Director of Operations

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The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority ("SFRTA"), the operator of Tri-Rail, is seeking qualified candidates for the role of Director of Operations to join our team. Under the direction of the Executive Director, this Senior Management position is responsible for the complete oversight and contract administration of the commuter rail for the SFRTA, including dispatch, operations, fleet maintenance and station maintenance.  This position works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The Director of Operations will possess the expertise, professionalism, leadership skills, and ability to develop long-term strategic initiatives for successful operations and growth of the SFRTA commuter rail, providing safe and efficient service and improved transportation.  The individual's leadership will directly impact the growth and modernization of SFRTA’s commuter rail service.

This role offers the opportunity to lead high-impact projects, including fleet expansion—think new locomotives, coaches, and cab cars. If you’re a dynamic leader with a passion for transportation, operational excellence, and strategic growth, we want to hear from you! Join us and help shape the future of public transit in South Florida!

Contract & Vendor Management:

• Lead a team of professionals to ensure SFRTA’s contract operator(s) perform their required duties and deliver exceptional results while coordinating with all users of the South Florida Rail Corridor to achieve the best utilization of the Rail corridors over which SFRTA operates.
• Coordinate and work with the contractor(s) in all phases of transportation delivery including scheduling, alternative service plans, delay mitigation, and transportation delivery improvements while operating under Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rules and regulations. Serve as the Project Manager for operations contracts including intimate knowledge of contractual obligations and having the responsibility to ensure compliance with such contracts.
• Act as Project Manager of procurements, including new equipment purchases, rolling stock overhaul/maintenance, lease of equipment, and other program work.
• Investigate, monitor, and analyze on-time performance and capacity issues in order to identify trends; make recommendations for improved performance such as schedule adjustments and assess related performance measurements to determine contract compliance.
• Investigate and analyze field problems in order to develop and implement solutions that are in compliance with contracts, and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations and practices.
• Provide support for the continued development and implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) in the role of Project Manager for operations contracts.

Operations Oversight & Performance Monitoring:

• Conduct monthly (or as needed) inspections of commuter rail passenger trains and facilities and other transportation facilities to ensure effective and safe performance and assure conformance with operating rules, orders, requirements, and contract obligations.
• Generate plans for future service and fleet improvements.
• Oversee contract for airport shuttle service.

Budget & Financial Management:

• Develop and administer Operations and Capital budgets within the department and ensure budgetary goals are met.

Workforce Management:

• Manage the Operations Department workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, and policies of SFRTA including the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Anti-Retaliation policies.

Board & Stakeholder Communication:

• Provide presentations to the SFRTA Governing Board, including data analysis and statistics, as directed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• railroad operating procedures, applicable federal and state and local laws, rules and regulations, and transportation industry best practices.
• Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Regulations & Guidance, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Skills in:

• data analysis and report preparation.
• supervising professional staff and managing performance.
• decision-making and strategic planning in a transit operations environment.

Ability to:

• motivate and lead a professional team.
• analyze trends and operational challenges to recommend solutions.
• effectively manage competing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
• communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

COMPUTER EQUIPMENT & SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and internet-based programs.
• Experience with specialized event recorder software and other transportation technology platforms.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in transportation, engineering, business or related field.

Minimum Experience

• Eight (8) years of experience in transit related work in commuter rail operations and maintenance to include three (3) years of staff supervisory, budgetary and management responsibilities.

Equivalency Experience

• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job may be substituted.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Additional years of progressively responsible professional experience in a railroad environment to include five (5) years of staff supervisory, budgetary and management responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL ROLE

• This position is identified as essential. During an emergency event and employee working in this classification is required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as needed and/or directed.

Salary : $106,573 - $207,682