Rail Department Operations Lead

WHO WE ARE

Michael Baker International is a leading provider of architectural, engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, environmental, construction and program management. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions to support U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker’s more than 4,000 employees across 85 locations are committed to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technological advancement to help solve challenges for clients and communities throughout the country. To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.

RAIL & TRANSIT PRACTICE

Whether moving people or freight, future rail and transit solutions will be determined by energy prices, a shift toward urban living and growing environmental concerns. Michael Baker helps freight, authority and state Department of Transportation clients meet these modern challenges by providing services that address key industry issues such as state of good repair, capacity, safety, community livability, asset management and maintenance, planning and development for new projects, and the promotion of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

We provide value by first understanding our clients’ needs, then working with them as a partner to identify innovative and cost-effective solutions that optimize their opportunities for success.

DESCRIPTION 

Michael Baker International is seeking a Rail Department Operations Lead to oversee the dedicated rail (track, bridge, public project and construction) staff that support project delivery for our national rail clients located across the United States.  In this role, the Rail Department Operations Lead will contribute to operational excellence while supporting the Directors for Rail Bridges, Railway and Civil, Public Projects and Rail Construction.  Key areas of focus beyond managing staff and leading key projects, can include regional resource allocation & work share, technical resource planning support, project management performance oversight, quality control, and financial performance of rail and/or rail-heavy multidisciplinary projects in rail track, rail bridge, rail public projects/owner’s rep services and rail construction managers/inspectors.

In this position, you will utilize your strong technical skills and communication skills to interface with Michael Baker International staff across various regions to ensure proper execution of work with the highest technical and operational excellence. As the Rail Department Operations Lead, you will work closely with the National Director, Rail and Transit and discipline specific Directors to prioritize your individual responsibilities and promote collaboration within the rail team in delivering project excellence through all rail & transit services. This position will report to a Great Lakes Office Executive or Regional Director, depending on experience level. 

LOCATION

Ideal candidates should be located in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, western/central Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Wisconsin but consideration for a location outside of the states mentioned (but within the United States) will be given to a candidate with key client relationships, staff management experience and other related factors. A hybrid work schedule is encouraged for candidates located near a Michael Baker office. If not located near a Michael Baker office, the position will be fully remote.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with Directors for Rail Bridges, Railway and Civil, Public Projects and Rail Construction.
• Potential to serve in key role for local, regional or national rail projects. 
• Assist with recruiting and retention, performance management, and development of staff.
• Support business development activities and leverage relationships to grow client base and win future work
• Analyze regional rail & transit practice backlog and maintain a forecast of staffing needs.
• Provide workforce analysis and resource management to identify skills, experience, competency, and training needs.
• Oversee management of staff utilization by scheduling, monitoring and revising assignments; creating and monitoring department budgets; providing leadership and direction by mentoring and motivating staff on issues such as performance feedback, financial management, and client relations; resolving personnel issues such as marginal performance, policy interpretations, and succession planning.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field is required.
• Minimum 12+ years of experience required.
• Experience shall include some knowledge of working with a Class I, Amtrak, regional or local rail and transit agency including planning, rail bridge, track, construction management, project management or other related discipline.
• Professional Engineering (PE) License preferred.
• Be able to qualify to be a PM and manage projects for clients within the market/office in which they reside.
• Solid communication and relationship building skills, both internally and externally.
• Ability to leverage on existing connections and client relationships to help identify and/or win new rail & transit work.
• Ability to effectively network and influence at peer levels.
• Knowledge and experience in Oracle-based (or similar) resource and financial management platforms.
• Strong background in ownership, initiative and dedication to high quality engineering services and client deliverables.

BENEFITS

• We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:
• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
• Professional and personal development
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter and wellness benefits

COMPENSATION

The approximate compensation range for this position is $131,634- $228,048 per year. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting.  Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.

MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL EEO STATEMENT 

Michael Baker International is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.   

EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination. 

Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 80 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.

Based in Pittsburgh and with nearly 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.

We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.

We Make a Difference.

Michael Baker International is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.

EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.
*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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