JOB DESCRIPTION
The Operations Manager, Metro Integrated Command and Communication Center (MICC), will serve as RAIL 1, the highest authority position on the Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) operations floor. This position leads the ROCC and ensures smooth rail operations 24/7/365 including safe, regular train movements, effective maintenance, clear communications, and on-time performance for passengers. The Operations Manager oversees the whole room and is responsible for determining incident levels, leading incident responses, bridging gaps between separate control center and rail operations functions, ensuring proper flow of information, coordinating resources across departments, and making decisions in accordance with policy and procedures, to prioritize safety and mitigate risk. The Operations Manager leads by example, cultivating an environment of shared purpose and effective collaboration across all functions of the ROCC to promote Metro's best interests.
Principal Job Duties
Serves as RAIL 1, leading the ROCC operations floor, including all functions (Rail Traffic Control, Maintenance, and Information). Verbally coordinates responses to incidents between the managers of each ROCC function and fire/police/emergency response liaisons.
Oversees the monitoring of the rail for incidents. Categorizes incidents on the rail by severity and impact, determining the response actions and communications of each function of the ROCC.
Directs and commands each function of the ROCC whenever necessary to ensure that staff adhere to procedures and policies, prioritizing safety. Exercises sound judgement and communicates effectively to proper stakeholders to enable fast execution of decisions.
Connects the different functions on the ROCC floor by verbally facilitating a quick flow of information between the Assistant Operations Managers, Maintenance Managers, and Information Managers. Synchronizes the efforts of these individuals and ensures they receive sufficient information about developments on the rail with ample time to direct their frontline staff.
Coaches and mentors the Assistant Operations Managers in the ROCC. Dedicates time to developing the technical and managerial talent of the Assistant Operations Managers.
Acts as a strategic partner to ROCC senior leadership. Assists in developing, implementing and modifying rail operating procedures and techniques (as necessary) to ensure that operations are conducted efficiently, safely, and in alignment with accepted transit practices and guidelines.
Works closely with the Business Managers to ensure that all ROCC staff are adequately trained and prepared to fulfil their roles of promoting safety on the rail. Recommends updates to training based on observations in the control center.
Uses performance data and risk information to continually work to improve ROCC operations and make Metrorail safer for Metro employees, contractors, and the traveling public.
Other Duties
Leads by example by following procedures, using checklists, and actively participating in meetings and trainings.
Promotes a culture of safety, accountability, and trust across the ROCC. Maintains strong working relationships with the Assistant Operations Managers, Maintenance Managers, and Information Managers. Supports comradery across all ROCC functions.
Contributes inputs for the administrative duties of all ROCC operational management, including Assistant Operations Managers, Information Managers, and Maintenance Managers. These include providing input on performance evaluations and timesheets.
Provides necessary input into reports of incidents in accordance with ROCC procedures. Contributes information to be used for After-Action Reports, safety investigations, learning or disciplinary matters.
Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures while performing job functions. Promotes a positive safety culture and encourages reporting of safety concerns consistent with our Agency Safety Plan, other regulatory requirements within the Safety Management System and just culture principles.
The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Knowledge
Knowledge of how to use computers and comfort with learning new applications and programs.
Knowledge of signals systems, the principles of signal layout and interlocking track circuit authority associated with rapid rail transit systems.
Knowledge of high voltage protection and transformer equipment in voltage classes up to 35.5 KV.
Knowledge of WMATA Rail Stations by name and alpha-numeric identification. Working knowledge able to identify WMATA switches and signals.
Knowledge of operations and maintenance of WMATA systems
Knowledge of control center operations.
Skills
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals, and interacting courteously and effectively with others. Demonstrates a level of emotional intelligence that includes an understanding of procedural fairness, objectivity, and recognition of human fallibility.
Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing. Values and exhibits brevity when relaying critical information that relates to safety and incident response.
Skill in expeditiously and accurately analyzing conditions and interpreting schematics, wiring diagrams, and related technical documentation to allow appropriate assignment of maintenance personnel and for the follow through of actions taken.
Skill in effectively providing constructive feedback and coaching individuals to develop their talent.
Possesses the skills to explain complex problems simply and clearly to others.
Abilities
Ability to exercise prudent and timely judgment in normal situations and incident response.
Ability to maintain attention to detail, with both organizational and time management tasks.
Ability to effectively manage risk and navigate high-risk situations with ease.
Ability to lead and direct others through routine situations as well as incident response.
Ability to instill trust among a group of individuals that will help them collaborate more effectively.
Possesses a level of emotional maturity and is able to take responsibility and learn from past mistakes.
Comfort and ability to address difficult issues and make decisions with potentially large consequences.
Able to multitask and prioritize all tasks within a fast-paced work environment.
Ability to establish working relationships and liaise with individuals and organizations with whom interface is required
Ability to maintain view of departmental long-term vision, providing benefit to their work group and the Authority.
Ability to clarify ambiguous scenarios and information and clarify for self and others.
Ability to evaluate facts thoroughly, exercise good judgment, take appropriate actions to address issues.
Accurately document events that occurred during incidents, accidents, and/or special events and convert into concise, well-written, grammatically correct reports.
Ability to maintain constant alertness and situational awareness to work effectively with others, make sound decisions, and develop strategies to overcome operational problems under stressful conditions in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently and/or with minimal supervision and to formulate solutions and address operational issues.
Ability to be available 24 hours/7 days a week unless approved time off has been granted.
Machine, Tools, Equipment, Software, Hardware Required
Personal Computer
MS Office Software
Supervisory Responsibility
Supervises work of others, including planning, assigning and scheduling work, reviewing work and ensuring quality standards, training staff and overseeing their productivity. May offer recommendations for hiring, termination and pay adjustments, but does not have responsibility for making these decisions.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Business Administration, Operations Management or related field of study
In lieu of a Bachelor's degree, a high school diploma and four years of control center or similar operational work experience will be considered
Minimum Experience
A minimum of six (6) years of relevant work experience to include:
At least 3 of those years in a control center or similar operational environment
At least 2 of those years in a supervisory position
Minimum Certification/Licensure
N/A
Preferred Qualifications
WMATA Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) experience
A college degree in Business Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or similar field
ABOUT US
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), known as Metro, is the region's leading public transportation provider. Serving a 2,054-square-mile jurisdiction, Metro operates six rail lines, 98 stations, 126 bus routes, and Metro Access, a shared-ride paratransit service. As one of the nation's busiest transit systems, Metro connects communities, supports economic growth, and provides safe, reliable transportation.
Evaluation Criteria
Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.
Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:
Skills and/or behavioral assessment
Personal interview
Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
Review of a current motor vehicle report
Closing
WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.
This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.
