At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.
Job Summary
The Deputy Chief for Field Services will be responsible for the management of all Capital Programs field activities supporting the implementation of Capital Projects. The Deputy Chief for Field Services will supervise senior leadership and multiple groups including Field Staff and Construction QA. The scope of responsibility for this position will include the development, implementation, and enforcement of field-related policies and practices including a Field Manual, a Construction Quality Assurance Plan which is a component of an overall Quality Assurance Plan (QAP), and other procedures that impact the effective implementation of capital projects. This position's current direct reports will include but may not be limited to the senior leadership for Field Staff and Construction QA.
The Deputy Chief for Field Services will report to the Chief of Capital Program Support and will coordinate with senior management from MBTA Capital Programs and other Authority Departments to ensure that the MBTA's interests are adhered to throughout the construction process including standards, policies, and practices mandated by the Authority and in conformance with the Massachusetts State Building Code (9th Edition), and other industry best practices. The Deputy Chief will be primarily responsible for the effective implementation of all safety initiatives and directives on capital projects. Responsibilities will also include performing construction QA reviews and ensuring that MBTA Construction QA documentation controls and reporting requirements are being adhered to across all capital projects. The Deputy Chief will also be responsible for the management and oversight and training of construction QA inspectors, and more than 100 field personnel including Resident Engineers and Construction Inspectors who are assigned to MBTA projects.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Effective implementation of all field oversight and supervision on MBTA capital projects.
- Develop and implement the scheduling of all field staff assignments to effectively identify workload requirements and assignments of field staff to capital projects ensure sufficient coverage of all capital projects including how to appropriate utilize staff augmentation and solve problems in a timely manner.
- Understand and evaluate real time project schedule changes and priority shifts to adjust field staff assignments to ensure sufficient coverage of all capital projects.
- Responsible for notifying project leadership of all potential assignment changes and effectively resolving any related conflicts to mitigate any disruption to the oversight and delivery of capital projects.
- Supervise Field Managers, day and night shifts to ensure proper oversight and management of large technical and administrative staff including but not limited to construction QA auditors, and Field Staff (Resident Engineers and Construction Inspectors).
- Ensure that all field staff are reporting to the site/project offices and implementing their duties consistent with the Field Manual. Update the Field Manual on an annual basis.
- Development and implementation of policies and procedures related to field activities including Field Manual, Construction QAP, and related SOPs to ensure consistent implementation of policies and best practices.
- Identify lessons learned thru interdepartmental stakeholder feedback and use to update policies and procedures as appropriate.
- Manage the Quality Assurance for Construction team including oversight of the Construction QA teams who conduct field audits on capital projects.
- Work with other groups to develop the MBTA Quality Assurance Plan with a focus on the development of the Construction Quality Assurance Program (CN QAP). Responsible for updating the CN QAP, as necessary, on an annual basis.
- Development of construction quality assurance policies, procedures, and checklists including development and annual update of SOPs.
- Develop reports to senior management for Capital Programs on audit findings and contractor compliance with respect to quality requirements.
- Incorporate audit findings into lessons learned to create a continuous construction quality improvement process for capital projects.
- Analyze quality data to determine trends for the development of quality policies.
- Work closely with senior leadership and HR to implement the TCI intern program.
- Effectively analyze and resolve construction quality, and nonconformance issues, and propose corrective action to improve quality and advance compliance.
- Act as a liaison with Labor Relations and be primarily responsible for establishing and maintaining sound union/management relationships.
- Lead monthly meetings between ECD and Labor Relations to resolve open issues and participate in CBA negotiations, as needed.
- Liaison with multiple departments including but not limited to MBTA Safety, OCE, QCOO, RROPS, and E&M to ensure appropriate implementation of safety initiatives and directives.
- Actively participate in FTA SMI Advisory Groups including management of staffing gap analysis for field staff.
- Understand design and construction contracts and assist in the procurement, negotiations, and recommendation of approval for contracts, as required.
- Understand various delivery processes available to the MBTA including design-bid-build, construction manager at risk, and design-build and work with the Chief of CPS to develop trainings and advance the knowledge of alternative delivery by field staff.
- Develop skills and experience criteria for Field Staff for alternative delivery projects.
- Effectively manage and resolve all hiring and discipline issues.
- Coordinate closely with MBTA Safety and others to ensure safe practices on capital projects.
- Undertake special projects as assigned by the Chief of Capital Program Support.
- Interface with industry partners including general contractors, design consultants, and other third parties to implement MBTA policies and procedures including safety ini and directives.
- Interface with professional organizations including CIM, ACEC, and AGC as well as regulatory agencies to effectively implement MBTA policies and procedures including safety initiatives and directives.
- Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit worksites, if necessary.
- Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or co-worker in a courteous and professional manner which is consistent with the MBTA's customer service quality standard.
- Respond to emergencies, either directly or through subordinates, on a twenty-four (24) hour, seven (7) day per week basis
- Uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees
- Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination, and Anti-Harassment, and Anti-Retaliation policies.
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field
- Twelve (12) years of experience in the construction of major capital projects.
- Seven (7) years of supervisory experience
- Established relationships with MBTA senior leadership.
- Significant knowledge of MBTA policies and procedures related to construction including the Field Manual, Safety Spec, Safety Directives, FTA SMI initiatives, and newly revised ROW Procedures/Training
- Significant knowledge of ongoing MBTA capital projects
- Strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
- Effective organizational, analytical, and multi-tasking abilities.
- Strategic thinker and problem solver.
- Ability and willingness to address conflicts and manage personnel issues.
- The ability to use the MS Office suite of applications as well as Database applications
- The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner
- Effectively communicate with customers, employees, contractors, and vendors
- Possess excellent customer service, communication, presentation, and speaking skills.
- Demonstrated approach to time management, delegation of responsibilities, and prioritization of issues.
- Ability to understand the big picture without losing focus on the details.
- Have a valid driver's license.
- Available to work in a hybrid environment requiring 2 (two) or more days in the office in Boston, MA
Job Conditions:
- Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English
- Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences
- Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team (or supervise, if required)
- Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers
- Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies
- Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection)
- Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings
- Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service
Disclaimers and Definitions:
- General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
- Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
- Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
- Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
- Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
- Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
- On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
- Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
- ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.