Manager of Rail Network Planning

Salary : $126,663.94 - $189,996.04 Annually
Location : San Carlos, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2024-00177
Division: Rail
Department: Caltrain Planning
Opening Date: 02/21/2025
Closing Date: 3/16/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

General
The Manager of Rail Network Planning reports to the Director, Rail Network and Operations Planning and is responsible for developing long-term rail service plans and programs, supporting various planning activities and conducting analysis for mega projects impacting d the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain).

Essential Functions & Duties

• Leads long-range network planning in alignment with in the Caltrain Business plan including coordinated blended service with all Peninsula Corridor rail tenants including California High Speed Rail, Capitol Corridor, ACE, Amtrak, and Union Pacific freight.
• Supports mega regional and California State Rail Plan network planning initiatives including extensions to Salinas, connections across the Dumbarton Bridge and the Link21 project.
• Conducts terminal operations analyses for planning projects including those related to the opening of the San Francisco DTX ("The Portal") and the development of the SF Railyards site, as well as the new San Jose Diridon station.
• Responsible for the development of long-range service plans and programs through the execution of operational analysis, market research and coordination with other operators.
• Advocates for investments to improve capacity, efficiency, and reliability via annual budget contributions, planning projects, and long-range strategy efforts.
• Provides operations planning perspective, input and support on long range agency initiatives related to station access and design, customer information, wayfinding, fares, and ticketing.
• Works effectively and collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team environment and establishes strong working relationships with other departments including key personnel in Operations, Finance, and Communications.
• Supervises contractor and consultant staff. Hires, mentors, and takes appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action as needed. Ensures EEO and affirmative action policies and procedures are followed. Participates in staff selection; coordinates staff training and professional development as needed. Establishes performance objectives; monitor and evaluates employee performance as needed.

Examples of Essential Duties:

• Conducts technical analysis and research to guide service and network planning decisions. Reviews operational and ridership data, analyzes regional and national trends, and reviews customer feedback and survey data.
• Establishes schedules and methods for providing planning services; identifies resource needs; reviews needs with appropriate management staff; allocates resources accordingly.
• Responsible for attending technical meetings with internal and external stakeholders; coordinates planning activities with inter-departmental and inter-organizational teams.
• Prepares analytical and statistical reports, memoranda, and other communications to senior staff, board members, and outside agencies and committees; develops and provides presentations to various public agencies and officials; conducts analysis of federal, state, or regional legislation, guidelines, and policies to understand implications for the Railroad.
• Prepares reports, presentations and other communications to senior staff, board members, outside agencies, and committees, and compiles written and oral responses.
• Monitors work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures, consults with senior management regarding policies and procedures.
• Oversees project progress including defining project scope, developing material and labor budgets, and determining schedule.
• Develops and monitors project budgets and schedules, evaluating project status against original budget.
• Serves as project manager and liaison to other departments for all long-term rail operations planning activities.
• Evaluates job performance of contractor and consulting staff.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one's self, your fellow employees and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Engineering, Business Administration, Economics or related field.
• Five (5) years of progressive professional experience in rail transportation planning, engineering, management, or related field.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience managing staff or consultants

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven experience with transportation planning programs-operations, services, and activities
• Knowledge of advanced techniques of transportation planning and the use of software transportation planning models
• Demonstrated knowledge of financing and funding, including financial cost/benefit analysis
• Familiarity with Federal, State and Local codes, laws, and regulations
• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication and presentation skill
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)
• A valid California driver's license with a safe driving record.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications.

The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions. Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.
How to Apply

• Complete an online employment application by 11:59 p.m. of the listed closing date. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of the application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.
• We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Below is a summary of the comprehensive benefits provided to District full-time employees:

Health and Welfare Benefits:

• Healthcare Benefits -District employees are offered a choice of healthcare providers under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program. The District will contribute ninety (90) percent towards monthly premiums for full-time employees. Fifty (50) percent for part-time employees.
  
• Free Dental and Vision Benefits provided - Employer Covers Premiums
  
• Free Employee Assistance Benefit - Employees are entitled to 5 face-to-face sessions or telephonic or web-video consultations for problem-solving support per incident, per calendar year.

• Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified Health or Dependent Care expenses.

Retirement Medical Benefits:

• Long Term Disability Insurance - After 90 days of total disability, Administrative full-time employees are eligible for 60% of monthly income covered by the District.
  
• Health and Wellness - Gyms located at most work locations and discounted Weight Watcher Membership Option.

Holidays and Paid Time Off:

• Paid Time Off - Newly hired employees accrue 6.5 hours bi-weekly when hired (if Exempt 8.25 hours). As you move up in years of service credit, the rate of the amount of PTO accrued will also increase.
  
• Paid Holidays - The District provides seven paid holidays throughout the year - New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
  
• Floating Holidays - District employees can earn up to five (5) floating holidays.

Financial Planning Benefits:

• Pension Benefits through CalPERS -You must have a minimum of 5 years of service to be eligible for this pension.

• CalPERS PEPRA vs. Classic - All employees hired on, or after January 1, 2013, are considered PEPRA members and will contribute 8% of their salary up to the maximum IRS cut-off. All Classic members will contribute 6%
  
• Deferred Compensation Options - Select to contribute to one or both of our Tax Deferred Compensation Options
  
• Reliance Standard Life Insurance with 100% premium paid by the District - 1 times annual salary of employee - max $200,000
  
• Optional Life Insurance - Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible family members.

Growth and Education Benefits:

• Professional Development - Access to LinkedIn Learning and San Mateo County's professional training. District Tuition Reimbursement Program - A maximum of $5,250 per year for courses related to your job or career goals with the District.
  
• Computer Loan Program - Interest-free two-year loan with a maximum amount of $2,000.

Other Amazing Benefits:

• Credit Union - Employees and family members are eligible to join the San Mateo Credit Union and Patelco Credit Union.
  
• Employee Clean Commute (ECC) - Car/Van poolers and Public Transit riders receive a monthly reimbursement.
  
• Commuter Benefits - Free Employee Parking; Free Bus Pass for employee as well as children/spouse; Clipper Card/Go Pass Program for Central employees.

For union employees, all of the above benefits are subject to the employee's Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits listed are also subject to change with or without notice and are subject to contract/provider terms and conditions.