April 12, 2013
News

Manager – Service Planning Analysis

Written by Nebraska Digital, administrator

Position Purpose: Support short term and long-term service planning efforts through rail service simulations and preparation of financial and operational analyses. Support the service agreements between Metro-North and Connecticut DOT for New Haven Line services and between Metro-North and NJ Transit for West of Hudson services through the preparation of financial analyses.

Major Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

Perform operational analyses as required in support of various long-term planning studies. Review and comment on work performed by consultants or other agencies in this area on certain long-range planning studies.
Perform analyses of service scenarios in support of short-term service planning efforts (i.e. operational analysis of potential schedule changes).
Perform rail service simulations in support of service planning and long-term planning studies. Analyze simulation results and prepare analysis/reports for stakeholder review.
Maintain rail simulation model of MNR infrastructure.
Prepare financial analyses in support of the service agreements between Metro-North and Connecticut DOT for New Haven Line services and between Metro-North and NJ Transit for West of Hudson services.
Oversee the maintenance of and periodic updates to computer systems: analytical tools, simulators, programs, hardware and software.
Act as liaison between Metro-North Planning Division and various outside agencies, including the MNRR & CT Commuter Councils; CDOT, etc., attending their monthly meetings, as well as responding to information/data requests from the Council.

Major Challenges/Other Comments:

Must be able to produce accurate, comprehensive analyses and reports, often with limited resources and/or on extremely short notice.

Qualifications: Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Excellent ability to evaluate and analyze service impacts of potential service changes (i.e. customer, operating) in an accurate and timely manner.
Working knowledge of operational simulation models and train performance calculators (RailSim v6.5 and/or v8 preferred)
Detail-oriented with strong quantitative and analytical skills
Strong planning and organizational skills with the ability to develop strategic initiatives
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to speak effectively with internal departments, the public, and various types and levels of public agencies
Strong oral and written communication skills
Strong presentation skills
Strong ability to operate effectively in high pressure situations with flexibility to adapt to change
Strong ability to exercise a high level of independent judgment and decision-making
Proficiency with MS Office and/or comparable applications

The following is/are preferred:

Familiarity with Metro-North Railroad operations, including schedule changes and budgeting/strategic planning processes

Required Education/Experience/Training:

Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation Planning, Service Planning, Planning, Business, or related field
Minimum five (5) years work experience in Transportation Planning and/or Service Planning
Minimum three (3) years work experience using RailSim or comparable railroad operations simulation software

The following is/are preferred, but other satisfactory combinations of relevant experience, education, and/or technical credentials will be considered: