Railroad Civil Engineer I, Capital and Third-Party Construction at Metrolink

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), operator of the METROLINK Commuter Rail System, is seeking a Railroad Civil Engineer I, Capital and Third-Party Construction. The purpose of the position is to support the Capital and Third-Party Construction project program at Metrolink, which includes both the Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) project portfolio throughout the construction and testing/commissioning phases and the Third Party owned projects being constructed by Member Agencies, Cities, Caltrans, and other entities on and around the railroad. The SCORE program at Metrolink involves some of the highest priority projects for the Agency, which are required to improve frequency and flexibility of service to meet the regional railroad goals of the Agency and to support operational planning for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics.

The Railroad Civil Engineer I works closely with staff, consultants, and contractors to perform project engineering. This position also works with staff on a variety of projects, including plan reviews and support scope agreements with local agencies, railroads, and third parties involving public works construction, new track and signal system infrastructure, station design, grade crossings, separations, overbridges, maintenance yards, and utilities to ensure compliance with railroad engineering standards and regulatory requirements.

WHAT TO EXPECT: This is a continuous recruitment, with the first review of applications beginning January 3, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This job description is for the entry-level position in the Program Delivery Railroad Engineer job series. At this level, assignments are generally limited in scope and performed within a procedural framework established by higher-level employees.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

• Receives supervision from management/supervisory roles.
• No formal supervisory responsibilities

The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

• Serve as a Project Manager (PM) on smaller projects of limited scope and budget, and as a Deputy Project Manager on larger projects under the support and oversight of the Principal Engineer, Capital & Third-Party Construction.
• Proactively manage scope, contractual compliance, budget, schedule, assurance of functional quality, internal and external impacts, and ensure projects are constructed safely with no or minimal impacts to railroad operations.
• Uphold Metrolink and statutory operational safety requirements, interests, standards, procedures and criteria throughout project construction, testing, commissioning and integration into Metrolink network.
• Develop strong, supportive, communicative, and cooperative relationships with Project Owners, Construction Management teams and contractors to ensure successful delivery of Third-Party projects while upholding Metrolink requirements and obligations.
• Coordinate efficiently, effectively and timely Work Window requirements and Positive Train Control (PTC) Subdivision file modifications with internal Operations, PTC departments, and Third parties or contractors, led under guidance from the Principal Engineer.
• Work closely with Public Relations and Communications internal teams to communicate work windows, impacts to service plans, or impacts to the public and Metrolink riders.
• Ensure compliance with Metrolink Standards, Procedures and construction processes.

• Track funds received for projects from grants, deposits, or other revenue; prepare reports of cost versus revenue; and assist accounting personnel with timely billing on projects.
• Review submittals from contractors for conformance with the requirements of the contract, respond to requests for information, and maintain logs, submittals, correspondence, and other contract related documents.
• Maintain a culture of safety by participating in activities of safety committees, reviewing work plans for compliance with safe operating practices, making observations of work activities, and testing contractor employees for compliance with railroad rules.

• Draft Construction and Maintenance Agreements with Third Parties for all projects toward the end of the design phase, negotiate scopes, roles, services and appropriate budgets with project owners.
• Manage consultant contract task orders, schedule, cost, and scope.
• Provide oversight for the work of consultants and contractors.
• Support representation of the Authority at public and joint department meetings.
• Plan, manage and direct the work of consultants.

• Coordinate work of consultants and internal agency departments to maintain project scope, schedule, and budgets.
• This position will require occasional work at weekends or Holidays to support construction during railroad service suspensions.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field in engineering or physical science.
• A minimum of three years of prior work experience and knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and tracking projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting work and contractor performance.
• A combination of training, with a minimum of an Associate Degree and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience.
• Valid Class C Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than two moving violations and no DUIs within the last three years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineer-In-Training certificate
• Prior experience working on a Commuter/Passenger or Class 1 Freight Railroad or as a consultant or contractor working on long-term assignments involving Commuter/Passenger or Class 1 Freight Railroad Projects.
• Prior experience working with public agencies or as a consultant or contractor working on long-term assignments involving public agencies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of civil engineering, including design, construction, and maintenance requirements in an active railroad environment.
• Modern techniques, methods, procedures, and practices of project management & construction management.
• Construction materials, methods, and practices.
• Railroad operational safety.
• Methods and techniques of engineering plan review and approval.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Skilled in:

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Use of MS Office.

Ability to:

• Manage multiple concurrent engineering tasks or projects both in the office and in the field effectively, prioritize responsibilities to ensure successful delivery of projects.
• Ability to work independently, make decisions, and act on behalf of Metrolink to uphold the Authority’s best interests.
• Foster a teamwork environment. Support and guide others offer the benefit of experience and lessons learned.
• Flexibility and willingness to assist other teams in the Department as needs arise.
• Work nights and/or weekends, as necessary, for railroad construction projects.
• Read and interpret various engineering designs, plans, and specifications.
• Ensure project conformance with Metrolink Engineering Standards.
• Support the negotiation, preparation, and management of contracts.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Prepare written technical reports, estimates, and construction and cost records.
• Read for comprehension and to present clear and concise reports, verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with third-party representatives, employees, consultants, contractors, and the public.
• Analyze issues and prioritize multiple tasks and competing demands to optimize the use of available resources.
• To pass tests for Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) and Railroad General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations.
• Operate tools to perform the duties of the position, such as computers, office equipment and work-related machinery.
• Transport equipment or boxes up to 25 lbs.
• Exchange ideas by means of communication.
• Visual acuity to detect, identify, and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks.
• Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks.
• Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch, or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations.

Working Conditions

Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, Railroad Track and Right-of-Way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.)

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Selection Process: Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interviews. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities in job-related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon the successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA.

Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA.