Operations Manager, Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC)

Minimum Qualifications

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

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

Certification/Licensure

• N/A

Preferred

• WMATA Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) experience
• A college degree in Business Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or similar field

Medical Group
Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.

Mission Essential Designation:

• In accordance with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) this job has been identified as critical to mission essential functions. Incumbents in this role may be required to report to or continue to work in the event of authorized office closings or service suspensions due to severe weather, natural disaster, fire, operational emergencies or related events.

Job Summary

The Operations Manager, Rail Operations Control Center (ROCC) will serve as RAIL 1, the highest authority position on the 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.

Essential Functions

• 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 Functions

• 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.

The essential duties 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.

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, disability, 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.