Operations Control Center Manager

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Salary Range: $99,000 - $109,000

Benefit Package: PLTO offers an excellent compensation and benefits package (Medical, Dental, 401(k) retirement, vacation, holiday and sick pay, etc.)

General Description:

Under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Operations the Operations Control Manager is responsible for overseeing all activities in the Operations Control Center (OCC) including directing the safe and efficient movement of trains, controlling the traction power system, and managing the on-track time available for inspection and maintenance activities.

Currently, during the pre-revenue/startup period, the OCC Manager leads the coordination, testing, and commissioning of OCC systems and supervises the implementation and validation of the Dispatcher Training Simulator (DTS) to ensure readiness for revenue service operations.

This position also oversees and coordinates the response to service disruptions and emergencies as well as implementing service recovery plans. The OCC Manager also manages the OCC staff.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Lead all OCC-related pre-revenue/startup activities, including overseeing system testing, interface validation, and acceptance of train control, SCADA, communications, and traction power monitoring systems.

• Coordinate with subcontractors, IT staff, vendors, and integration teams to ensure OCC operational readiness.

• Manage the development and implementation of the Dispatcher Training Simulator, including scenario design, simulator validation, and dispatcher training protocols. Ensure simulator accurately replicates OCC systems and train control logic.

• Serve as OCC's primary liaison during pre-revenue coordination meetings, safety certification reviews, simulation exercises, and mock service operations. Ensure documentation, readiness plans, and staff performance metrics are aligned with operational launch requirements.

• Direct and oversee all rail movement from a central Operations Control Center in accordance with schedules, railroad operating rules and procedures and FTA regulations.

• Direct and monitor OCC Supervisors and train dispatchers who coordinate rail traffic by using a computerized train control system to select the proper routing of apply and remove blocking devices and issue permits and authorities.

• Authorize and monitor on-track work on the track, signal, structures and traction power infrastructure to minimize the impact on scheduled trains.

• Manage unexpected events and emergency situations to protect the public, railroad employees, and railroad property.

• During incidents or emergencies, notify and coordinate all internal personnel and external emergency responders and direct activities to mitigate the event.

• Plan and implement alternate revenue service during emergencies.

• Oversee the use of approved procedures and communication protocols to safely energize and deenergize traction power for maintenance and emergency purposes.

• Communicate continuously by telephone, radio and intercom with field personnel, supervisors and other staff to coordinate and monitor train and on-track equipment movements, maintenance activity and requests for power control.

• Ensure that OCC personnel comply with all operating rules, protocols, procedures and applicable regulations. Conduct Efficiency Tests to confirm and document compliance.

• Oversee the staff of the Operations Control Center including the selection, training and performance management of OCC personnel.

• Manage the OCC cost center's financial performance and provide input to the annual business plan preparation.

• Cooperatively and efficiently performs related tasks and duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal and technical support skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to provide clear instructions and comprehend complex information over the radio, intercom and telephone
• Ability to work within tight deadlines and constraints.
• Ability to rapidly assess situations and identify appropriate courses of action
• Ability to analyze and attend to multiple tasks in stressful conditions
• Proficiency in software applications used for analyzing data and preparing reports
• Ability to use computers and a variety of input devices to monitor and control train movements, power distribution and a variety of alerts and alarms
• Ability to prioritize and accomplish multiple tasks with minimal supervision
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Effective personnel and project management skills.

Emotional, Psychological and Physical Requirements:

Ability to:

• Work long hours and endure high levels of stress
• Handle emergency situations, calmly and effectively
• Make quick and concise decisions
• Concentrate on priority tasks with frequent interruptions
• Communicate effectively through different mediums

Physically:

• Sit frequently for long periods of time
• Walk and stand periodically while on duty throughout the facility
• Bend, twist, and turn frequently and consistently during shift
• Lifts light loads at times (<50 lbs.)
• Work in an office environment and remotely in a vehicle

Additional/Miscellaneous/Special Requirements:

• Acceptable drug/alcohol screen and pre-employment physical (including vision and hearing requirements) results upon hire and as regularly required by PLTO's policy for position.
• Willingness to work during evening and weekend hours as needed
• May be required to attend training, meetings, and classes for continued professional development which may require local travel within the Washington Metropolitan area.
• Must possess a valid state driver's license
• Acceptable driving record must be maintained throughout entirety of employment.

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Transportation, Logistics, Business or Information Systems.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in transit or railroad operations.
• At least three (3) years' experience as a dispatcher preferably in a high-density passenger service environment.
• Proficient with computer operation, Asset Management software, and the MS Office platform
• Experience in an FTA regulated environment preferred.
• Extensive overall experience may be considered in lieu of advanced education.
• Experience leading OCC activities during startup or commissioning phases of new rail service is highly desirable.