Deputy Chief of Structures

About the Department

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.

Position Duties

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 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

Other Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

Employment Benefits at the MBTA

Full-Time Employees:

The MBTA offers comprehensive benefits packages. Types of benefits offered at the MBTA are subject to the union affiliation / Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of the position to which you apply. Benefits that may apply to your position include the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life (basic and supplemental), and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Retirement: Pension or deferred compensation 401(a), plus MBTA contributions
• Complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail)
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for student loans
• Commuter Choice Parking Program: Pre-tax benefits for parking
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax benefits for healthcare-related expenses
• Discounted tickets for concerts, movies, travel / vacation, etc. via TicketsAtWork.com
• Shopping discounts via GovX.com
• Verizon and AT&T service discounts
• And more...

Disclaimer:

The above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the MBTA, which may or may not apply to a specific position. This summary is not a contract and is not meant to change the provisions of union contracts or Authority policies and does not establish a binding practice. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email [email protected] for more information.

The MBTA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerMassachusetts Bay Transportation AuthorityAddress 10 Park Plaza

Boston, Massachusetts, 02116 Phone(617) 222-3200
Website https://www.mbta.com