledge of investigations and hearing/trialprocedures and have the ability to run trials for Long Island Railroad operatingdepartments.
• Excellent investigative and interviewing skills with the ability to handle conflicts. 
• Excellent analytical, oral, and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization;build and maintain effective relationships with union and management.
• Must possess strong judgment skills and must have the ability to objectively assess allpersonnel and labor issues.
• Must be a self-starter and possess the ability to make decisions and work withintegrity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-profile, high-pressure environmenteffectively.
• Ability to effectively influence decision-making to ensure fair and consistentapplication of labor agreements and company policies and procedures.
• Must have strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e.,Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’sDegree inArts/Sciences(BA/BS)in Business, Labor Relations, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Law,or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years related experience performing labor-management functions in a large,multi-faceted, fast-paced organization to include trial work andinvestigations.

The Following is/are preferred:

• Master’s degreein Arts/Sciences(MA/MS) in a related field may substitute for up to two years of related experience,not to exceed two years.
• JD may substitute for up to two years of related experience, not to exceedtwo years.
• Knowledge of LIRR corporate policies and procedures.
• Prior experience working in a large, multi-faceted, fast-paced organization orgovernmental body.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s collective bargaining procedures.
• Basic knowledge of FRA (Federal Railroad Administration), OSHA (OccupationalSafety and Health Administration) & LIRR Safety Regulations.

Other Information

Will be required to report to the LIRR Trial Office locations in Hillside and Jamaica, Queens.

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”).

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.