Transportation Manager

Position at Long Island Rail Road Job Title: Transportation Manager Department: Transportation MTA Agency: LIRR Primary Location(s): Various Salary Range/Additional Compensation Details: $112,085 - $144,666.95 Regulated/ Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive Union Affiliation: N/A Closing Date (if applicable): 6/11/2026 Shift (if applicable): Other: About your agency: Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles - from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island. JOB SUMMARY: This position is responsible to manage train operations property-wide, within the Transportation Services Department in the complex day-to-day responsibilities necessary to deliver safe, reliable, efficient and cost-effective service to our customers. The Transportation Manager directs crews in support of providing safe, reliable, dependable, comfortable and courteous service to our customers. Handles investigations, trials, statements of facts and assesses discipline with authority to settle cases within the Transportation Department. Provide direction and guidance in the development of subordinates. Incumbent must be available on a 24/7 basis to respond to duty as required. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Approve, support, and commit staff resources on behalf of the department for Track Outage Programs and/or Special Programs (e.g. US Open, Belmont, Citifield, Fire Drills, etc.) * Develop and maintain a safe work environment. * Establish and maintain effective operating procedures that will result in a solid focus on customer needs to support short-term and long-term customer strategies. * Direct assigned staff and manage the day-to-day operations and activities of assigned areas. Make spontaneous decisions that have a direct impact concerning safety and On-Time Performance including responsibility to transfer and assign employees to support operational requirements on a daily basis, which may result in employees receiving overtime and/or penalty payments. * Respond to service disruptions and/or emergencies on a 24/7 basis as required with responsibility to make decisions regarding contingent operating plans as incidents/situations occur. Decisions may include; canceling and/or combining trains, ordering emergency buses, and coordinating alternate means of transportation for passengers. * Provide support for Capital Projects through the ordering of work trains and flagging support staff as appropriate for each job. * Order various materials as necessary to maintain operations through the winter season, in compliance with WSOP (Winter Storm Operation Procedures). * Assume the role of primary management authority during operational incidents with complete autonomy and authority to direct the investigation and orchestrate recovery which can include the ordering of emergency buses, relieving crew members and covering assignments. * Conduct face-to-face employee observations (SAFER) per the Code of Federal Regulations evaluating compliance with operational and safety rules. As a result of the observation the Transportation Manager has authority to determine whether disciplinary charges should be assessed and/or employee should be taken out of service. Handle investigations, trials, statements of facts and assesses discipline with authority to settle cases within the Transportation Department. * Contribute toward department goals; maintain compliance with union work rules, policies, procedures and government regulations. * Investigate and evaluate customer correspondence concerning crew performance. Develop polices for Senior Department management. * Develop polices for Senior Department management. * Support departmental operating, safety and employee development initiatives. * Represent the Lead Transportation Manager in their absence as required. * Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review direct reports and approve performance appraisals. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential. * Position will determine whether discipline should be assessed for employees in situations of run failure and AWOL. Review and evaluate performance of staff. * Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example. * If an applicant is Engine Service Qualified (ESQ), maintaining a valid Locomotive Engineer Certification and is not on the active-duty Locomotive Engineer Roster, they will be required to provide Engine Service coverage during Engine Service manpower shortages * Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: * Must have a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent (GED or TASC) approved by a State's Department of Education or recognized accredited organization. * Minimum 1 year of LIRR Transportation Operations Experience. * Must hold a valid Driver's License. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: * Must be fully qualified on Long Island Rail Road Operating Rules, Physical Characteristics, and Amtrak's Zone A. Candidates without Zone A qualification are required to become Zone A qualified as a condition of employment within 30 days of their appointment date to Transportation Manager or the next scheduled Amtrak class, whichever is sooner. * Must have an understanding of applicable Code of Federal Regulations regarding train operations. * Must have a working knowledge of air brake, MU, and diesel equipment. * Must have the ability to demonstrate sound, effective written and oral communication skills, and human relations to effectively manage/supervise employees as well as effective problem-solving skills. * Must have a working knowledge of operation agreements in relation to trials, investigations and grievances. * Must have the ability to work relief days as required to respond to service disruptions or emergencies on a twenty-four-hour, seven-day-week basis. * Must possess a valid driver's license from the state of your legal residence. * Prior supervisory/management experience. * Ability to formulate and implement alternative crew and equipment manipulations in an expedient and efficient manner. * Strong working knowledge of fare collection responsibilities and procedures. * Strong working knowledge of computer software programs. * Strong analytical skills. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor's Degree in Transportation, Business, or related field. * Minimum 3 years of LIRR Transportation Operations Experience. BENEFITS: * Commuting Assistance - based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA's jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts) * Low Premium - High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents) * Pension plans and retirement savings accounts for eligible employees * Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided. * Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees * Employee Assistance Programs * MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs * Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit * Employee Resource Groups * Layout 1 (mta.info) OTHER INFORMATION: * Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission"). * Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company's discretion. * Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position. * Current employees must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. * Candidates selected for this position may be placed in a competitive or non-competitive class position based on their qualifications. Qualified candidates who are placed in a competitive class position are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter and in the upper right corner of your resume that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program. For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, please visit the following link * LIRR: * In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include but is not limited to, a pre-screening assessment (i.e., physical, written, and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make-up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety-sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required. #TapYourCareers #MTACareers EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER: MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply. If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.