Manager, Right of Way Communications & Fiber Optics

Salary : $126,664.00 - $189,996.00 Annually
Location : Menlo Park, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2024-00179
Division: Rail
Department: Rail Operations and Maintenanc
Opening Date: 02/21/2025
Closing Date: 2/21/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

General
The Manager, Right of Way (ROW) Communications and Fiber Optics reports to Director, Rail Maintenance. This position assists the Director, Rail Maintenance with overseeing and maintaining the current communication network in service along the ROW. Additionally, the manager serves as the primary, field point-of-contact for addressing and resolving identified deficiencies, facilitating prompt responses to ensure continued communication network operation along Caltrain.

Essential Functions & Duties

• Responsible for the oversight of upgrading and maintaining Caltrain's communication and fiber optic network. Will be responsible for the contract operators' maintenance personnel. Identify deficiencies on the property resulting from ongoing maintenance activities related to fiber cuts, poor workmanship or repair splices. Requires oversite of the asset on a 24/7 schedule to protect the capital investment.
• Develop processes and procedures to ensure that all future maintenance work on the property, prioritizes the protection of the Fiber Optics network regardless of its location.
• Oversee maintenance management of the Caltrain network communications (comms) including but are not limited to visual message signs (VMS), public address systems (PA), ticket vending machine (TVM), stand-alone validators (SAVs), radio (analogue, digital), microwaves, Wi-Fi, telephone (Voice Over Internet Protocol), maintenance of fiber communications active and physical infrastructure, fiber network maintenance. Responsibilities also include fiber emergency response, station communication cabinets and distribution panels, comms uninterruptable power supplies, wireless access points corridor wide that support operations.
• Will provide recommendations to rail leadership on technological improvements and changes. As a subject matter expert will initiate improvements and keeping existing systems in a State of Good Repair (SOGR).
• Responsible for planning, assigning, monitoring, and evaluating the work of contractors and subcontractors within the Rail Division involved in repair and improvements to Caltrain communication systems and Fiber Optics.
• Ensure compliance with federal and local codes, local permits, conditions, engineering plans and specifications; and ensure all Caltrain Standards are met.
• Responsible for reviewing responses to inquiries, complaints, and claims; impart information regarding codes, permits, ordinances and regulations; resolve issues and take corrective action, pertaining to Caltrain comm systems and Fiber Optics.
• Initiate, evaluate, develop, implement, and maintain all communication standards; review policies, procedures and forms related to comm systems inspections.
• Supervise staff. Hire, mentor, and take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action. Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed. Participate in selection of staff. Coordinate staff training and professional development. Establish performance objectives. Monitor and evaluate employee performance.

Examples of Essential Duties:

• Define contract operator resource levels for communication systems maintenance and operations. Implement training programs to develop personnel for fiber optics cuts and emergencies.
• Provide monthly and quarterly SOGR on the communication network.
• Establish communication maintenance programs, objectives, and goals.
• Requires the ability to drive a vehicle to inspection sites and meetings, as necessary.
• Oversee special projects as assigned.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one's self, 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
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 of Science degree in Systems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering or Electrical Engineering plus minimally five (5) years of professional work experience with communication systems. In lieu of a degree, nine (9) years of fulltime experience in communication systems or networks.
• Two years of supervisory or management experience
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license. A California license must be obtained prior to appointment and must continue to maintain a satisfactory driving record.
• On call 24/7 able to respond to issues and incidents along the property.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five (5) years network communication and maintenance experience in a large and/or complex organization governed by local, state, or federal laws.
• Knowledge of policies, municipal codes and regulations relating to construction on public facilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally with internal staff, vendors, consultants, and contractors.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Professional work experience working on public facilities

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.