Chief of Rail

Who We Are
The mission of the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is to provide a safe and efficient intermodal transportation network that improves the quality of life and promotes economic vitality for the State and the region. We have a growing public transportation system that is improving mobility for Connecticut residents and businesses and supporting economic development.

Do you have a passion for the transportation industry? If so, we have an exciting opportunity to work with us!

We are excitedly seeking candidates for a Chief of Rail (Transportation Public Transit Administrator) position in the Bureau of Public Transportation, who will be accountable for Connecticut's public service rail operations!

The Role
The Chief will direct a team of professionals responsible for the operation and maintenance of six passenger rail lines that transport more than 40 million passengers annually. You will be charged with maintaining state rail assets including rail cars, locomotives, stations, parking facilities, tracks, signal systems, power systems and bridges. Additionally, this role is the state’s principal on all rail policy matters, working closely with state and federal agencies.

In this key role you will:

• negotiate business agreements with railroads and other third-parties with the support of the internal CTDOT rail team;
  
• plan and implement new services;
  
• develop multi-year capital programs;
  
• lead a nearly $600 million operating budget (before revenue);
  
• develop rail-related legislative proposals;
  
• and coordinate with service providers to ensure quality rail service.
  

This is an excellent opportunity for you to serve as the chief customer advocate for rail riders ensuring safe, reliable, efficient service.
We offer our employees the option to participate in competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, a retirement plan as well as paid time off.

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be meet the Minimum Qualifications and Preferred Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.

Applicants must include a resume within the “Resume Tab” of their application. Ensure that their application is complete before submitting it. Applicants will be unable to make revisions once their application is submitted into the JobAps system.

NOTE: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application into the JobAps system. Individuals considered for interview may be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., You do not have to attach these documents to your application submission.

Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position. The candidate pool resulting from this posting may be used to fill future Transportation Public Transit Administrator vacancies in the Bureau of Public Transportation, in the next twelve (12) months. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.  

Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be available through your Jobaps portal account.

Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Maribel Flores at Maribel.flores@ct.gov and reference PN 79397 or questions about the job duties and required skills and experience, please contact Richard.W.Andreski@ct.gov.  

In the Department of Transportation, Bureau of Public Transportation, this class is accountable for directing the state's public service rail or bus operations.

The position is the state’s principal on all rail policy matters, representing the department with federal agencies such the Federal Railroad Administration and Federal Transit Administration, at the state legislature, in media interviews and with stakeholder organizations such as the Northeast Corridor Commission and State-Amtrak Intercity Passenger Rail Committee.

Additional examples of duties can be found here.

Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques to rail and bus transportation operations; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations pertaining to rail and bus operations; knowledge of governmental budgeting principles and practices; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to formulate and implement policy.

Ten (10) years' experience in a large organization with broad authority in recommending, formulating and implementing policy.

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a major rail or bus transportation program at the supervisory level.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

We'd love to hear from you if you have:

• Experience communicating on high level rail policy matters to various audiences;
  
• Experience with persuasive and public speaking;
  
• Experience leading a multi-disciplinary professional team to deliver large projects or programs;
  
• Leadership qualities must include ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and critical thinking in order to advance agency goals;
  
• Validated experience working with external partners including elected officials, rail advocacy organizations and media representatives.
  

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.