Asset Planning Manager at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in Boston, MA

: 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

Reporting to the Senior Asset Planning Manager, the Asset Planning Manager will be one of Asset Management's liaison to MBTA's Capital Planning, Capital Programs, and Engineering to help direct investment planning activities for the Agency based upon data from the Enterprise Asset Management System (Asset inventory). This position will leverage the Asset Management Program to establish a comprehensive approach across the Agency to determine which assets need investment based on asset strategies. Asset strategies dictate how we assess asset condition, what are the thresholds for capital investment, and how critical the asset is. This position will support the Capital Needs Assessment and Inventory, the 5-Year Capital Investment Plan (CIP), and the development of project charters from various agency departments. In addition to these responsibilities, this position will support the gathering of Asset Information through the lifecycle of Design and Construction projects at the MBTA.

In line with 49 CFR 625, 630, and 673 requirements, the Asset Planning Manager (Capital Needs) will assist the asset management program in developing its investment prioritizations in line with policies and strategies consistent with the Transit Asset Management Plan (TAMP) which improve or manage the State of Good Repair of capital assets.

Duties & Responsibilities

Communicate asset strategies clearly and convey a data-driven story to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Apply asset strategies to identify asset needs requiring capital investment as a part of the capital program development and validate that initial project requirements will address highest priority asset needs during project selection.
Align capital investment decisions with the Strategic Asset Management Plan and Capital Needs Inventory in support of organizational goals. Identify opportunities for process improvement and standardization.
Prepare, author and develop periodic detailed reports to Senior Managers, Directors, Managers, Superintendents and Supervisors based upon data derived from the Enterprise Asset Management System (EAMS) to identify instances requiring engineering improvement.
Interface with Agency user departments when there are unexpected changes to asset condition or performance outside of the established capital planning process, and which lead to changes to the relative priority of needs.
Provide recommendations and consult on the development of EAM system, as a primary user of this system's outputs. Drive integration of EAM systems into the Agency business processes and decision-making.
Apply your expertise in quantitative analysis and the presentation of data to help inform and influence key business decisions around capital investment.
Support federal programs in assessing the cost-effectiveness and economic impacts of projects and capital investments.
Enforce the Asset Management division policies and procedures by monitoring that policies and procedures are followed as it relates to assets, audit requirements and other MBTA manuals and directives.
Respond or report to work as directed by supervisory personnel for emergencies, extreme weather conditions, or any other abnormal conditions that impair service or the safety of service, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
Perform related duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in Planning, Construction Management, Business, Finance, Architecture, Engineering, Transportation, Economics, Public Policy, Sciences, or a related field from an accredited institution.
Five (5) years of experience in the management of public works projects, planning or design phases of transportation, environmental, urban design, or other related projects (design and/or construction).
Must have knowledge of capital planning and asset management activities.
One (1) year of leadership experience at the supervisory or individual level or management of large projects.
Must have knowledge of frameworks for analyzing asset condition and criticality.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to persuade others and achieve beneficial outcomes.
Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization including leadership teams.
Effectively communicate with customers, employees, vendors, contractors, designers, public legislators, and state and federal agencies.
Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Experience working with Excel or Tableau and other data visualization software.
Experience analyzing and interpreting data, drawing conclusions, and defining recommended actions across technical and non-technical groups.
Possession of a valid driver's license without infractions in accordance with MBTA policy.
Have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations assigned or directed.
Be available to work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week, 365 days per year.

Substitutions Include

An Associate's Degree from an accredited institution with the ability to comprehend, communicate and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English and three (3) additional years of experience preferably in light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, freight rail, public works projects, planning, design phases of transportation, environmental, urban design, or other related projects (design and/or construction) may be substituted for the degree requirement.
A high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) from an accredited institution with the ability to comprehend, communicate and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English and seven (7) additional years of experience preferably in light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, freight rail, public works projects, planning, design phases of transportation, environmental, urban design, or other related projects (design and/or construction) may be substituted for the degree requirement.

Preferred Experience and Skills

A Master's Degree or above from an accredited institution in Planning, Construction Management, Business, Finance, Architecture, Engineering, Transportation, Economics, Public Policy, Sciences, or a related field.
Seven (7) years of experience working in Transit or the Railroad.
PMP Certification.
Experience helping state department, agencies or administrative offices to prioritize and select portfolio prioritization.
Demonstrated understanding of large programs or funding mechanisms.
Deep experience with Federal program planning requirements, including the stand up and execution of evolving program requirements.
Demonstrated ability to work in a high profile, high pressure environment effectively.
Experience managing, influencing, and negotiating project requirements with business partners and cross functional teams.
Advanced Proficiency in Excel and/or Tableau
Comfortable with ambiguities, conflicting priorities and multi-cultural and matrix environment.
Experience with transit system construction.
Knowledge of Systems Engineering methodologies.
Knowledge of Risk Management.
Experience managing highly technical and high performing teams.
User level Knowledge of Enterprise Asset Management Systems.

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.