Railroad Civil Engineer II (Limited Term)

PURPOSE OF POSITION The Railroad Civil Engineer II will work closely with other staff and consultants to perform project engineering and project management duties for railroad design projects. This position will also be the subject matter expert on a variety of projects including plan reviews, preparation of various applications for environmental documentation and agreements with local agencies, railroads and third parties involving public works construction, station design, grade crossings, grade separations and utilities to ensure compliance with railroad engineering standards and regulatory requirements. This position will be involved in managing projects and tasks as part of the Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion Program (SCORE), a multi-year program to increase the capacity of the regional rail system by adding double track, station platforms, grade crossing improvements, signal respacing, and maintenance facilities. This is a Limited Term position not to exceed five (5) years. This position is funded in whole or in part through federal, state, or other governmental grants which are limited by time or funding. Limited Term positions may be eliminated when the funding ends, time expires, or due to lack of business need for the position. Limited Term employees receive all benefits provided to full-time employees, including but not limited to retirement, medical, dental, vision, and life. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the career level of the Railroad Civil Engineer series. At this level, the incumbent has some latitude for independent judgment and may vary work methods and procedures, but usually within prescribed parameters. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Receives supervision from departmental management/supervisory level rolesNo formal supervisory responsibilities The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Serve as Project Manager for various railroad capital and rehab projects during design.Serve as SCRRA’s Project Manager to support various projects led by other agencies.Support the delivery of railroad related projects involving track and signals, crossings, bridges, culverts, tunnels, buildings, drainage and retaining structures, grading, and other right-of-way facilities.Write project descriptions, charters, project study reports, and regular monthly reports.Calculate construction work quantities (quantity take-off) from plans and specifications, field survey data, or direct field measurements.Prepare estimates of the probable cost of construction and maintenance activities using data from estimating tables, previous bids, production reports, or analysis of crew and equipment.Write scope of work and prepare estimates for professional services task orders; manage contract task orders and oversee consultant scope of work.Monitor expenditures during design and prepare reports of cost to date for on-going work, projected cost at completion, and anticipated outlays over life of project.Review invoices for work performed on various contracts as specified by the contract.Prepare project budgets and track funds received for projects from grants, deposits, or other sources, and prepare reports of expenses versus budget, and assist accounting department with timely billing on projects.Review submittals from contractors for conformance with the requirements of the contract, and SCRRA standards, respond to requests for information, submittals, correspondence, and other contract related documents;Assist in development of plans for construction activities using inspection and other measurement and condition data and prepare schedules for design and construction using critical path scheduling techniques (CPM).Calculate project material requirements, prepare bid packages from standard plans and specifications, prepare purchasing requisitions, and track material procurements.Maintain a culture of safety by participating in activities of safety committees, reviewing work plans for compliance with safe operating practices, and making observations of work activities.Prepare plans and specifications for job order contracts and small contract packages using SCRRA standard plans and specifications and other industry standards.Review designs of temporary structures for construction; review work plans for construction work involving railroad track and related facilities and structures including surveying and layout.Prepare correspondence to contractors, consultants, agencies, and other railroads to address engineering and construction topics.Support other various SCRRA departments for engineering related tasks as needed including but not limited to grant support, engineering reviews for permitting.Coordinate with various project stakeholders including Member Agencies, FRA, CPUC, BNSF, UPRR, Amtrak, and Local Jurisdictions; Present to stakeholders and the Board of DirectorsUnderstand the rights, duties, and obligations of contracts.Perform other duties as required. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field in engineering or physical science.A minimum of five (5) years of related work experience and knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and tracking project and resources, including monitoring and inspecting work, and contractor performance.A combination of training, with a minimum of an associate degree and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience.Valid Class C Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than three moving violations and no DUI’s within the last three years. Preferred Qualifications Professional Engineer's license or Engineer-in-TrainingPrior experience working on railroad projects (track and crossings)Prior experience working for a Class I Railroad or Freight Railroad Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of: The Authority’s operations and business practices, as well as the railroad regulatory environmentRailroad engineering design and construction standards and regulationsTransportation engineering principles Skilled in: Use of Microsoft OfficeProject Control Software CADD Software (MicroStation or AutoCAD) Ability to: Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to individuals and groups at all levels within and outside of the organizationMultitask and manage multiple projectsDevelop accurate material, time, and cost estimatesEffectively learn and adapt to new or changing industry concepts, regulations, codes, and best engineering practicesMaintain a positive calm attitude while performing duties and in adverse situations PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locationsOperate tools to perform the duties of the position; such as computers, office equipment and work-related machineryTransport equipment or boxes up to 25lbsExchange ideas by means of communicationVisual acuity to detect, identify and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracksBalance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations Working Conditions Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Work may also be performed in outdoor environments, street environments (near moving traffic), construction sites, in the community (homes, business, etc.), Railroad Track and Right-of-Way environments, warehouse environments, and shop environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, extreme heat (above 100 degrees), moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.) Southern California Regional Rail Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Selection Process: Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA. Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA