Deputy Chief of Structures

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, sustainability, culture, and accessibility, 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 Structures is the senior MBTA executive responsible for the delivery of the Authority’s Bridge, Tunnel, Docks, Dams, and Walls capital program. The Deputy Chief will define and articulate a vision for the successful development and execution of the structures capital investment program and oversee and direct the efforts of MBTA engineering, construction, and planning professionals, as well as outside consultants, to deliver over $1 billion in structural projects over the 5-year capital program.

The Deputy Chief for Structures is a strong, versatile senior leader who has demonstrated success managing capital programs of various size and complexity. S/he must have a depth of experience in capital program management, the effective leadership of large, complex organizations, preferably in the public sector, and the political and management acumen to operate at the senior levels of state government.

The Deputy Chief must be adept at solving complex technical, program and management issues, and equally adept at obtaining internal and external stakeholder acceptance of project design and delivery decisions. S/he must be particularly skilled in developing an integrated management team and in working across departments to effectively support the Structures delivery program while minimizing impact on day to day operations of the system. The Deputy Chief for Structures will set strategic priorities, develop performance goals and metrics, apply innovative design, construction, and program management methods, make decisions and solve problems to deliver the MBTA's Structures capital delivery program.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Deputy Chief for Structures is the senior executive accountable for the safe, on-schedule, on-budget delivery of the MBTA's Structures capital program. Will oversee and be actively engaged in all aspects of this program including developing a vision, performance goals, metrics, policies, and procedures to guide structures program delivery. S/he:

• Work in close collaboration with Railroad Operations and other organizational elements of the MBTA to ensure cross-functional coordination of project activity with operational outcomes, day-to-day maintenance, finance and administration requirements.
• Prepare and/or participate in the preparation of planning studies to evaluate the long-term needs for state of good repair and modernization and expansion of the Authority’s structural assets in close coordination with the Chief Engineer, Chief of Capital Delivery, Assistant General Manager (AGM) for Engineering & Capital, and for the AGM for Railroad Operations.
• Work closely with the Chief Engineer, Chief of Capital Delivery and AGM for Railroad Operations to identify and prioritize SGR needs.
• Work closely with the Office of Capital Finance to ensure that Program Budgets are accurately represented in the MBTA's Capital Investment Plan (CIP).
• Recommend MBTA capital project priorities consistent with the MassDOT CIP and the MBTA strategic plan.
• Develop and maintain a realistic program, project budgets, schedules and execution plans.
• Hire, direct, maintain, and lead a team of project delivery leaders, project managers, project coordinators, resident engineers, inspectors and other technical and administrative professionals who, collectively, manage and/or oversee the efforts of third party engineering, architectural and construction firms providing inspection, design and construction services under contract with the MBTA.
• Hire, direct, maintain, and lead a team of technical staff tasked with MBTA, State and Federal mandated inspections and ratings of select MBTA structural assets that include but are not limited to bridges, tunnels, retaining walls and miscellaneous other civil structures.
• Ensure that project development and design and construction activity is internally coordinated with MBTA operations and maintenance functions, and project management actions adhere to procurement and fiscal policy and practice.
• Collaborate with stakeholders including customers and members of the public, state and local elected officials, and federal and state regulatory agencies including the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) on planning and execution of assigned projects and the mitigation of associated issues.
• Prepare reports for and delivers presentations to MassDOT, the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board, elected officials, regulatory bodies, community groups and the media on Structural projects including addressing issues of potentially sensitive nature.
• Ensure staff and contractors respond to site emergencies twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week and coordinate recovery actions with MBTA operations.
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and/or attend off-site meetings.
• Available to work all shifts and locations as assigned or directed.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions.

Supervision

• Will lead and supervise up to five (5) Director level staff who will in turn manager and supervise a group of technical and project delivery staff numbering up to 40 affiliated individuals.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Architecture or Construction Management.
• Minimum of twelve (12) years of experience in leading and managing heavy civil constructions programs including bridge and/or tunnel projects, and projects in the public and/or private sectors.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of related experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer or Architect in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the ability to obtain a Massachusetts PE within six (6) months.
• Demonstrated success developing realistic and attainable project budgets and schedules.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with local, state, and federal agencies and governance boards.
• Effective organizational, analytical, confidentiality, multi-tasking and time management skills.
• Leadership experience communicating with customers, employees, vendors, contractors, designers, elected officials, community leaders, and state and federal officials.
• Proven ability to effectively respond to media inquiries.
• Solid presentation and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong leadership qualities.
• Proven track record of collaboration, transparency, and effective communication.
• Superior written communication skills worthy of a senior executive.
• Effective organizational, analytical, multi-tasking, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability and tact to work horizontally and vertically across organizational boundaries to assist project delivery leaders and project managers in resolution of variances in cost and schedule.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Availability to work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.

Substitutions

• A Master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Master’s Degree in Engineering, Architecture or Construction Management.
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM) Certification
• Familiarity with AREMA and AASHTO Bridge DesignSpecifications.
• NHI/NBIScertification(s) –Routine and Fracture Critical.
• Experience in managing multiple inspection and rating contracts for commuter rail, transit, highway, and pedestrianbridges.
• Experience in managing on-call bridge and tunnel repair or rehabilitationcontracts.
• Experience managing multiple bridge or tunnel projects at $5 million or over in a transit and or/design or constructionenvironment.
• Familiarity with FTA, FRA, MBTA and MassDOT rules and regulation regarding project delivery, environmental requirements andpermitting.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce 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 current student or 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 / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including 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.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

1. 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.
2. Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
3. Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
4. 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.
5. Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
6. 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.
7. Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 [email protected].
11. 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 .
12. Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.