Field Supervisor

Basic Function

Responsible for assisting in delivering safe and reliable rail operations along the METRORAIL system by supervising, monitoring, and overseeing LRT Operators, Maintenance of Way work crews, contractors, scheduled or unscheduled revenue and non-revenue service, special train movements, special events; manages customers, complaints and suggestions.  Additionally, works at the rail facilities to supervise train movement within the yard limits, operator assignments, time keeping and other office administrative duties.  Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner in compliance with all applicable rules, policies and procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Supervises, monitors, observes, and evaluates rail operations to insure adherence to rules, policies, procedures, system schedule and appropriate conduct by rail operations staff.
• Supervises operator performance and efficiency.  Counsels, coaches, advises LRT Operators in the use of METRORail operations rules, policies, and procedures. Documents efficiency test observations, actions, and results.
• Acts as METRORail On-Scene Coordinator during emergency conditions. Notifies METRORail Control and responds to accident/incident scenes, reports, documents, and supervise field investigations and insures METRORail compliance with safety and investigative procedures. Takes command at an emergency scene to direct METRORAIL and local emergency response personnel. Under direction of the METRORail Control Center, troubleshoot train problems on board, around or under the light rail vehicle. Including manually releasing friction brakes (tow process) and assist as pilot during events of vehicle failure, removing doors from service, activating emergency by-pass switches, and performing computer diagnostics.
• Rotates into the station office and functions as a Station Supervisor to direct all train movement in the yard, bookings, fitness for duty checks, radios, etc. 
• Works as Yard Supervisor in directing, documenting train movement, working with LRV maintenance on ensuring availability of vehicles and building yard in preparation for revenue service pull out.
• Obtains and maintains certification as an LRT Operator.  Performs duties as LRT Operator when needed.
• Assists Rail Transportation in the training, certification, line platform instruction and certification & recertification of Supervisors and LRT Operators to include book testing, ride certifications and safety checks.
• Administers on-scene corrective action. Recommends corrective action to management on operational and safety issues.
• Transports Operators, when necessary, to include replacements for incidents and drug screening.
• Passes vehicle familiarization course for the light rail vehicles.
• Passes training courses for vehicle and wayside equipment as required.
• Assists vehicle maintenance in the acceptance and commissioning of new light rail vehicles and test track operations.
• Performs system integration testing along the entire alignment working in conjunction with contractors, suppliers and consultants.
• Possesses a working knowledge of the METRORail system elements such as the overhead catenary system, wayside equipment, operate dual control, power and manual switches, local control panels at interlockings & crossovers under the direction of Rail Control etc.
• Conducts pre-revenue exercises.
• Logs, reports and documents train operations, conducts appropriate administrative tasks essential to transit operations.
• Assists customers in using METRORail, answers questions, give directions to access alternate service during service disruptions provides information, investigates public comments and concerns.
• Communicates Special Orders, Notices and Bulletins with Train Operators and other METRORail personnel.
• Assists with delay management strategies during service interruptions. 
• Monitors train operations and passenger loads.  Makes schedule/consist change recommendations.
• Inspects rail line corridor, yard and access tracks, station platforms, ticket vending machines and light rail vehicles for obstructions, problems, incidents or damage.
• Monitors maintenance activities along the alignment and the movement of support vehicles.
• Promotes safety awareness and other employee safety procedures in efforts to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
   

Education Requirement

High School Diploma/GED.  Associates degree in Business, Transportation or related field preferred.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum of three (3) years transit/transportation experience including one (1) year supervisory experience, or, minimum of two (2) years rail transit operations experience as Rail Operator.  Startup experience to include car commissioning, test track operations, system integration, control room procedures and pre-revenue service are preferred. 

Knowledge & Skills Required

Ability to obtain and maintain (LRT) Train Operator Certification.  Ability to make sound decisions quickly.  Good communication (verbal/written) skills.   Basic computer knowledge and Microsoft Office skills.  Working knowledge of transit operations and Rail Operations knowledge to include street running operations. 

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.