Chief Signal Supervisor

About the Role

The Chief Signal Supervisor supervises activities including but not limited to routine inspection, repair, maintenance and testing of all signal equipment throughout the PATH system, including compressed air system and related equipment. The Chief Signal Supervisor will assist in planning, preparation, installation, supervision, construction, inspection, and testing of signal apparatus throughout the PATH system and signal related capitol project planning and implementation. 

The Chief Signal Supervisor will coordinate with the other Chief Supervisors within the PS&C Division and throughout PATH as well as Signal Design and Engineering.

Typical duties include but not limited to; identifying change and driving change management; preparing BRS Bulletins and job picks; making field inspections of equipment; instructing subordinates; directing maintenance, troubleshooting, installation, and testing activities; investigating causes of signal malfunctions; preparing and writing reports and other documents; assuring that routine FRA tests and inspections are performed and proper reports are submitted and filed; maintain FRA Hours of Service records; ensuring subordinates meet Part 217 efficiency testing requirements; requesting coverage of jobs for holidays, special projects, weather conditions, or emergencies; ordering material, supplies, and tools; interacting with other Divisions, FRA Inspectors, consultants, and contractors; responding to incidents, emergencies, and winter storms; planning and management of materials budget and management of budgeted over-time hours; scheduling supervisors to meet the needs of service and budgeted over-time hours; administering corrective discipline and reinstruction; and performing other duties as assigned; supervising the training supervisors and the schedule and updates to the signal training program. 

The Division Superintendent may assign shift assignments for road operations coverage and other duties at his discretion or as required by weather, projects, regulatory deadlines and maintenance work requirements.  Note that this position is subject to call-in or extended work hours on overtime.  Position is required to within one year successfully obtain and maintain a PATH Employee In-Charge (EIC) Roadway Worker card without restrictions if not already held.  

This position is located on the 8th Floor in Journal Square Transportation Center in Jersey City, New Jersey. If a PA employee is selected for this position, he/she will remain a PA employee (assigned to PATH) and will continue to be enrolled in and accrue time with NYSLRS. This is a railroad position. The selected candidate will be enrolled in and must contribute to Railroad Retirement instead of Social Security (FICA). PATH FM positions are not represented by a union. Overtime work is compensated at 1-1/2 times the hourly rate. This position may qualify as a Maintenance-of-Way employee as defined in Part 219 of Title 49 of the CFR and will be subject to prohibition of use and testing for Alcohol and Drugs as described in that part. 

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent and Principal Signal Engineer of Power, Signals and Communications, the selected candidate will manage, develop, and implement the routine and non-routine maintenance/construction of the Signals Section. The incumbent will carry out diverse maintenance & construction activities of broad scope and complexity; supervise a large, unionized work force (Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS)), to achieve standards of reliability and maintenance within budget limitations: 

• Executing State of Good Repair projects, supporting Capital, Sandy Recovery, and Other Grant Funded Programs.
• Supervise union employees and non-represented supervisors engaged in the maintenance, operation, and replacement of conventional and ATC signal system apparatus.
• Prepare, manage and report performance on significant annual maintenance programs and expenditures, demonstrating effective and optimal utilization of equipment and manpower in accomplishing established initiatives and goals.
• Investigate employee injuries and develop initiatives, programs and reports to support and promote the Division’s Safety and Attendance Management policies.
• Analyze and appraise existing maintenance practices to determine continuous improvement opportunities for cost efficiency and increased productivity.
• Review contract drawings and specifications as appropriate for repairs, construction, alterations and rehabilitation of signal systems for maintenance and capital projects and seek input and approval from Signal Design and Engineering where required.
• Prepare, submit and maintain documents/records to support Federal Grant Program reimbursement as it relates to work completed by Signal Section facility forces.
• Manage maintenance projects in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.
• Utilize PATH’s Asset Management System and other approved software to manage all aspect of the Signal Section’s inventory and work performance status
• Manage and maintain Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Records applicable to Signal Section and Hours of Service (HOS) regulations 

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience required in the design, maintenance and/or construction of railroad or rail transit signal systems
• Must have 4 years’ experience managing and supervising staff within a rail transit signal system.
• High School or Equivalency Diploma is required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license for operating a vehicle in New York and New Jersey
• Applicants must meet all performance and attendance standards and have completed all probationary periods
• Must be able to perform off-hour inspections and respond to emergency calls 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
• Must be able to work in diverse physical work environment including but not limited to tunnel areas and tight signal spaces

Desired Qualifications

• A Degree in Engineering
• Graduate of vocational trade/technical school
• Knowledge of the Port Authority/PATH organizational structure and its policies and practices, especially as they apply to facility operations, maintenance, safety, budget preparation/control and employee relations.
• Knowledge of PATH Book of Rules and FRA regulations as they apply to this position.
• Ability to read, review and interpret technical drawings and contract specifications.
• Knowledge of basic personal computer applications including Microsoft One Drive, Teams, Office and Alstom MMS.
• Ability to interact effectively with various levels of staff and contractors negotiating outcomes and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to devise and implement innovative and creative solutions to signal maintenance issues.
• Familiarity with contract reviews, preparation of purchases and requisitions.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret plc ladder logic, vital signal logic and conventional signal circuits

Selection Process

The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

Compensation & Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package, hybrid work options for many positions, and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

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