Quality, Compliance & Oversight (QCO) CO-OPS

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

In August 2022, the MBTA launched the?Quality, Compliance & Oversight (QCO) Department to implement and oversee its response to the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) findings and directives contained in a Safety Management Inspection (SMI) report. The report included a systemwide review of rail transit operations, training, vehicle maintenance, signals and train control, and track access. It also covered capital project delivery, traction power, facilities, and safety management. In response to the FTA, QCO has developed a series of Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) that has been approved by FTA for implementation.

This role will support QCO to implement and oversee its response to the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) findings and directives contained in a Safety Management Inspection (SMI) report.

The role is for someone who is looking to develop and strengthen business and process improvement skills while working on QCO-related cross-functional projects. Your need to have ability to successfully assist MBTA staff in executing on process improvement will require strong communication skills, patience, and a solution-oriented attitude.

You will get guidance and mentorship from the MBTA’s Quality, Compliance and Oversight team. Working in QCO, you will be on the front line of a mission critical engagement essential to the operation and reputation of the MBTA.

Based on best fit, Interns/COOP will be placed with one of QCO’s three teams.2. Document Management engages with stakeholders throughout the MBTA to develop a comprehensive approach to regulatory-compliant Document Management in support of a safe and reliable transit system. The Document Management team is divided into three strands related to the document lifecycle; these strands are discrete in function but work collaboratively:Developing systems and standards for document management is integral to producing quality information that is authentic, reliable, usable, findable, and sustainable. Our goal is to overcome existing barriers to information discovery and gathering while supporting access controls, security, and digital preservation to prevent loss or gaps in information.

• Safety Management Inspection (SMI) Response ensuresthe CAPs are designed to resolve immediate safety concerns identified in the organizational and operational structure of the MBTA’s rail transit system. Over the longer term, QCO’s response to the SMI is designed to foster positive, transformative, and sustainable change in the future organizational structure of the MBTA. The team is divided into 4 work streams based.
• Workforce
• Data, Systems & Communication
• Quality Management
• Policies, Rules & Procedures
• Document Control
• Records and Information Management
• Archives and Digital Asset Preservation
• Quality Management is building an enterprise-wide Quality Program which will ensure written standards and processes are established, measured, and tracked within the MBTA’s fleet and infrastructure functions. These functions cover quality across the product lifecycle (capital design and construction, engineering, operations, and maintenance). The audits, inspections, and analysis completed within this role will support a learning culture to improve the MBTA’s vehicle procurement systems and processes.
  
  
  

Duties & Responsibilities

This position will assist Senior Management and others with their duties related to the delivery, implementation and oversees its response to the FTA findings and directives contained in the SMI report.

• Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or co-worker in a professional and courteous manner.
• Attend internal MBTA meetings (virtual and/or in person).
• Performs all other duties and projects that may be assigned.
  
  
  

SMI Response Duties and Responsibilities

• Working under the direction of a Senior Director, interact with line staff, consultants, and management as necessary to ensure timely and correct implementation of Corrective Action Plans (CAPs).
• Participate in and assist with regular meetings with the QCO, with Advisory Groups created to assist with Corrective Action Plan (CAP) compliance, and with consultants retained by the MBTA to track progress, troubleshoot problems, and prepare for presentations to the FTA.
• Assist the QCO in determining compliance with the Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) agreed to by the FTA and the MBTA.
  
  
  

Document Management Duties and Responsibilities

• Working under the direction of the Director, interact with DM staff, consultants, and management as necessary to ensure assigned projects are completed in a timely manner.
• Participate in regular meetings with Document Management and our departmental stakeholders.
• Help organize and enhance access to key documents, which will be shared on different platforms for different users.
• Assist with enhancing our current file management system and new internal SharePoint Team site.
• Assist with identifying documents and assigning metadata as directed.
• Assist with records appraisals as directed.
  
  
  

Quality Management Duties And Responsibilities

• Working under the direction of the Director, interact with QM staff, consultants, and management as necessary to ensure assigned projects are completed in a timely manner.
• Participate in regular meetings with Quality Management and our departmental stakeholders.
• Assist in establishing processes that will measure and track the MBTA’s fleet and infrastructure functions.
• Assist the team with audits, inspections and analysis as directed.
  
  
  

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

Minimum Education

• Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program at an accredited institution.
• Demonstrate excellent analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving abilities.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, present ideas in user-friendly language, and will have strong presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers.
• Conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines.
• Manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
  
  
  

Substitutions Include

None

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Project Management.
• Proficient in MS365.
  
  
  

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 .