SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION The Finance Specialist will perform a wide variety of accounting work in accounts payable and general accounting. This at-will employment will be for a limited term of up to, but not to exceed, 999 hours in a fiscal year (July 1-June 30) or six (6) months, whichever comes first. TO APPLY: This is a continuous recruitment, with the first review of applications beginning April 8, 2024 . Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the career level of the Financial Specialist series. At this level, the incumbent has some latitude for independent judgment and may vary work methods and procedures, but usually within prescribed parameters. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Receives supervision from departmental management/supervisory level roles No formal supervisory responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities . Accurate data entry of invoices, check requests and expense reports into the accounts payable module. Ensure compliance with applicable Authority and department policies. Proactively monitor invoice status and resolve issues to ensure timely payment to vendors. Ensure the efficient utilization of the payables system, taking advantage of system capabilities. Enter and audit invoices or bills for compliance against purchase orders and requisitions. Track and monitor deposits ensuring that all projects have sufficient capital on hand for funding. Prepare routine correspondence, including collection correspondence to vendors, businesses, or the public. Determining penalties and delinquencies. Respond to requests for project closeout and perform final reconciliation documentation with applicable invoice or refund processes. Prepare closeout form for projects and updates Oracle accordingly. Review additions and extensions on all bills and invoices, verify authorization for payment and assigns priority. Verify data entry into financial system from source documents by means of sight verification and system on-line edit procedures. Verify state sales and use taxes, freight and shipping charges, payment terms and discounting on all bills submitted for payment. Provide user support to inquiries providing explanation of established procedures and work unit policies. Develop and maintain strong working relationships to facilitate achievement of department goals. Manage accounts payable email box. Perform other related duties as assigned. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience Associates degree in Accounting, Economics, Business or a related degree A minimum of four (4) years of work experience performing accounting work in accounts payable, accounts receivable and general accounting. A combination of training, education and or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience. Valid Class C Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than three moving violations and no DUI’s within the last three years is required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of : Accounting principles, practices and financial recordkeeping SCRRA’s purchase order system Sales tax, use tax and freight rules 1099 filing rules Skilled in : Use of Microsoft Office Use of Oracle Ability to : Explain and help affected parties solve payment issues Manage time effectively Create Accounts Payable journals Provide customer service PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Transition between standing, walking and sitting at varying lengths of time Climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl Use hands to finger, handle, feel and grasp tools to perform the duties of the position Ability to lift, hold and move objects up to 25lbs. Hear and perceive the nature of sounds Listen and express or exchange ideas by means of spoken words Visual acuity Working Conditions Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, Railroad Track and Right-of-Way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.) SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Selection Process: Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA. Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA MEDICAL: SCRRA offers a choice of twelve (12) health plan options provided through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You may choose from up to ten (10) Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and two (2) Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Some health plans are only available in certain counties and/or zip codes. You contribute 12.5 percent of the plan premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. You may waive coverage if you are covered under another group health plan; you must provide proof. Once you waive coverage, you will only be allowed to enroll during Open Enrollment or within 60 days from the date on which your other coverage is no longer available (proof is required). If you elect to waive coverage, you will receive $300.00 per month taxable earnings, paid in two installments of $150 each on the first two paychecks of the month. A retiree or an employee who is a spouse, child, or any other eligible dependent of another SCRRA employee is not eligible for the opt out/cash in lieu credit if he/she is covered under a SCRRA health plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. DENTAL: SCRRA offers two dental options provided by Delta Dental. Under the DeltaCare (HMO) program, you must select a contract dentist within their network to perform your dental services. If you require treatment from a specialist, your contract dentist will handle the referral. Many services are covered at no cost to you. A co-payment applies for other services. The Delta Dental PPO plan allows you to visit a dentist of your choice, change dentists at any time, go to a dental specialist of your choice, receive dental care anywhere in the world, and save on out-of-pocket expenses when you visit a PPO network dental office. SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents under both plans. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. VISION: SCRRA offers two (2) vision plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP), providing coverage for eye examinations, prescription eyewear and contact lenses through network providers. You have the option of seeing out-of-network providers, but full reimbursement is not guaranteed. VSP has contracted with many laser surgery facilities and doctors, offering you a discount on PRK and LASIK surgeries. If you enroll in the VSP Basic Plan, SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. If you enroll in the VSP Buy-up Plan, which offers enhanced vision benefits, you pay the difference between the cost of the Basic Plan and the Buy-up Plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow for the deferral of pre-tax dollars to be used for reimbursement of eligible medical and dependent care expenses. You can set aside up to $3,050 for health care expenses and $5,000 per family for dependent care expenses annually. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or a qualifying event. GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, to a maximum of $200,000. Your life insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. IRS regulations require that the portion of Group Term Life (“G.T.L.”) insurance benefits provided to you by SCRRA, which exceeds $50,000, be added to your Federal, State, and Medicare taxable earnings for W-2 reporting. This amount is reflected on your pay statements each pay period in the “Other Benefits and Information” section. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000 without evidence of insurability (initial enrollment period only) and up to 5 times your salary to a maximum of $500,000 with evidence of insurability. Dependent life options are also available. The voluntary plan is portable; you may retain it if you leave SCRRA and pay the premium. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT: SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, up to a maximum of $200,000. Your AD&D insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000, subject to a maximum of the lesser of 5 times your annual salary or $500,000. Dependent AD&D options are also available. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. SHORT TERM DISABILITY: You are covered under the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) Program. Your maximum benefit amount is 52 times your weekly benefit amount or the total wages subject to SDI tax paid in your base period, whichever is less. Employees pay a mandatory contribution, through payroll deductions, for coverage under the SDI program. The contribution rate for 2023 is 0.9 percent of earnings. The SDI taxable wage limit is $153,164, with a maximum withholding of $1,378.48 per employee for calendar year 2023. LONG TERM DISABILITY : SCRRA provides for income replacement of 60 percent of monthly earnings subject to a maximum benefit of $7,500 per month up to age 65. To qualify, you must be on disability for 90 days. (Note: there is a pre-existing condition clause in this program.) Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. VOLUNTARY BENEFITS: SCRRA offers the following employee-paid voluntary benefits, provided by Aflac: Group Accident Insurance helps pay for out-of-pocket costs that arise from covered accidents, such as fractures, dislocations, and lacerations. Group Critical Illness Insurance helps pay for the expected and unexpected expenses that arise from diagnosis of a covered critical illness, such as cancer (internal or invasive), heart attack, stroke, end-stage renal failure or a major organ transplant. Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs associated with a hospital stay, including benefits for hospital confinement, hospital admission, hospital intensive care and intermediate intensive care step-down unit. Group Short-Term Disability Insurance pays a monthly benefit directly to an employee who is off work due to an injury or illness for up to three (3) months after a seven (7) day waiting period. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. 9/80 ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULE: SCRRA offers a 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule (AWS). During a 10-day work period, you work eight 9-hour days, one 8-hour day and have one day off. Your day off can be Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the 9/80 AWS program. TELECOMMUTING SCHEDULE: SCRRA offers employees the option to telecommute up to two (2) days per week. At the CEO’s discretion, the maximum number of days per week may be increased due to a natural disaster, pandemic, civil unrest, federal/state/local stay-at-home order, or other special circumstances. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the telecommuting program. Employees on a 9/80 schedule cannot telecommute. HOLIDAYS: SCRRA observes twelve (12) holidays a year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. PAID TIME OFF (PTO): SCRRA provides employees with Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacations, illnesses, injuries, medical/dental appointments, religious holidays, personal business, and emergencies as follows: 0-4 years of service - 25 days 5-6 years of service - 30 days 7th year of service - 32 days 8th year of service - 33 days 9th year of service - 34 days 10-14 years of service - 35 days 15-19 years of service - 38 days 20 or more years - 42 days At the CEO’s discretion, prior service at a public transportation or public agency, or rail transportation company may be counted towards an employee’s total service years to increase the employee’s PTO accrual rate. To be considered, Human Resources requires that a written request along with verification and confirmation of the years of service be provided prior to the start of employment with SCRRA. Human Resources will provide the final determination on behalf of the CEO. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): SCRRA offers you and your immediate and dependent family members confidential counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for family, personal, work-related and substance abuse issues through the EAP. You are entitled to a telephone session(s) with a trained EAP professional to assess the nature of the problem and provide a referral for additional assistance, if needed. Services also include three (3) face-to-face counseling sessions per family member per six (6) month period. HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICES: SCRRA offers you and your eligible dependents free health advocacy services through Health Advocate. You are entitled to unlimited calls with trained professionals who can help you navigate the healthcare and insurance systems. RETIREMENT PLAN: The SCRRA contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You pay a 7.00 percent employee contribution and SCRRA pays an employer contribution, which varies each year. To be eligible for service retirement, you must be at least age 52 and have a minimum of five (5) years of CalPERS-credited service. Upon retirement you are entitled to a monthly retirement benefit based on your years of credited service, age, and average compensation during your last three (3) years of service (“final compensation”). The retirement formula for New Members is 2%@62, which means at age 62, you receive 2 percent of your final compensation for every year of service. Upon separation from employment with less than 5 years of credited service, you may request a refund of your employee contributions only, including interest, and end your membership with CalPERS, or leave it in your account and retain your service credit should you decide to work for another CalPERS-covered agency. If you are vested upon separation but do not retire, you may leave your contributions in your account until retirement or elect a refund. SOCIAL SECURITY: You do not participate in Social Security except for Medicare. You will contribute 1.45 percent of your pay to cover the hospital insurance portion of Medicare. *Additional Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax: As of January 1, 2013, employees are required to pay an additional 0.9 percent Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (for those who file an individual return) or $250,000 (for those who file a joint return). This additional hospital insurance tax is not reflected in the rate above. RETIREE MEDICAL: Unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18*: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other. SCRRA pays the same amount for retirees as it does for active employees, which is currently 87.5 percent of the applicable premium. Unrepresented employees hired on or after 11/1/18: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other and you have a minimum of 10 years of credited CalPERS service, five of which must be performed at SCRRA. SCRRA pays a percentage of the state annuitant contribution rate** in accordance with the vesting schedule below: 10 Years of CalPERS Service - 50% 11 - 19 Years of CalPERS Service - 50%, plus 5% for each additional year of service 20+ Years of CalPERS Service - 100% *Once each year the employer may allow unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18 the opportunity to individually elect to be subject to the vesting schedule. **The state annuitant contribution rates for 2023 are: $883 (Retiree Only); $1,699 (Retiree + 1 Dependent); $2,124 (Retiree + Family). DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (457) : You are eligible to set aside a portion of your current income without paying taxes on that money until it is received later during retirement when taxes may be lower. In 2023, you can defer up to 100 percent of your gross compensation or $22,500 annually, whichever is less (“normal contribution limit”). You may make an additional $7,500 contribution to the plan if you are age 50 and older. If you are at least within three years of the age in which you are eligible to receive unreduced benefits under our CalPERS retirement plan, you may contribute up to double the normal contribution limit, or $45,000. TRANSPORTATION PASSES: You may use your employee badge for unlimited free access to all Metrolink lines and trains. Your badge cannot be used on connecting public transportation. However, if you commute to/from work on Metrolink on a regular basis and need to connect to other public transportation (e.g., Metro Red or Purple Line) you can be issued a Metrolink pass with the appropriate station pair, which will also give you access to connecting transportation. You are also eligible to receive a free transit pass to ride any greater Los Angeles area transit system other than Metrolink (such as, Metro, Foothill Transit, LADOT, and LOSSAN) for commuting purposes. The commuter transit pass has a value up to the monthly maximum tax-free transit pass amount established by the Internal Revenue Service ($300 in 2023). You are responsible for any transit fares above the IRS monthly cap. To receive this benefit, the SCRRA requires each employee to use public transportation to commute to and from work three (3) or more days per week. OTHER BENEFITS: Educational Assistance - SCRRA will reimburse an employee up to $1,000 per fiscal year for tuition, books and mandatory student fees for courses that are relevant to employment. No reimbursement is allowed for parking. Professional Memberships - SCRRA pays up to $300 per year for professional memberships. Credit Union Membership - SCRRA offers credit union services for employees and their family members, provided by Northrup Grumman Federal Credit Union. Jury Duty - SCRRA will continue an employee's salary during any non-voluntary jury service up to a maximum of ten (10) working days. Pregnancy Disability and Family and Medical Leaves - A leave of absence may be paid or unpaid and shall be granted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, and SCRRA policy. Refer to the Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual for more detailed information. Bereavement Leave - In the event of death in an employee’s immediate family, the agency grants up to three (3) working days, with pay, to handle family affairs and to attend the funeral. When an employee needs to travel outside the radius of the five (5) member agencies due to the death of an immediate family member, the Authority grants up to five (5) working days, with pay. Military Leave - Employees will be paid for the annually required active period. At the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, and with Board notification, paid military leave may be granted beyond what is provided by the applicable state law. Closing Date/Time: Continuous
Mar 26, 2024
Temporary
SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION The Finance Specialist will perform a wide variety of accounting work in accounts payable and general accounting. This at-will employment will be for a limited term of up to, but not to exceed, 999 hours in a fiscal year (July 1-June 30) or six (6) months, whichever comes first. TO APPLY: This is a continuous recruitment, with the first review of applications beginning April 8, 2024 . Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the career level of the Financial Specialist series. At this level, the incumbent has some latitude for independent judgment and may vary work methods and procedures, but usually within prescribed parameters. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Receives supervision from departmental management/supervisory level roles No formal supervisory responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities . Accurate data entry of invoices, check requests and expense reports into the accounts payable module. Ensure compliance with applicable Authority and department policies. Proactively monitor invoice status and resolve issues to ensure timely payment to vendors. Ensure the efficient utilization of the payables system, taking advantage of system capabilities. Enter and audit invoices or bills for compliance against purchase orders and requisitions. Track and monitor deposits ensuring that all projects have sufficient capital on hand for funding. Prepare routine correspondence, including collection correspondence to vendors, businesses, or the public. Determining penalties and delinquencies. Respond to requests for project closeout and perform final reconciliation documentation with applicable invoice or refund processes. Prepare closeout form for projects and updates Oracle accordingly. Review additions and extensions on all bills and invoices, verify authorization for payment and assigns priority. Verify data entry into financial system from source documents by means of sight verification and system on-line edit procedures. Verify state sales and use taxes, freight and shipping charges, payment terms and discounting on all bills submitted for payment. Provide user support to inquiries providing explanation of established procedures and work unit policies. Develop and maintain strong working relationships to facilitate achievement of department goals. Manage accounts payable email box. Perform other related duties as assigned. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience Associates degree in Accounting, Economics, Business or a related degree A minimum of four (4) years of work experience performing accounting work in accounts payable, accounts receivable and general accounting. A combination of training, education and or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience. Valid Class C Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than three moving violations and no DUI’s within the last three years is required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of : Accounting principles, practices and financial recordkeeping SCRRA’s purchase order system Sales tax, use tax and freight rules 1099 filing rules Skilled in : Use of Microsoft Office Use of Oracle Ability to : Explain and help affected parties solve payment issues Manage time effectively Create Accounts Payable journals Provide customer service PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Transition between standing, walking and sitting at varying lengths of time Climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl Use hands to finger, handle, feel and grasp tools to perform the duties of the position Ability to lift, hold and move objects up to 25lbs. Hear and perceive the nature of sounds Listen and express or exchange ideas by means of spoken words Visual acuity Working Conditions Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, Railroad Track and Right-of-Way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.) SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Selection Process: Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA. Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA MEDICAL: SCRRA offers a choice of twelve (12) health plan options provided through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You may choose from up to ten (10) Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and two (2) Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Some health plans are only available in certain counties and/or zip codes. You contribute 12.5 percent of the plan premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. You may waive coverage if you are covered under another group health plan; you must provide proof. Once you waive coverage, you will only be allowed to enroll during Open Enrollment or within 60 days from the date on which your other coverage is no longer available (proof is required). If you elect to waive coverage, you will receive $300.00 per month taxable earnings, paid in two installments of $150 each on the first two paychecks of the month. A retiree or an employee who is a spouse, child, or any other eligible dependent of another SCRRA employee is not eligible for the opt out/cash in lieu credit if he/she is covered under a SCRRA health plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. DENTAL: SCRRA offers two dental options provided by Delta Dental. Under the DeltaCare (HMO) program, you must select a contract dentist within their network to perform your dental services. If you require treatment from a specialist, your contract dentist will handle the referral. Many services are covered at no cost to you. A co-payment applies for other services. The Delta Dental PPO plan allows you to visit a dentist of your choice, change dentists at any time, go to a dental specialist of your choice, receive dental care anywhere in the world, and save on out-of-pocket expenses when you visit a PPO network dental office. SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents under both plans. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. VISION: SCRRA offers two (2) vision plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP), providing coverage for eye examinations, prescription eyewear and contact lenses through network providers. You have the option of seeing out-of-network providers, but full reimbursement is not guaranteed. VSP has contracted with many laser surgery facilities and doctors, offering you a discount on PRK and LASIK surgeries. If you enroll in the VSP Basic Plan, SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. If you enroll in the VSP Buy-up Plan, which offers enhanced vision benefits, you pay the difference between the cost of the Basic Plan and the Buy-up Plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow for the deferral of pre-tax dollars to be used for reimbursement of eligible medical and dependent care expenses. You can set aside up to $3,050 for health care expenses and $5,000 per family for dependent care expenses annually. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or a qualifying event. GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, to a maximum of $200,000. Your life insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. IRS regulations require that the portion of Group Term Life (“G.T.L.”) insurance benefits provided to you by SCRRA, which exceeds $50,000, be added to your Federal, State, and Medicare taxable earnings for W-2 reporting. This amount is reflected on your pay statements each pay period in the “Other Benefits and Information” section. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000 without evidence of insurability (initial enrollment period only) and up to 5 times your salary to a maximum of $500,000 with evidence of insurability. Dependent life options are also available. The voluntary plan is portable; you may retain it if you leave SCRRA and pay the premium. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT: SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, up to a maximum of $200,000. Your AD&D insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000, subject to a maximum of the lesser of 5 times your annual salary or $500,000. Dependent AD&D options are also available. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. SHORT TERM DISABILITY: You are covered under the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) Program. Your maximum benefit amount is 52 times your weekly benefit amount or the total wages subject to SDI tax paid in your base period, whichever is less. Employees pay a mandatory contribution, through payroll deductions, for coverage under the SDI program. The contribution rate for 2023 is 0.9 percent of earnings. The SDI taxable wage limit is $153,164, with a maximum withholding of $1,378.48 per employee for calendar year 2023. LONG TERM DISABILITY : SCRRA provides for income replacement of 60 percent of monthly earnings subject to a maximum benefit of $7,500 per month up to age 65. To qualify, you must be on disability for 90 days. (Note: there is a pre-existing condition clause in this program.) Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. VOLUNTARY BENEFITS: SCRRA offers the following employee-paid voluntary benefits, provided by Aflac: Group Accident Insurance helps pay for out-of-pocket costs that arise from covered accidents, such as fractures, dislocations, and lacerations. Group Critical Illness Insurance helps pay for the expected and unexpected expenses that arise from diagnosis of a covered critical illness, such as cancer (internal or invasive), heart attack, stroke, end-stage renal failure or a major organ transplant. Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs associated with a hospital stay, including benefits for hospital confinement, hospital admission, hospital intensive care and intermediate intensive care step-down unit. Group Short-Term Disability Insurance pays a monthly benefit directly to an employee who is off work due to an injury or illness for up to three (3) months after a seven (7) day waiting period. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. 9/80 ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULE: SCRRA offers a 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule (AWS). During a 10-day work period, you work eight 9-hour days, one 8-hour day and have one day off. Your day off can be Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the 9/80 AWS program. TELECOMMUTING SCHEDULE: SCRRA offers employees the option to telecommute up to two (2) days per week. At the CEO’s discretion, the maximum number of days per week may be increased due to a natural disaster, pandemic, civil unrest, federal/state/local stay-at-home order, or other special circumstances. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the telecommuting program. Employees on a 9/80 schedule cannot telecommute. HOLIDAYS: SCRRA observes twelve (12) holidays a year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. PAID TIME OFF (PTO): SCRRA provides employees with Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacations, illnesses, injuries, medical/dental appointments, religious holidays, personal business, and emergencies as follows: 0-4 years of service - 25 days 5-6 years of service - 30 days 7th year of service - 32 days 8th year of service - 33 days 9th year of service - 34 days 10-14 years of service - 35 days 15-19 years of service - 38 days 20 or more years - 42 days At the CEO’s discretion, prior service at a public transportation or public agency, or rail transportation company may be counted towards an employee’s total service years to increase the employee’s PTO accrual rate. To be considered, Human Resources requires that a written request along with verification and confirmation of the years of service be provided prior to the start of employment with SCRRA. Human Resources will provide the final determination on behalf of the CEO. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): SCRRA offers you and your immediate and dependent family members confidential counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for family, personal, work-related and substance abuse issues through the EAP. You are entitled to a telephone session(s) with a trained EAP professional to assess the nature of the problem and provide a referral for additional assistance, if needed. Services also include three (3) face-to-face counseling sessions per family member per six (6) month period. HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICES: SCRRA offers you and your eligible dependents free health advocacy services through Health Advocate. You are entitled to unlimited calls with trained professionals who can help you navigate the healthcare and insurance systems. RETIREMENT PLAN: The SCRRA contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You pay a 7.00 percent employee contribution and SCRRA pays an employer contribution, which varies each year. To be eligible for service retirement, you must be at least age 52 and have a minimum of five (5) years of CalPERS-credited service. Upon retirement you are entitled to a monthly retirement benefit based on your years of credited service, age, and average compensation during your last three (3) years of service (“final compensation”). The retirement formula for New Members is 2%@62, which means at age 62, you receive 2 percent of your final compensation for every year of service. Upon separation from employment with less than 5 years of credited service, you may request a refund of your employee contributions only, including interest, and end your membership with CalPERS, or leave it in your account and retain your service credit should you decide to work for another CalPERS-covered agency. If you are vested upon separation but do not retire, you may leave your contributions in your account until retirement or elect a refund. SOCIAL SECURITY: You do not participate in Social Security except for Medicare. You will contribute 1.45 percent of your pay to cover the hospital insurance portion of Medicare. *Additional Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax: As of January 1, 2013, employees are required to pay an additional 0.9 percent Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (for those who file an individual return) or $250,000 (for those who file a joint return). This additional hospital insurance tax is not reflected in the rate above. RETIREE MEDICAL: Unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18*: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other. SCRRA pays the same amount for retirees as it does for active employees, which is currently 87.5 percent of the applicable premium. Unrepresented employees hired on or after 11/1/18: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other and you have a minimum of 10 years of credited CalPERS service, five of which must be performed at SCRRA. SCRRA pays a percentage of the state annuitant contribution rate** in accordance with the vesting schedule below: 10 Years of CalPERS Service - 50% 11 - 19 Years of CalPERS Service - 50%, plus 5% for each additional year of service 20+ Years of CalPERS Service - 100% *Once each year the employer may allow unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18 the opportunity to individually elect to be subject to the vesting schedule. **The state annuitant contribution rates for 2023 are: $883 (Retiree Only); $1,699 (Retiree + 1 Dependent); $2,124 (Retiree + Family). DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (457) : You are eligible to set aside a portion of your current income without paying taxes on that money until it is received later during retirement when taxes may be lower. In 2023, you can defer up to 100 percent of your gross compensation or $22,500 annually, whichever is less (“normal contribution limit”). You may make an additional $7,500 contribution to the plan if you are age 50 and older. If you are at least within three years of the age in which you are eligible to receive unreduced benefits under our CalPERS retirement plan, you may contribute up to double the normal contribution limit, or $45,000. TRANSPORTATION PASSES: You may use your employee badge for unlimited free access to all Metrolink lines and trains. Your badge cannot be used on connecting public transportation. However, if you commute to/from work on Metrolink on a regular basis and need to connect to other public transportation (e.g., Metro Red or Purple Line) you can be issued a Metrolink pass with the appropriate station pair, which will also give you access to connecting transportation. You are also eligible to receive a free transit pass to ride any greater Los Angeles area transit system other than Metrolink (such as, Metro, Foothill Transit, LADOT, and LOSSAN) for commuting purposes. The commuter transit pass has a value up to the monthly maximum tax-free transit pass amount established by the Internal Revenue Service ($300 in 2023). You are responsible for any transit fares above the IRS monthly cap. To receive this benefit, the SCRRA requires each employee to use public transportation to commute to and from work three (3) or more days per week. OTHER BENEFITS: Educational Assistance - SCRRA will reimburse an employee up to $1,000 per fiscal year for tuition, books and mandatory student fees for courses that are relevant to employment. No reimbursement is allowed for parking. Professional Memberships - SCRRA pays up to $300 per year for professional memberships. Credit Union Membership - SCRRA offers credit union services for employees and their family members, provided by Northrup Grumman Federal Credit Union. Jury Duty - SCRRA will continue an employee's salary during any non-voluntary jury service up to a maximum of ten (10) working days. Pregnancy Disability and Family and Medical Leaves - A leave of absence may be paid or unpaid and shall be granted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, and SCRRA policy. Refer to the Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual for more detailed information. Bereavement Leave - In the event of death in an employee’s immediate family, the agency grants up to three (3) working days, with pay, to handle family affairs and to attend the funeral. When an employee needs to travel outside the radius of the five (5) member agencies due to the death of an immediate family member, the Authority grants up to five (5) working days, with pay. Military Leave - Employees will be paid for the annually required active period. At the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, and with Board notification, paid military leave may be granted beyond what is provided by the applicable state law. Closing Date/Time: Continuous
SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION The Finance Analyst II will perform a variety of professional-level accounting work across all accounting disciplines such as accounts receivable, general accounting, grants administration and fiscal management and financial planning and analysis activities. TO APPLY: This is a continuous recruitment with the first review of applications beginning February 21, 2024 . Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the career level of the Finance Analyst series. At this level, the incumbent has some latitude for independent judgment and may vary work methods and procedures, but usually within prescribed parameters. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Receives supervision from Departmental Management/Supervisory level management This position has no formal supervisory responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Prepare all financial reporting data, ensuring all deadlines are met, including but not limited to a trial balance, income statement, statement of cash flows, and statistical data on a monthly and year-end basis. Monitor daily cash balance, accounts receivable, and payable aging. Resolve accounting discrepancies and irregularities. Perform complex financial analysis and research to support the Agency’s financial records. Facilitate and lead other department staff with the month-end and year-end close process. Prepare a variety of reports, records, correspondences and other documents. Prepare financial reports in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board requirements. Assist with the fixed asset system implementation and testing, including the reconciliation of the fixed asset system. Analyze and categorizes capital projects as they are transferred to the fixed asset system. Monitor funding pattern for grants and adjust periodically as needed. Reconcile grants reimbursement. Analyze and evaluate budget transfers. Collaborate with staff and various SCRRA departments to accomplish organization objectives. Prepare in draft and submits to the appropriate Managers for review information to support the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), National Transit Database and State Controller’s report. Establish and monitor the implementation and maintenance of accounting control procedures. Prepare monthly reconciliation on general ledger accounts. Support managers in maintaining adequate internal controls and the integrity of transactions entered into the Agency’s accounting system to ensure proper reporting and classification. Perform other related duties as assigned. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or a related field. A minimum of six (6) years of experience in accounting, finance and/or budget. A combination of training, with a minimum of an Associate Degree and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience. Valid Class C Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than three moving violations and no DUI’s within the last three years is required. Preferred Qualifications None Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of : Fundamental concepts of accounting SCRRA business model and revenue types Corporate cash management Skilled in : Use of Microsoft Office and Oracle FIS Oral, verbal, and written communication Ability to : Review, research and reconcile Interpret contract terms Manage projects PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations Operate tools to perform the duties of the position; such as computers, office equipment and work-related machinery Transport equipment or boxes up to 25lbs Exchange ideas by means of communication Visual acuity to detect, identify and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations Working Conditions Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, Railroad Track and Right-of-Way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.) Southern California Regional Rail Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Selection Process: Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA. Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA MEDICAL: SCRRA offers a choice of twelve (12) health plan options provided through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You may choose from up to ten (10) Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and two (2) Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Some health plans are only available in certain counties and/or zip codes. You contribute 12.5 percent of the plan premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. You may waive coverage if you are covered under another group health plan; you must provide proof. Once you waive coverage, you will only be allowed to enroll during Open Enrollment or within 60 days from the date on which your other coverage is no longer available (proof is required). If you elect to waive coverage, you will receive $300.00 per month taxable earnings, paid in two installments of $150 each on the first two paychecks of the month. A retiree or an employee who is a spouse, child, or any other eligible dependent of another SCRRA employee is not eligible for the opt out/cash in lieu credit if he/she is covered under a SCRRA health plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. DENTAL: SCRRA offers two dental options provided by Delta Dental. Under the DeltaCare (HMO) program, you must select a contract dentist within their network to perform your dental services. If you require treatment from a specialist, your contract dentist will handle the referral. Many services are covered at no cost to you. A co-payment applies for other services. The Delta Dental PPO plan allows you to visit a dentist of your choice, change dentists at any time, go to a dental specialist of your choice, receive dental care anywhere in the world, and save on out-of-pocket expenses when you visit a PPO network dental office. SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents under both plans. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. VISION: SCRRA offers two (2) vision plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP), providing coverage for eye examinations, prescription eyewear and contact lenses through network providers. You have the option of seeing out-of-network providers, but full reimbursement is not guaranteed. VSP has contracted with many laser surgery facilities and doctors, offering you a discount on PRK and LASIK surgeries. If you enroll in the VSP Basic Plan, SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. If you enroll in the VSP Buy-up Plan, which offers enhanced vision benefits, you pay the difference between the cost of the Basic Plan and the Buy-up Plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow for the deferral of pre-tax dollars to be used for reimbursement of eligible medical and dependent care expenses. You can set aside up to $3,050 for health care expenses and $5,000 per family for dependent care expenses annually. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or a qualifying event. GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, to a maximum of $200,000. Your life insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. IRS regulations require that the portion of Group Term Life (“G.T.L.”) insurance benefits provided to you by SCRRA, which exceeds $50,000, be added to your Federal, State, and Medicare taxable earnings for W-2 reporting. This amount is reflected on your pay statements each pay period in the “Other Benefits and Information” section. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000 without evidence of insurability (initial enrollment period only) and up to 5 times your salary to a maximum of $500,000 with evidence of insurability. Dependent life options are also available. The voluntary plan is portable; you may retain it if you leave SCRRA and pay the premium. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT: SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, up to a maximum of $200,000. Your AD&D insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000, subject to a maximum of the lesser of 5 times your annual salary or $500,000. Dependent AD&D options are also available. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. SHORT TERM DISABILITY: You are covered under the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) Program. Your maximum benefit amount is 52 times your weekly benefit amount or the total wages subject to SDI tax paid in your base period, whichever is less. Employees pay a mandatory contribution, through payroll deductions, for coverage under the SDI program. The contribution rate for 2023 is 0.9 percent of earnings. The SDI taxable wage limit is $153,164, with a maximum withholding of $1,378.48 per employee for calendar year 2023. LONG TERM DISABILITY : SCRRA provides for income replacement of 60 percent of monthly earnings subject to a maximum benefit of $7,500 per month up to age 65. To qualify, you must be on disability for 90 days. (Note: there is a pre-existing condition clause in this program.) Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. VOLUNTARY BENEFITS: SCRRA offers the following employee-paid voluntary benefits, provided by Aflac: Group Accident Insurance helps pay for out-of-pocket costs that arise from covered accidents, such as fractures, dislocations, and lacerations. Group Critical Illness Insurance helps pay for the expected and unexpected expenses that arise from diagnosis of a covered critical illness, such as cancer (internal or invasive), heart attack, stroke, end-stage renal failure or a major organ transplant. Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs associated with a hospital stay, including benefits for hospital confinement, hospital admission, hospital intensive care and intermediate intensive care step-down unit. Group Short-Term Disability Insurance pays a monthly benefit directly to an employee who is off work due to an injury or illness for up to three (3) months after a seven (7) day waiting period. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. 9/80 ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULE: SCRRA offers a 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule (AWS). During a 10-day work period, you work eight 9-hour days, one 8-hour day and have one day off. Your day off can be Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the 9/80 AWS program. TELECOMMUTING SCHEDULE: SCRRA offers employees the option to telecommute up to two (2) days per week. At the CEO’s discretion, the maximum number of days per week may be increased due to a natural disaster, pandemic, civil unrest, federal/state/local stay-at-home order, or other special circumstances. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the telecommuting program. Employees on a 9/80 schedule cannot telecommute. HOLIDAYS: SCRRA observes twelve (12) holidays a year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. PAID TIME OFF (PTO): SCRRA provides employees with Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacations, illnesses, injuries, medical/dental appointments, religious holidays, personal business, and emergencies as follows: 0-4 years of service - 25 days 5-6 years of service - 30 days 7th year of service - 32 days 8th year of service - 33 days 9th year of service - 34 days 10-14 years of service - 35 days 15-19 years of service - 38 days 20 or more years - 42 days At the CEO’s discretion, prior service at a public transportation or public agency, or rail transportation company may be counted towards an employee’s total service years to increase the employee’s PTO accrual rate. To be considered, Human Resources requires that a written request along with verification and confirmation of the years of service be provided prior to the start of employment with SCRRA. Human Resources will provide the final determination on behalf of the CEO. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): SCRRA offers you and your immediate and dependent family members confidential counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for family, personal, work-related and substance abuse issues through the EAP. You are entitled to a telephone session(s) with a trained EAP professional to assess the nature of the problem and provide a referral for additional assistance, if needed. Services also include three (3) face-to-face counseling sessions per family member per six (6) month period. HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICES: SCRRA offers you and your eligible dependents free health advocacy services through Health Advocate. You are entitled to unlimited calls with trained professionals who can help you navigate the healthcare and insurance systems. RETIREMENT PLAN: The SCRRA contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You pay a 8.00 percent employee contribution and SCRRA pays an employer contribution, which varies each year. To be eligible for service retirement, you must be at least age 52 and have a minimum of five (5) years of CalPERS-credited service. Upon retirement you are entitled to a monthly retirement benefit based on your years of credited service, age, and average compensation during your last three (3) years of service (“final compensation”). The retirement formula for New Members is 2%@62, which means at age 62, you receive 2 percent of your final compensation for every year of service. Upon separation from employment with less than 5 years of credited service, you may request a refund of your employee contributions only, including interest, and end your membership with CalPERS, or leave it in your account and retain your service credit should you decide to work for another CalPERS-covered agency. If you are vested upon separation but do not retire, you may leave your contributions in your account until retirement or elect a refund. SOCIAL SECURITY: You do not participate in Social Security except for Medicare. You will contribute 1.45 percent of your pay to cover the hospital insurance portion of Medicare. *Additional Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax: As of January 1, 2013, employees are required to pay an additional 0.9 percent Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (for those who file an individual return) or $250,000 (for those who file a joint return). This additional hospital insurance tax is not reflected in the rate above. RETIREE MEDICAL: Unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18*: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other. SCRRA pays the same amount for retirees as it does for active employees, which is currently 87.5 percent of the applicable premium. Unrepresented employees hired on or after 11/1/18: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other and you have a minimum of 10 years of credited CalPERS service, five of which must be performed at SCRRA. SCRRA pays a percentage of the state annuitant contribution rate** in accordance with the vesting schedule below: 10 Years of CalPERS Service - 50% 11 - 19 Years of CalPERS Service - 50%, plus 5% for each additional year of service 20+ Years of CalPERS Service - 100% *Once each year the employer may allow unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18 the opportunity to individually elect to be subject to the vesting schedule. **The state annuitant contribution rates for 2023 are: $883 (Retiree Only); $1,699 (Retiree + 1 Dependent); $2,124 (Retiree + Family). DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (457) : You are eligible to set aside a portion of your current income without paying taxes on that money until it is received later during retirement when taxes may be lower. In 2023, you can defer up to 100 percent of your gross compensation or $22,500 annually, whichever is less (“normal contribution limit”). You may make an additional $7,500 contribution to the plan if you are age 50 and older. If you are at least within three years of the age in which you are eligible to receive unreduced benefits under our CalPERS retirement plan, you may contribute up to double the normal contribution limit, or $45,000. TRANSPORTATION PASSES: You may use your employee badge for unlimited free access to all Metrolink lines and trains. Your badge cannot be used on connecting public transportation. However, if you commute to/from work on Metrolink on a regular basis and need to connect to other public transportation (e.g., Metro Red or Purple Line) you can be issued a Metrolink pass with the appropriate station pair, which will also give you access to connecting transportation. You are also eligible to receive a free transit pass to ride any greater Los Angeles area transit system other than Metrolink (such as, Metro, Foothill Transit, LADOT, and LOSSAN) for commuting purposes. The commuter transit pass has a value up to the monthly maximum tax-free transit pass amount established by the Internal Revenue Service ($300 in 2023). You are responsible for any transit fares above the IRS monthly cap. To receive this benefit, the SCRRA requires each employee to use public transportation to commute to and from work three (3) or more days per week. OTHER BENEFITS: Educational Assistance - SCRRA will reimburse an employee up to $1,000 per fiscal year for tuition, books and mandatory student fees for courses that are relevant to employment. No reimbursement is allowed for parking. Professional Memberships - SCRRA pays up to $300 per year for professional memberships. Credit Union Membership - SCRRA offers credit union services for employees and their family members, provided by Northrup Grumman Federal Credit Union. Jury Duty - SCRRA will continue an employee's salary during any non-voluntary jury service up to a maximum of ten (10) working days. Pregnancy Disability and Family and Medical Leaves - A leave of absence may be paid or unpaid and shall be granted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, and SCRRA policy. Refer to the Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual for more detailed information. Bereavement Leave - In the event of death in an employee’s immediate family, the agency grants up to three (3) working days, with pay, to handle family affairs and to attend the funeral. When an employee needs to travel outside the radius of the five (5) member agencies due to the death of an immediate family member, the Authority grants up to five (5) working days, with pay. Military Leave - Employees will be paid for the annually required active period. At the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, and with Board notification, paid military leave may be granted beyond what is provided by the applicable state law. Closing Date/Time: Continuous
Mar 07, 2024
Full Time
SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION The Finance Analyst II will perform a variety of professional-level accounting work across all accounting disciplines such as accounts receivable, general accounting, grants administration and fiscal management and financial planning and analysis activities. TO APPLY: This is a continuous recruitment with the first review of applications beginning February 21, 2024 . Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the career level of the Finance Analyst series. At this level, the incumbent has some latitude for independent judgment and may vary work methods and procedures, but usually within prescribed parameters. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Receives supervision from Departmental Management/Supervisory level management This position has no formal supervisory responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Prepare all financial reporting data, ensuring all deadlines are met, including but not limited to a trial balance, income statement, statement of cash flows, and statistical data on a monthly and year-end basis. Monitor daily cash balance, accounts receivable, and payable aging. Resolve accounting discrepancies and irregularities. Perform complex financial analysis and research to support the Agency’s financial records. Facilitate and lead other department staff with the month-end and year-end close process. Prepare a variety of reports, records, correspondences and other documents. Prepare financial reports in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board requirements. Assist with the fixed asset system implementation and testing, including the reconciliation of the fixed asset system. Analyze and categorizes capital projects as they are transferred to the fixed asset system. Monitor funding pattern for grants and adjust periodically as needed. Reconcile grants reimbursement. Analyze and evaluate budget transfers. Collaborate with staff and various SCRRA departments to accomplish organization objectives. Prepare in draft and submits to the appropriate Managers for review information to support the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), National Transit Database and State Controller’s report. Establish and monitor the implementation and maintenance of accounting control procedures. Prepare monthly reconciliation on general ledger accounts. Support managers in maintaining adequate internal controls and the integrity of transactions entered into the Agency’s accounting system to ensure proper reporting and classification. Perform other related duties as assigned. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or a related field. A minimum of six (6) years of experience in accounting, finance and/or budget. A combination of training, with a minimum of an Associate Degree and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience. Valid Class C Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than three moving violations and no DUI’s within the last three years is required. Preferred Qualifications None Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of : Fundamental concepts of accounting SCRRA business model and revenue types Corporate cash management Skilled in : Use of Microsoft Office and Oracle FIS Oral, verbal, and written communication Ability to : Review, research and reconcile Interpret contract terms Manage projects PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations Operate tools to perform the duties of the position; such as computers, office equipment and work-related machinery Transport equipment or boxes up to 25lbs Exchange ideas by means of communication Visual acuity to detect, identify and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations Working Conditions Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, Railroad Track and Right-of-Way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.) Southern California Regional Rail Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Selection Process: Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA. Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA MEDICAL: SCRRA offers a choice of twelve (12) health plan options provided through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You may choose from up to ten (10) Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and two (2) Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Some health plans are only available in certain counties and/or zip codes. You contribute 12.5 percent of the plan premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. You may waive coverage if you are covered under another group health plan; you must provide proof. Once you waive coverage, you will only be allowed to enroll during Open Enrollment or within 60 days from the date on which your other coverage is no longer available (proof is required). If you elect to waive coverage, you will receive $300.00 per month taxable earnings, paid in two installments of $150 each on the first two paychecks of the month. A retiree or an employee who is a spouse, child, or any other eligible dependent of another SCRRA employee is not eligible for the opt out/cash in lieu credit if he/she is covered under a SCRRA health plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. DENTAL: SCRRA offers two dental options provided by Delta Dental. Under the DeltaCare (HMO) program, you must select a contract dentist within their network to perform your dental services. If you require treatment from a specialist, your contract dentist will handle the referral. Many services are covered at no cost to you. A co-payment applies for other services. The Delta Dental PPO plan allows you to visit a dentist of your choice, change dentists at any time, go to a dental specialist of your choice, receive dental care anywhere in the world, and save on out-of-pocket expenses when you visit a PPO network dental office. SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents under both plans. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. VISION: SCRRA offers two (2) vision plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP), providing coverage for eye examinations, prescription eyewear and contact lenses through network providers. You have the option of seeing out-of-network providers, but full reimbursement is not guaranteed. VSP has contracted with many laser surgery facilities and doctors, offering you a discount on PRK and LASIK surgeries. If you enroll in the VSP Basic Plan, SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. If you enroll in the VSP Buy-up Plan, which offers enhanced vision benefits, you pay the difference between the cost of the Basic Plan and the Buy-up Plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow for the deferral of pre-tax dollars to be used for reimbursement of eligible medical and dependent care expenses. You can set aside up to $3,050 for health care expenses and $5,000 per family for dependent care expenses annually. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or a qualifying event. GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, to a maximum of $200,000. Your life insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. IRS regulations require that the portion of Group Term Life (“G.T.L.”) insurance benefits provided to you by SCRRA, which exceeds $50,000, be added to your Federal, State, and Medicare taxable earnings for W-2 reporting. This amount is reflected on your pay statements each pay period in the “Other Benefits and Information” section. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000 without evidence of insurability (initial enrollment period only) and up to 5 times your salary to a maximum of $500,000 with evidence of insurability. Dependent life options are also available. The voluntary plan is portable; you may retain it if you leave SCRRA and pay the premium. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT: SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, up to a maximum of $200,000. Your AD&D insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000, subject to a maximum of the lesser of 5 times your annual salary or $500,000. Dependent AD&D options are also available. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. SHORT TERM DISABILITY: You are covered under the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) Program. Your maximum benefit amount is 52 times your weekly benefit amount or the total wages subject to SDI tax paid in your base period, whichever is less. Employees pay a mandatory contribution, through payroll deductions, for coverage under the SDI program. The contribution rate for 2023 is 0.9 percent of earnings. The SDI taxable wage limit is $153,164, with a maximum withholding of $1,378.48 per employee for calendar year 2023. LONG TERM DISABILITY : SCRRA provides for income replacement of 60 percent of monthly earnings subject to a maximum benefit of $7,500 per month up to age 65. To qualify, you must be on disability for 90 days. (Note: there is a pre-existing condition clause in this program.) Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. VOLUNTARY BENEFITS: SCRRA offers the following employee-paid voluntary benefits, provided by Aflac: Group Accident Insurance helps pay for out-of-pocket costs that arise from covered accidents, such as fractures, dislocations, and lacerations. Group Critical Illness Insurance helps pay for the expected and unexpected expenses that arise from diagnosis of a covered critical illness, such as cancer (internal or invasive), heart attack, stroke, end-stage renal failure or a major organ transplant. Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs associated with a hospital stay, including benefits for hospital confinement, hospital admission, hospital intensive care and intermediate intensive care step-down unit. Group Short-Term Disability Insurance pays a monthly benefit directly to an employee who is off work due to an injury or illness for up to three (3) months after a seven (7) day waiting period. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. 9/80 ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULE: SCRRA offers a 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule (AWS). During a 10-day work period, you work eight 9-hour days, one 8-hour day and have one day off. Your day off can be Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the 9/80 AWS program. TELECOMMUTING SCHEDULE: SCRRA offers employees the option to telecommute up to two (2) days per week. At the CEO’s discretion, the maximum number of days per week may be increased due to a natural disaster, pandemic, civil unrest, federal/state/local stay-at-home order, or other special circumstances. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the telecommuting program. Employees on a 9/80 schedule cannot telecommute. HOLIDAYS: SCRRA observes twelve (12) holidays a year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. PAID TIME OFF (PTO): SCRRA provides employees with Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacations, illnesses, injuries, medical/dental appointments, religious holidays, personal business, and emergencies as follows: 0-4 years of service - 25 days 5-6 years of service - 30 days 7th year of service - 32 days 8th year of service - 33 days 9th year of service - 34 days 10-14 years of service - 35 days 15-19 years of service - 38 days 20 or more years - 42 days At the CEO’s discretion, prior service at a public transportation or public agency, or rail transportation company may be counted towards an employee’s total service years to increase the employee’s PTO accrual rate. To be considered, Human Resources requires that a written request along with verification and confirmation of the years of service be provided prior to the start of employment with SCRRA. Human Resources will provide the final determination on behalf of the CEO. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): SCRRA offers you and your immediate and dependent family members confidential counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for family, personal, work-related and substance abuse issues through the EAP. You are entitled to a telephone session(s) with a trained EAP professional to assess the nature of the problem and provide a referral for additional assistance, if needed. Services also include three (3) face-to-face counseling sessions per family member per six (6) month period. HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICES: SCRRA offers you and your eligible dependents free health advocacy services through Health Advocate. You are entitled to unlimited calls with trained professionals who can help you navigate the healthcare and insurance systems. RETIREMENT PLAN: The SCRRA contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You pay a 8.00 percent employee contribution and SCRRA pays an employer contribution, which varies each year. To be eligible for service retirement, you must be at least age 52 and have a minimum of five (5) years of CalPERS-credited service. Upon retirement you are entitled to a monthly retirement benefit based on your years of credited service, age, and average compensation during your last three (3) years of service (“final compensation”). The retirement formula for New Members is 2%@62, which means at age 62, you receive 2 percent of your final compensation for every year of service. Upon separation from employment with less than 5 years of credited service, you may request a refund of your employee contributions only, including interest, and end your membership with CalPERS, or leave it in your account and retain your service credit should you decide to work for another CalPERS-covered agency. If you are vested upon separation but do not retire, you may leave your contributions in your account until retirement or elect a refund. SOCIAL SECURITY: You do not participate in Social Security except for Medicare. You will contribute 1.45 percent of your pay to cover the hospital insurance portion of Medicare. *Additional Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax: As of January 1, 2013, employees are required to pay an additional 0.9 percent Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (for those who file an individual return) or $250,000 (for those who file a joint return). This additional hospital insurance tax is not reflected in the rate above. RETIREE MEDICAL: Unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18*: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other. SCRRA pays the same amount for retirees as it does for active employees, which is currently 87.5 percent of the applicable premium. Unrepresented employees hired on or after 11/1/18: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other and you have a minimum of 10 years of credited CalPERS service, five of which must be performed at SCRRA. SCRRA pays a percentage of the state annuitant contribution rate** in accordance with the vesting schedule below: 10 Years of CalPERS Service - 50% 11 - 19 Years of CalPERS Service - 50%, plus 5% for each additional year of service 20+ Years of CalPERS Service - 100% *Once each year the employer may allow unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18 the opportunity to individually elect to be subject to the vesting schedule. **The state annuitant contribution rates for 2023 are: $883 (Retiree Only); $1,699 (Retiree + 1 Dependent); $2,124 (Retiree + Family). DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (457) : You are eligible to set aside a portion of your current income without paying taxes on that money until it is received later during retirement when taxes may be lower. In 2023, you can defer up to 100 percent of your gross compensation or $22,500 annually, whichever is less (“normal contribution limit”). You may make an additional $7,500 contribution to the plan if you are age 50 and older. If you are at least within three years of the age in which you are eligible to receive unreduced benefits under our CalPERS retirement plan, you may contribute up to double the normal contribution limit, or $45,000. TRANSPORTATION PASSES: You may use your employee badge for unlimited free access to all Metrolink lines and trains. Your badge cannot be used on connecting public transportation. However, if you commute to/from work on Metrolink on a regular basis and need to connect to other public transportation (e.g., Metro Red or Purple Line) you can be issued a Metrolink pass with the appropriate station pair, which will also give you access to connecting transportation. You are also eligible to receive a free transit pass to ride any greater Los Angeles area transit system other than Metrolink (such as, Metro, Foothill Transit, LADOT, and LOSSAN) for commuting purposes. The commuter transit pass has a value up to the monthly maximum tax-free transit pass amount established by the Internal Revenue Service ($300 in 2023). You are responsible for any transit fares above the IRS monthly cap. To receive this benefit, the SCRRA requires each employee to use public transportation to commute to and from work three (3) or more days per week. OTHER BENEFITS: Educational Assistance - SCRRA will reimburse an employee up to $1,000 per fiscal year for tuition, books and mandatory student fees for courses that are relevant to employment. No reimbursement is allowed for parking. Professional Memberships - SCRRA pays up to $300 per year for professional memberships. Credit Union Membership - SCRRA offers credit union services for employees and their family members, provided by Northrup Grumman Federal Credit Union. Jury Duty - SCRRA will continue an employee's salary during any non-voluntary jury service up to a maximum of ten (10) working days. Pregnancy Disability and Family and Medical Leaves - A leave of absence may be paid or unpaid and shall be granted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, and SCRRA policy. Refer to the Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual for more detailed information. Bereavement Leave - In the event of death in an employee’s immediate family, the agency grants up to three (3) working days, with pay, to handle family affairs and to attend the funeral. When an employee needs to travel outside the radius of the five (5) member agencies due to the death of an immediate family member, the Authority grants up to five (5) working days, with pay. Military Leave - Employees will be paid for the annually required active period. At the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, and with Board notification, paid military leave may be granted beyond what is provided by the applicable state law. Closing Date/Time: Continuous
SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION The Railroad Civil Engineer II will work closely with other staff and consultants to perform project engineering and project management duties for railroad design projects. This position will also be the subject matter expert on a variety of projects including plan reviews, preparation of various applications for environmental documentation and agreements with local agencies, railroads and third parties involving public works construction, station design, grade crossings, grade separations and utilities to ensure compliance with railroad engineering standards and regulatory requirements. This position will be involved in managing projects and tasks as part of the Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion Program (SCORE), a multi-year program to increase the capacity of the regional rail system by adding double track, station platforms, grade crossing improvements, signal respacing, and maintenance facilities. This is a Limited Term position not to exceed five (5) years . This position is funded in whole or in part through federal, state, or other governmental grants which are limited by time or funding. Limited Term positions may be eliminated when the funding ends, time expires, or due to lack of business need for the position. Limited Term employees receive all benefits provided to full-time employees, including but not limited to retirement, medical, dental, vision, and life. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the career level of the Railroad Civil Engineer series. At this level, the incumbent has some latitude for independent judgment and may vary work methods and procedures, but usually within prescribed parameters. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Receives supervision from departmental management/supervisory level roles No formal supervisory responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Serve as Project Manager for various railroad capital and rehab projects during design. Serve as SCRRA’s Project Manager to support various projects led by other agencies. Support the delivery of railroad related projects involving track and signals, crossings, bridges, culverts, tunnels, buildings, drainage and retaining structures, grading, and other right-of-way facilities. Write project descriptions, charters, project study reports, and regular monthly reports. Calculate construction work quantities (quantity take-off) from plans and specifications, field survey data, or direct field measurements. Prepare estimates of the probable cost of construction and maintenance activities using data from estimating tables, previous bids, production reports, or analysis of crew and equipment. Write scope of work and prepare estimates for professional services task orders; manage contract task orders and oversee consultant scope of work. Monitor expenditures during design and prepare reports of cost to date for on-going work, projected cost at completion, and anticipated outlays over life of project. Review invoices for work performed on various contracts as specified by the contract. Prepare project budgets and track funds received for projects from grants, deposits, or other sources, and prepare reports of expenses versus budget, and assist accounting department with timely billing on projects. Review submittals from contractors for conformance with the requirements of the contract, and SCRRA standards, respond to requests for information, submittals, correspondence, and other contract related documents; Assist in development of plans for construction activities using inspection and other measurement and condition data and prepare schedules for design and construction using critical path scheduling techniques (CPM). Calculate project material requirements, prepare bid packages from standard plans and specifications, prepare purchasing requisitions, and track material procurements. Maintain a culture of safety by participating in activities of safety committees, reviewing work plans for compliance with safe operating practices, and making observations of work activities. Prepare plans and specifications for job order contracts and small contract packages using SCRRA standard plans and specifications and other industry standards. Review designs of temporary structures for construction; review work plans for construction work involving railroad track and related facilities and structures including surveying and layout. Prepare correspondence to contractors, consultants, agencies, and other railroads to address engineering and construction topics. Support other various SCRRA departments for engineering related tasks as needed including but not limited to grant support, engineering reviews for permitting. Coordinate with various project stakeholders including Member Agencies, FRA, CPUC, BNSF, UPRR, Amtrak, and Local Jurisdictions; Present to stakeholders and the Board of Directors Understand the rights, duties, and obligations of contracts. Perform other duties as required. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field in engineering or physical science. A minimum of five (5) years of related work experience and knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and tracking project and resources, including monitoring and inspecting work, and contractor performance. A combination of training, with a minimum of an associate degree and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience. Valid Class C Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than three moving violations and no DUI’s within the last three years. Preferred Qualifications Professional Engineer's license or Engineer-in-Training Prior experience working on railroad projects (track and crossings) Prior experience working for a Class I Railroad or Freight Railroad Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of : The Authority’s operations and business practices, as well as the railroad regulatory environment Railroad engineering design and construction standards and regulations Transportation engineering principles Skilled in : Use of Microsoft Office Project Control Software CADD Software (MicroStation or AutoCAD) Ability to : Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to individuals and groups at all levels within and outside of the organization Multitask and manage multiple projects Develop accurate material, time, and cost estimates Effectively learn and adapt to new or changing industry concepts, regulations, codes, and best engineering practices Maintain a positive calm attitude while performing duties and in adverse situations PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations Operate tools to perform the duties of the position; such as computers, office equipment and work-related machinery Transport equipment or boxes up to 25lbs Exchange ideas by means of communication Visual acuity to detect, identify and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations Working Conditions Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Work may also be performed in outdoor environments, street environments (near moving traffic), construction sites, in the community (homes, business, etc.), Railroad Track and Right-of-Way environments, warehouse environments, and shop environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, extreme heat (above 100 degrees), moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.) Southern California Regional Rail Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Selection Process: Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA. Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA MEDICAL: SCRRA offers a choice of twelve (12) health plan options provided through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You may choose from up to ten (10) Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and two (2) Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Some health plans are only available in certain counties and/or zip codes. You contribute 12.5 percent of the plan premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. You may waive coverage if you are covered under another group health plan; you must provide proof. Once you waive coverage, you will only be allowed to enroll during Open Enrollment or within 60 days from the date on which your other coverage is no longer available (proof is required). If you elect to waive coverage, you will receive $300.00 per month taxable earnings, paid in two installments of $150 each on the first two paychecks of the month. A retiree or an employee who is a spouse, child, or any other eligible dependent of another SCRRA employee is not eligible for the opt out/cash in lieu credit if he/she is covered under a SCRRA health plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. DENTAL: SCRRA offers two dental options provided by Delta Dental. Under the DeltaCare (HMO) program, you must select a contract dentist within their network to perform your dental services. If you require treatment from a specialist, your contract dentist will handle the referral. Many services are covered at no cost to you. A co-payment applies for other services. The Delta Dental PPO plan allows you to visit a dentist of your choice, change dentists at any time, go to a dental specialist of your choice, receive dental care anywhere in the world, and save on out-of-pocket expenses when you visit a PPO network dental office. SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents under both plans. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. VISION: SCRRA offers two (2) vision plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP), providing coverage for eye examinations, prescription eyewear and contact lenses through network providers. You have the option of seeing out-of-network providers, but full reimbursement is not guaranteed. VSP has contracted with many laser surgery facilities and doctors, offering you a discount on PRK and LASIK surgeries. If you enroll in the VSP Basic Plan, SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. If you enroll in the VSP Buy-up Plan, which offers enhanced vision benefits, you pay the difference between the cost of the Basic Plan and the Buy-up Plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow for the deferral of pre-tax dollars to be used for reimbursement of eligible medical and dependent care expenses. You can set aside up to $3,050 for health care expenses and $5,000 per family for dependent care expenses annually. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or a qualifying event. GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, to a maximum of $200,000. Your life insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. IRS regulations require that the portion of Group Term Life (“G.T.L.”) insurance benefits provided to you by SCRRA, which exceeds $50,000, be added to your Federal, State, and Medicare taxable earnings for W-2 reporting. This amount is reflected on your pay statements each pay period in the “Other Benefits and Information” section. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000 without evidence of insurability (initial enrollment period only) and up to 5 times your salary to a maximum of $500,000 with evidence of insurability. Dependent life options are also available. The voluntary plan is portable; you may retain it if you leave SCRRA and pay the premium. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT: SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, up to a maximum of $200,000. Your AD&D insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000, subject to a maximum of the lesser of 5 times your annual salary or $500,000. Dependent AD&D options are also available. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. SHORT TERM DISABILITY: You are covered under the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) Program. Your maximum benefit amount is 52 times your weekly benefit amount or the total wages subject to SDI tax paid in your base period, whichever is less. Employees pay a mandatory contribution, through payroll deductions, for coverage under the SDI program. The contribution rate for 2023 is 0.9 percent of earnings. The SDI taxable wage limit is $153,164, with a maximum withholding of $1,378.48 per employee for calendar year 2023. LONG TERM DISABILITY : SCRRA provides for income replacement of 60 percent of monthly earnings subject to a maximum benefit of $7,500 per month up to age 65. To qualify, you must be on disability for 90 days. (Note: there is a pre-existing condition clause in this program.) Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. VOLUNTARY BENEFITS: SCRRA offers the following employee-paid voluntary benefits, provided by Aflac: Group Accident Insurance helps pay for out-of-pocket costs that arise from covered accidents, such as fractures, dislocations, and lacerations. Group Critical Illness Insurance helps pay for the expected and unexpected expenses that arise from diagnosis of a covered critical illness, such as cancer (internal or invasive), heart attack, stroke, end-stage renal failure or a major organ transplant. Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs associated with a hospital stay, including benefits for hospital confinement, hospital admission, hospital intensive care and intermediate intensive care step-down unit. Group Short-Term Disability Insurance pays a monthly benefit directly to an employee who is off work due to an injury or illness for up to three (3) months after a seven (7) day waiting period. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. 9/80 ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULE: SCRRA offers a 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule (AWS). During a 10-day work period, you work eight 9-hour days, one 8-hour day and have one day off. Your day off can be Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the 9/80 AWS program. TELECOMMUTING SCHEDULE: SCRRA offers employees the option to telecommute up to two (2) days per week. At the CEO’s discretion, the maximum number of days per week may be increased due to a natural disaster, pandemic, civil unrest, federal/state/local stay-at-home order, or other special circumstances. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the telecommuting program. Employees on a 9/80 schedule cannot telecommute. HOLIDAYS: SCRRA observes twelve (12) holidays a year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. PAID TIME OFF (PTO): SCRRA provides employees with Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacations, illnesses, injuries, medical/dental appointments, religious holidays, personal business, and emergencies as follows: 0-4 years of service - 25 days 5-6 years of service - 30 days 7th year of service - 32 days 8th year of service - 33 days 9th year of service - 34 days 10-14 years of service - 35 days 15-19 years of service - 38 days 20 or more years - 42 days At the CEO’s discretion, prior service at a public transportation or public agency, or rail transportation company may be counted towards an employee’s total service years to increase the employee’s PTO accrual rate. To be considered, Human Resources requires that a written request along with verification and confirmation of the years of service be provided prior to the start of employment with SCRRA. Human Resources will provide the final determination on behalf of the CEO. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): SCRRA offers you and your immediate and dependent family members confidential counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for family, personal, work-related and substance abuse issues through the EAP. You are entitled to a telephone session(s) with a trained EAP professional to assess the nature of the problem and provide a referral for additional assistance, if needed. Services also include three (3) face-to-face counseling sessions per family member per six (6) month period. HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICES: SCRRA offers you and your eligible dependents free health advocacy services through Health Advocate. You are entitled to unlimited calls with trained professionals who can help you navigate the healthcare and insurance systems. RETIREMENT PLAN: The SCRRA contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You pay a 7.00 percent employee contribution and SCRRA pays an employer contribution, which varies each year. To be eligible for service retirement, you must be at least age 52 and have a minimum of five (5) years of CalPERS-credited service. Upon retirement you are entitled to a monthly retirement benefit based on your years of credited service, age, and average compensation during your last three (3) years of service (“final compensation”). The retirement formula for New Members is 2%@62, which means at age 62, you receive 2 percent of your final compensation for every year of service. Upon separation from employment with less than 5 years of credited service, you may request a refund of your employee contributions only, including interest, and end your membership with CalPERS, or leave it in your account and retain your service credit should you decide to work for another CalPERS-covered agency. If you are vested upon separation but do not retire, you may leave your contributions in your account until retirement or elect a refund. SOCIAL SECURITY: You do not participate in Social Security except for Medicare. You will contribute 1.45 percent of your pay to cover the hospital insurance portion of Medicare. *Additional Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax: As of January 1, 2013, employees are required to pay an additional 0.9 percent Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (for those who file an individual return) or $250,000 (for those who file a joint return). This additional hospital insurance tax is not reflected in the rate above. RETIREE MEDICAL: Unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18*: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other. SCRRA pays the same amount for retirees as it does for active employees, which is currently 87.5 percent of the applicable premium. Unrepresented employees hired on or after 11/1/18: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other and you have a minimum of 10 years of credited CalPERS service, five of which must be performed at SCRRA. SCRRA pays a percentage of the state annuitant contribution rate** in accordance with the vesting schedule below: 10 Years of CalPERS Service - 50% 11 - 19 Years of CalPERS Service - 50%, plus 5% for each additional year of service 20+ Years of CalPERS Service - 100% *Once each year the employer may allow unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18 the opportunity to individually elect to be subject to the vesting schedule. **The state annuitant contribution rates for 2023 are: $883 (Retiree Only); $1,699 (Retiree + 1 Dependent); $2,124 (Retiree + Family). DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (457) : You are eligible to set aside a portion of your current income without paying taxes on that money until it is received later during retirement when taxes may be lower. In 2023, you can defer up to 100 percent of your gross compensation or $22,500 annually, whichever is less (“normal contribution limit”). You may make an additional $7,500 contribution to the plan if you are age 50 and older. If you are at least within three years of the age in which you are eligible to receive unreduced benefits under our CalPERS retirement plan, you may contribute up to double the normal contribution limit, or $45,000. TRANSPORTATION PASSES: You may use your employee badge for unlimited free access to all Metrolink lines and trains. Your badge cannot be used on connecting public transportation. However, if you commute to/from work on Metrolink on a regular basis and need to connect to other public transportation (e.g., Metro Red or Purple Line) you can be issued a Metrolink pass with the appropriate station pair, which will also give you access to connecting transportation. You are also eligible to receive a free transit pass to ride any greater Los Angeles area transit system other than Metrolink (such as, Metro, Foothill Transit, LADOT, and LOSSAN) for commuting purposes. The commuter transit pass has a value up to the monthly maximum tax-free transit pass amount established by the Internal Revenue Service ($300 in 2023). You are responsible for any transit fares above the IRS monthly cap. To receive this benefit, the SCRRA requires each employee to use public transportation to commute to and from work three (3) or more days per week. OTHER BENEFITS: Educational Assistance - SCRRA will reimburse an employee up to $1,000 per fiscal year for tuition, books and mandatory student fees for courses that are relevant to employment. No reimbursement is allowed for parking. Professional Memberships - SCRRA pays up to $300 per year for professional memberships. Credit Union Membership - SCRRA offers credit union services for employees and their family members, provided by Northrup Grumman Federal Credit Union. Jury Duty - SCRRA will continue an employee's salary during any non-voluntary jury service up to a maximum of ten (10) working days. Pregnancy Disability and Family and Medical Leaves - A leave of absence may be paid or unpaid and shall be granted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, and SCRRA policy. Refer to the Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual for more detailed information. Bereavement Leave - In the event of death in an employee’s immediate family, the agency grants up to three (3) working days, with pay, to handle family affairs and to attend the funeral. When an employee needs to travel outside the radius of the five (5) member agencies due to the death of an immediate family member, the Authority grants up to five (5) working days, with pay. Military Leave - Employees will be paid for the annually required active period. At the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, and with Board notification, paid military leave may be granted beyond what is provided by the applicable state law. Closing Date/Time: Continuous
Mar 07, 2024
Full Time
SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION The Railroad Civil Engineer II will work closely with other staff and consultants to perform project engineering and project management duties for railroad design projects. This position will also be the subject matter expert on a variety of projects including plan reviews, preparation of various applications for environmental documentation and agreements with local agencies, railroads and third parties involving public works construction, station design, grade crossings, grade separations and utilities to ensure compliance with railroad engineering standards and regulatory requirements. This position will be involved in managing projects and tasks as part of the Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion Program (SCORE), a multi-year program to increase the capacity of the regional rail system by adding double track, station platforms, grade crossing improvements, signal respacing, and maintenance facilities. This is a Limited Term position not to exceed five (5) years . This position is funded in whole or in part through federal, state, or other governmental grants which are limited by time or funding. Limited Term positions may be eliminated when the funding ends, time expires, or due to lack of business need for the position. Limited Term employees receive all benefits provided to full-time employees, including but not limited to retirement, medical, dental, vision, and life. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the career level of the Railroad Civil Engineer series. At this level, the incumbent has some latitude for independent judgment and may vary work methods and procedures, but usually within prescribed parameters. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Receives supervision from departmental management/supervisory level roles No formal supervisory responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Serve as Project Manager for various railroad capital and rehab projects during design. Serve as SCRRA’s Project Manager to support various projects led by other agencies. Support the delivery of railroad related projects involving track and signals, crossings, bridges, culverts, tunnels, buildings, drainage and retaining structures, grading, and other right-of-way facilities. Write project descriptions, charters, project study reports, and regular monthly reports. Calculate construction work quantities (quantity take-off) from plans and specifications, field survey data, or direct field measurements. Prepare estimates of the probable cost of construction and maintenance activities using data from estimating tables, previous bids, production reports, or analysis of crew and equipment. Write scope of work and prepare estimates for professional services task orders; manage contract task orders and oversee consultant scope of work. Monitor expenditures during design and prepare reports of cost to date for on-going work, projected cost at completion, and anticipated outlays over life of project. Review invoices for work performed on various contracts as specified by the contract. Prepare project budgets and track funds received for projects from grants, deposits, or other sources, and prepare reports of expenses versus budget, and assist accounting department with timely billing on projects. Review submittals from contractors for conformance with the requirements of the contract, and SCRRA standards, respond to requests for information, submittals, correspondence, and other contract related documents; Assist in development of plans for construction activities using inspection and other measurement and condition data and prepare schedules for design and construction using critical path scheduling techniques (CPM). Calculate project material requirements, prepare bid packages from standard plans and specifications, prepare purchasing requisitions, and track material procurements. Maintain a culture of safety by participating in activities of safety committees, reviewing work plans for compliance with safe operating practices, and making observations of work activities. Prepare plans and specifications for job order contracts and small contract packages using SCRRA standard plans and specifications and other industry standards. Review designs of temporary structures for construction; review work plans for construction work involving railroad track and related facilities and structures including surveying and layout. Prepare correspondence to contractors, consultants, agencies, and other railroads to address engineering and construction topics. Support other various SCRRA departments for engineering related tasks as needed including but not limited to grant support, engineering reviews for permitting. Coordinate with various project stakeholders including Member Agencies, FRA, CPUC, BNSF, UPRR, Amtrak, and Local Jurisdictions; Present to stakeholders and the Board of Directors Understand the rights, duties, and obligations of contracts. Perform other duties as required. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field in engineering or physical science. A minimum of five (5) years of related work experience and knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and tracking project and resources, including monitoring and inspecting work, and contractor performance. A combination of training, with a minimum of an associate degree and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience. Valid Class C Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than three moving violations and no DUI’s within the last three years. Preferred Qualifications Professional Engineer's license or Engineer-in-Training Prior experience working on railroad projects (track and crossings) Prior experience working for a Class I Railroad or Freight Railroad Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of : The Authority’s operations and business practices, as well as the railroad regulatory environment Railroad engineering design and construction standards and regulations Transportation engineering principles Skilled in : Use of Microsoft Office Project Control Software CADD Software (MicroStation or AutoCAD) Ability to : Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to individuals and groups at all levels within and outside of the organization Multitask and manage multiple projects Develop accurate material, time, and cost estimates Effectively learn and adapt to new or changing industry concepts, regulations, codes, and best engineering practices Maintain a positive calm attitude while performing duties and in adverse situations PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations Operate tools to perform the duties of the position; such as computers, office equipment and work-related machinery Transport equipment or boxes up to 25lbs Exchange ideas by means of communication Visual acuity to detect, identify and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations Working Conditions Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Work may also be performed in outdoor environments, street environments (near moving traffic), construction sites, in the community (homes, business, etc.), Railroad Track and Right-of-Way environments, warehouse environments, and shop environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, extreme heat (above 100 degrees), moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.) Southern California Regional Rail Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Selection Process: Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA. Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA MEDICAL: SCRRA offers a choice of twelve (12) health plan options provided through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You may choose from up to ten (10) Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and two (2) Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Some health plans are only available in certain counties and/or zip codes. You contribute 12.5 percent of the plan premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. You may waive coverage if you are covered under another group health plan; you must provide proof. Once you waive coverage, you will only be allowed to enroll during Open Enrollment or within 60 days from the date on which your other coverage is no longer available (proof is required). If you elect to waive coverage, you will receive $300.00 per month taxable earnings, paid in two installments of $150 each on the first two paychecks of the month. A retiree or an employee who is a spouse, child, or any other eligible dependent of another SCRRA employee is not eligible for the opt out/cash in lieu credit if he/she is covered under a SCRRA health plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. DENTAL: SCRRA offers two dental options provided by Delta Dental. Under the DeltaCare (HMO) program, you must select a contract dentist within their network to perform your dental services. If you require treatment from a specialist, your contract dentist will handle the referral. Many services are covered at no cost to you. A co-payment applies for other services. The Delta Dental PPO plan allows you to visit a dentist of your choice, change dentists at any time, go to a dental specialist of your choice, receive dental care anywhere in the world, and save on out-of-pocket expenses when you visit a PPO network dental office. SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents under both plans. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. VISION: SCRRA offers two (2) vision plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP), providing coverage for eye examinations, prescription eyewear and contact lenses through network providers. You have the option of seeing out-of-network providers, but full reimbursement is not guaranteed. VSP has contracted with many laser surgery facilities and doctors, offering you a discount on PRK and LASIK surgeries. If you enroll in the VSP Basic Plan, SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. If you enroll in the VSP Buy-up Plan, which offers enhanced vision benefits, you pay the difference between the cost of the Basic Plan and the Buy-up Plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow for the deferral of pre-tax dollars to be used for reimbursement of eligible medical and dependent care expenses. You can set aside up to $3,050 for health care expenses and $5,000 per family for dependent care expenses annually. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or a qualifying event. GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, to a maximum of $200,000. Your life insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. IRS regulations require that the portion of Group Term Life (“G.T.L.”) insurance benefits provided to you by SCRRA, which exceeds $50,000, be added to your Federal, State, and Medicare taxable earnings for W-2 reporting. This amount is reflected on your pay statements each pay period in the “Other Benefits and Information” section. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000 without evidence of insurability (initial enrollment period only) and up to 5 times your salary to a maximum of $500,000 with evidence of insurability. Dependent life options are also available. The voluntary plan is portable; you may retain it if you leave SCRRA and pay the premium. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT: SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, up to a maximum of $200,000. Your AD&D insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000, subject to a maximum of the lesser of 5 times your annual salary or $500,000. Dependent AD&D options are also available. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. SHORT TERM DISABILITY: You are covered under the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) Program. Your maximum benefit amount is 52 times your weekly benefit amount or the total wages subject to SDI tax paid in your base period, whichever is less. Employees pay a mandatory contribution, through payroll deductions, for coverage under the SDI program. The contribution rate for 2023 is 0.9 percent of earnings. The SDI taxable wage limit is $153,164, with a maximum withholding of $1,378.48 per employee for calendar year 2023. LONG TERM DISABILITY : SCRRA provides for income replacement of 60 percent of monthly earnings subject to a maximum benefit of $7,500 per month up to age 65. To qualify, you must be on disability for 90 days. (Note: there is a pre-existing condition clause in this program.) Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. VOLUNTARY BENEFITS: SCRRA offers the following employee-paid voluntary benefits, provided by Aflac: Group Accident Insurance helps pay for out-of-pocket costs that arise from covered accidents, such as fractures, dislocations, and lacerations. Group Critical Illness Insurance helps pay for the expected and unexpected expenses that arise from diagnosis of a covered critical illness, such as cancer (internal or invasive), heart attack, stroke, end-stage renal failure or a major organ transplant. Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs associated with a hospital stay, including benefits for hospital confinement, hospital admission, hospital intensive care and intermediate intensive care step-down unit. Group Short-Term Disability Insurance pays a monthly benefit directly to an employee who is off work due to an injury or illness for up to three (3) months after a seven (7) day waiting period. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. 9/80 ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULE: SCRRA offers a 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule (AWS). During a 10-day work period, you work eight 9-hour days, one 8-hour day and have one day off. Your day off can be Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the 9/80 AWS program. TELECOMMUTING SCHEDULE: SCRRA offers employees the option to telecommute up to two (2) days per week. At the CEO’s discretion, the maximum number of days per week may be increased due to a natural disaster, pandemic, civil unrest, federal/state/local stay-at-home order, or other special circumstances. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the telecommuting program. Employees on a 9/80 schedule cannot telecommute. HOLIDAYS: SCRRA observes twelve (12) holidays a year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. PAID TIME OFF (PTO): SCRRA provides employees with Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacations, illnesses, injuries, medical/dental appointments, religious holidays, personal business, and emergencies as follows: 0-4 years of service - 25 days 5-6 years of service - 30 days 7th year of service - 32 days 8th year of service - 33 days 9th year of service - 34 days 10-14 years of service - 35 days 15-19 years of service - 38 days 20 or more years - 42 days At the CEO’s discretion, prior service at a public transportation or public agency, or rail transportation company may be counted towards an employee’s total service years to increase the employee’s PTO accrual rate. To be considered, Human Resources requires that a written request along with verification and confirmation of the years of service be provided prior to the start of employment with SCRRA. Human Resources will provide the final determination on behalf of the CEO. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): SCRRA offers you and your immediate and dependent family members confidential counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for family, personal, work-related and substance abuse issues through the EAP. You are entitled to a telephone session(s) with a trained EAP professional to assess the nature of the problem and provide a referral for additional assistance, if needed. Services also include three (3) face-to-face counseling sessions per family member per six (6) month period. HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICES: SCRRA offers you and your eligible dependents free health advocacy services through Health Advocate. You are entitled to unlimited calls with trained professionals who can help you navigate the healthcare and insurance systems. RETIREMENT PLAN: The SCRRA contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You pay a 7.00 percent employee contribution and SCRRA pays an employer contribution, which varies each year. To be eligible for service retirement, you must be at least age 52 and have a minimum of five (5) years of CalPERS-credited service. Upon retirement you are entitled to a monthly retirement benefit based on your years of credited service, age, and average compensation during your last three (3) years of service (“final compensation”). The retirement formula for New Members is 2%@62, which means at age 62, you receive 2 percent of your final compensation for every year of service. Upon separation from employment with less than 5 years of credited service, you may request a refund of your employee contributions only, including interest, and end your membership with CalPERS, or leave it in your account and retain your service credit should you decide to work for another CalPERS-covered agency. If you are vested upon separation but do not retire, you may leave your contributions in your account until retirement or elect a refund. SOCIAL SECURITY: You do not participate in Social Security except for Medicare. You will contribute 1.45 percent of your pay to cover the hospital insurance portion of Medicare. *Additional Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax: As of January 1, 2013, employees are required to pay an additional 0.9 percent Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (for those who file an individual return) or $250,000 (for those who file a joint return). This additional hospital insurance tax is not reflected in the rate above. RETIREE MEDICAL: Unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18*: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other. SCRRA pays the same amount for retirees as it does for active employees, which is currently 87.5 percent of the applicable premium. Unrepresented employees hired on or after 11/1/18: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other and you have a minimum of 10 years of credited CalPERS service, five of which must be performed at SCRRA. SCRRA pays a percentage of the state annuitant contribution rate** in accordance with the vesting schedule below: 10 Years of CalPERS Service - 50% 11 - 19 Years of CalPERS Service - 50%, plus 5% for each additional year of service 20+ Years of CalPERS Service - 100% *Once each year the employer may allow unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18 the opportunity to individually elect to be subject to the vesting schedule. **The state annuitant contribution rates for 2023 are: $883 (Retiree Only); $1,699 (Retiree + 1 Dependent); $2,124 (Retiree + Family). DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (457) : You are eligible to set aside a portion of your current income without paying taxes on that money until it is received later during retirement when taxes may be lower. In 2023, you can defer up to 100 percent of your gross compensation or $22,500 annually, whichever is less (“normal contribution limit”). You may make an additional $7,500 contribution to the plan if you are age 50 and older. If you are at least within three years of the age in which you are eligible to receive unreduced benefits under our CalPERS retirement plan, you may contribute up to double the normal contribution limit, or $45,000. TRANSPORTATION PASSES: You may use your employee badge for unlimited free access to all Metrolink lines and trains. Your badge cannot be used on connecting public transportation. However, if you commute to/from work on Metrolink on a regular basis and need to connect to other public transportation (e.g., Metro Red or Purple Line) you can be issued a Metrolink pass with the appropriate station pair, which will also give you access to connecting transportation. You are also eligible to receive a free transit pass to ride any greater Los Angeles area transit system other than Metrolink (such as, Metro, Foothill Transit, LADOT, and LOSSAN) for commuting purposes. The commuter transit pass has a value up to the monthly maximum tax-free transit pass amount established by the Internal Revenue Service ($300 in 2023). You are responsible for any transit fares above the IRS monthly cap. To receive this benefit, the SCRRA requires each employee to use public transportation to commute to and from work three (3) or more days per week. OTHER BENEFITS: Educational Assistance - SCRRA will reimburse an employee up to $1,000 per fiscal year for tuition, books and mandatory student fees for courses that are relevant to employment. No reimbursement is allowed for parking. Professional Memberships - SCRRA pays up to $300 per year for professional memberships. Credit Union Membership - SCRRA offers credit union services for employees and their family members, provided by Northrup Grumman Federal Credit Union. Jury Duty - SCRRA will continue an employee's salary during any non-voluntary jury service up to a maximum of ten (10) working days. Pregnancy Disability and Family and Medical Leaves - A leave of absence may be paid or unpaid and shall be granted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, and SCRRA policy. Refer to the Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual for more detailed information. Bereavement Leave - In the event of death in an employee’s immediate family, the agency grants up to three (3) working days, with pay, to handle family affairs and to attend the funeral. When an employee needs to travel outside the radius of the five (5) member agencies due to the death of an immediate family member, the Authority grants up to five (5) working days, with pay. Military Leave - Employees will be paid for the annually required active period. At the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, and with Board notification, paid military leave may be granted beyond what is provided by the applicable state law. Closing Date/Time: Continuous
SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION The Budget Analyst will perform financial, operational and budgetary analysis in support of SCRRA’s financial planning and analysis activities. TO APPLY: This is a continuous recruitment with the first review of applications beginning February 21, 2024 . Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This position is a career level of the Budget Analyst series. At this level, the incumbent has some latitude for independent judgment and may vary work methods, but usually within prescribed parameters. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Receives supervision from departmental management/supervisory level roles No formal supervisory responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Assist in the design of reporting processes to enhance the analysis and correction of budget related issues. Review coding on Requisitions and ensure budget exists to support expense. Interact with Cost Centers regarding the “Budget transfer” process. Track and monitor all approved amendments to the approved annual operating and capital budgets. Provide support for the monthly and year-end close of the general ledger. Work collaboratively with department staff in analysis of departmental revenue, expenses and other financials. Assist in maintaining the cost accounting system within the Financial Information System, Oracle. Assist with the preparation and analysis of the annual operating budget, revenue and expenses. Assist in the annual cost setting process and year-end reconciliation of operating expenditures. Assist in the conversion of the budget process to a more efficient and automated environment. Provide support to Cost Centers with current financial information and any questions regarding budgets. Review budgets to monthly, quarterly and annual actual reports to monitor expenditure. Collect and analyze data, record results and make recommendations for cost savings. Create and maintain documentation files to support operating budget information for ease of retrieval and historical analysis. Provide timely explanation and analytics of variances between actual results and forecasts/budgets. Assist in the production of quarterly performance measurement reports to the appropriate Board Committee and the Board of Directors. Assist in the development of reports for internal agency management for publication. Work with department staff to coordinate various ongoing and annual special projects including but not limited to Annual Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (ACFR), Indirect Cost Allocation Plan, and internal and external audits. Perform other related duties as assigned. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or a related field or equivalent experience. A minimum of six (6) years’ experience accounting, finance, business intelligence and/or budget, along with experience performing complex financial analysis of operational expenditures. A combination of training, with a minimum of an Associate’s degree and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience. Valid Class C Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than three moving violations and no DUI’s within the last three years. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of Six Sigma or Green / Black Belt Certification Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of : Accounting principles and procedures related to cost accounting, budgeting, and forecasting Principles and practices of public administration Principles and practices of administrative research and statistical analysis Skilled in : Resolving discrepancies and analyzing trends Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills Use of Microsoft Office with advanced skills in Excel Strong and effective communication skills both verbally and in writing Strong and effective organizational and time management skills Ability to : Build team cohesiveness by establishing, communicating, and reinforcing the Finance mission statement Perform complex analysis and prepare associated reports Identify, monitor and track complex trends and patterns Ability to comprehend the public service environment, SCRRA mission, objectives, and business model PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations Operate tools to perform the duties of the position; such as computers, office equipment and work-related machinery Transport equipment or boxes up to 25lbs Exchange ideas by means of communication Visual acuity to detect, identify and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations Working Conditions Hybrid work schedule may be available for this position classification. Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Southern California Regional Rail Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Selection Process: Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA. Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA MEDICAL: SCRRA offers a choice of twelve (12) health plan options provided through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You may choose from up to ten (10) Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and two (2) Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Some health plans are only available in certain counties and/or zip codes. You contribute 12.5 percent of the plan premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. You may waive coverage if you are covered under another group health plan; you must provide proof. Once you waive coverage, you will only be allowed to enroll during Open Enrollment or within 60 days from the date on which your other coverage is no longer available (proof is required). If you elect to waive coverage, you will receive $300.00 per month taxable earnings, paid in two installments of $150 each on the first two paychecks of the month. A retiree or an employee who is a spouse, child, or any other eligible dependent of another SCRRA employee is not eligible for the opt out/cash in lieu credit if he/she is covered under a SCRRA health plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. DENTAL: SCRRA offers two dental options provided by Delta Dental. Under the DeltaCare (HMO) program, you must select a contract dentist within their network to perform your dental services. If you require treatment from a specialist, your contract dentist will handle the referral. Many services are covered at no cost to you. A co-payment applies for other services. The Delta Dental PPO plan allows you to visit a dentist of your choice, change dentists at any time, go to a dental specialist of your choice, receive dental care anywhere in the world, and save on out-of-pocket expenses when you visit a PPO network dental office. SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents under both plans. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. VISION: SCRRA offers two (2) vision plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP), providing coverage for eye examinations, prescription eyewear and contact lenses through network providers. You have the option of seeing out-of-network providers, but full reimbursement is not guaranteed. VSP has contracted with many laser surgery facilities and doctors, offering you a discount on PRK and LASIK surgeries. If you enroll in the VSP Basic Plan, SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. If you enroll in the VSP Buy-up Plan, which offers enhanced vision benefits, you pay the difference between the cost of the Basic Plan and the Buy-up Plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow for the deferral of pre-tax dollars to be used for reimbursement of eligible medical and dependent care expenses. You can set aside up to $3,050 for health care expenses and $5,000 per family for dependent care expenses annually. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or a qualifying event. GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, to a maximum of $200,000. Your life insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. IRS regulations require that the portion of Group Term Life (“G.T.L.”) insurance benefits provided to you by SCRRA, which exceeds $50,000, be added to your Federal, State, and Medicare taxable earnings for W-2 reporting. This amount is reflected on your pay statements each pay period in the “Other Benefits and Information” section. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000 without evidence of insurability (initial enrollment period only) and up to 5 times your salary to a maximum of $500,000 with evidence of insurability. Dependent life options are also available. The voluntary plan is portable; you may retain it if you leave SCRRA and pay the premium. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT: SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, up to a maximum of $200,000. Your AD&D insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000, subject to a maximum of the lesser of 5 times your annual salary or $500,000. Dependent AD&D options are also available. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. SHORT TERM DISABILITY: You are covered under the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) Program. Your maximum benefit amount is 52 times your weekly benefit amount or the total wages subject to SDI tax paid in your base period, whichever is less. Employees pay a mandatory contribution, through payroll deductions, for coverage under the SDI program. The contribution rate for 2023 is 0.9 percent of earnings. The SDI taxable wage limit is $153,164, with a maximum withholding of $1,378.48 per employee for calendar year 2023. LONG TERM DISABILITY : SCRRA provides for income replacement of 60 percent of monthly earnings subject to a maximum benefit of $7,500 per month up to age 65. To qualify, you must be on disability for 90 days. (Note: there is a pre-existing condition clause in this program.) Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. VOLUNTARY BENEFITS: SCRRA offers the following employee-paid voluntary benefits, provided by Aflac: Group Accident Insurance helps pay for out-of-pocket costs that arise from covered accidents, such as fractures, dislocations, and lacerations. Group Critical Illness Insurance helps pay for the expected and unexpected expenses that arise from diagnosis of a covered critical illness, such as cancer (internal or invasive), heart attack, stroke, end-stage renal failure or a major organ transplant. Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs associated with a hospital stay, including benefits for hospital confinement, hospital admission, hospital intensive care and intermediate intensive care step-down unit. Group Short-Term Disability Insurance pays a monthly benefit directly to an employee who is off work due to an injury or illness for up to three (3) months after a seven (7) day waiting period. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. 9/80 ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULE: SCRRA offers a 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule (AWS). During a 10-day work period, you work eight 9-hour days, one 8-hour day and have one day off. Your day off can be Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the 9/80 AWS program. TELECOMMUTING SCHEDULE: SCRRA offers employees the option to telecommute up to two (2) days per week. At the CEO’s discretion, the maximum number of days per week may be increased due to a natural disaster, pandemic, civil unrest, federal/state/local stay-at-home order, or other special circumstances. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the telecommuting program. Employees on a 9/80 schedule cannot telecommute. HOLIDAYS: SCRRA observes twelve (12) holidays a year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. PAID TIME OFF (PTO): SCRRA provides employees with Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacations, illnesses, injuries, medical/dental appointments, religious holidays, personal business, and emergencies as follows: 0-4 years of service - 25 days 5-6 years of service - 30 days 7th year of service - 32 days 8th year of service - 33 days 9th year of service - 34 days 10-14 years of service - 35 days 15-19 years of service - 38 days 20 or more years - 42 days At the CEO’s discretion, prior service at a public transportation or public agency, or rail transportation company may be counted towards an employee’s total service years to increase the employee’s PTO accrual rate. To be considered, Human Resources requires that a written request along with verification and confirmation of the years of service be provided prior to the start of employment with SCRRA. Human Resources will provide the final determination on behalf of the CEO. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): SCRRA offers you and your immediate and dependent family members confidential counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for family, personal, work-related and substance abuse issues through the EAP. You are entitled to a telephone session(s) with a trained EAP professional to assess the nature of the problem and provide a referral for additional assistance, if needed. Services also include three (3) face-to-face counseling sessions per family member per six (6) month period. HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICES: SCRRA offers you and your eligible dependents free health advocacy services through Health Advocate. You are entitled to unlimited calls with trained professionals who can help you navigate the healthcare and insurance systems. RETIREMENT PLAN: The SCRRA contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You pay a 8.00 percent employee contribution and SCRRA pays an employer contribution, which varies each year. To be eligible for service retirement, you must be at least age 52 and have a minimum of five (5) years of CalPERS-credited service. Upon retirement you are entitled to a monthly retirement benefit based on your years of credited service, age, and average compensation during your last three (3) years of service (“final compensation”). The retirement formula for New Members is 2%@62, which means at age 62, you receive 2 percent of your final compensation for every year of service. Upon separation from employment with less than 5 years of credited service, you may request a refund of your employee contributions only, including interest, and end your membership with CalPERS, or leave it in your account and retain your service credit should you decide to work for another CalPERS-covered agency. If you are vested upon separation but do not retire, you may leave your contributions in your account until retirement or elect a refund. SOCIAL SECURITY: You do not participate in Social Security except for Medicare. You will contribute 1.45 percent of your pay to cover the hospital insurance portion of Medicare. *Additional Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax: As of January 1, 2013, employees are required to pay an additional 0.9 percent Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (for those who file an individual return) or $250,000 (for those who file a joint return). This additional hospital insurance tax is not reflected in the rate above. RETIREE MEDICAL: Unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18*: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other. SCRRA pays the same amount for retirees as it does for active employees, which is currently 87.5 percent of the applicable premium. Unrepresented employees hired on or after 11/1/18: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other and you have a minimum of 10 years of credited CalPERS service, five of which must be performed at SCRRA. SCRRA pays a percentage of the state annuitant contribution rate** in accordance with the vesting schedule below: 10 Years of CalPERS Service - 50% 11 - 19 Years of CalPERS Service - 50%, plus 5% for each additional year of service 20+ Years of CalPERS Service - 100% *Once each year the employer may allow unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18 the opportunity to individually elect to be subject to the vesting schedule. **The state annuitant contribution rates for 2023 are: $883 (Retiree Only); $1,699 (Retiree + 1 Dependent); $2,124 (Retiree + Family). DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (457) : You are eligible to set aside a portion of your current income without paying taxes on that money until it is received later during retirement when taxes may be lower. In 2023, you can defer up to 100 percent of your gross compensation or $22,500 annually, whichever is less (“normal contribution limit”). You may make an additional $7,500 contribution to the plan if you are age 50 and older. If you are at least within three years of the age in which you are eligible to receive unreduced benefits under our CalPERS retirement plan, you may contribute up to double the normal contribution limit, or $45,000. TRANSPORTATION PASSES: You may use your employee badge for unlimited free access to all Metrolink lines and trains. Your badge cannot be used on connecting public transportation. However, if you commute to/from work on Metrolink on a regular basis and need to connect to other public transportation (e.g., Metro Red or Purple Line) you can be issued a Metrolink pass with the appropriate station pair, which will also give you access to connecting transportation. You are also eligible to receive a free transit pass to ride any greater Los Angeles area transit system other than Metrolink (such as, Metro, Foothill Transit, LADOT, and LOSSAN) for commuting purposes. The commuter transit pass has a value up to the monthly maximum tax-free transit pass amount established by the Internal Revenue Service ($300 in 2023). You are responsible for any transit fares above the IRS monthly cap. To receive this benefit, the SCRRA requires each employee to use public transportation to commute to and from work three (3) or more days per week. OTHER BENEFITS: Educational Assistance - SCRRA will reimburse an employee up to $1,000 per fiscal year for tuition, books and mandatory student fees for courses that are relevant to employment. No reimbursement is allowed for parking. Professional Memberships - SCRRA pays up to $300 per year for professional memberships. Credit Union Membership - SCRRA offers credit union services for employees and their family members, provided by Northrup Grumman Federal Credit Union. Jury Duty - SCRRA will continue an employee's salary during any non-voluntary jury service up to a maximum of ten (10) working days. Pregnancy Disability and Family and Medical Leaves - A leave of absence may be paid or unpaid and shall be granted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, and SCRRA policy. Refer to the Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual for more detailed information. Bereavement Leave - In the event of death in an employee’s immediate family, the agency grants up to three (3) working days, with pay, to handle family affairs and to attend the funeral. When an employee needs to travel outside the radius of the five (5) member agencies due to the death of an immediate family member, the Authority grants up to five (5) working days, with pay. Military Leave - Employees will be paid for the annually required active period. At the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, and with Board notification, paid military leave may be granted beyond what is provided by the applicable state law. Closing Date/Time: Continuous
Mar 07, 2024
Full Time
SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION The Budget Analyst will perform financial, operational and budgetary analysis in support of SCRRA’s financial planning and analysis activities. TO APPLY: This is a continuous recruitment with the first review of applications beginning February 21, 2024 . Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This position is a career level of the Budget Analyst series. At this level, the incumbent has some latitude for independent judgment and may vary work methods, but usually within prescribed parameters. SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Receives supervision from departmental management/supervisory level roles No formal supervisory responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Assist in the design of reporting processes to enhance the analysis and correction of budget related issues. Review coding on Requisitions and ensure budget exists to support expense. Interact with Cost Centers regarding the “Budget transfer” process. Track and monitor all approved amendments to the approved annual operating and capital budgets. Provide support for the monthly and year-end close of the general ledger. Work collaboratively with department staff in analysis of departmental revenue, expenses and other financials. Assist in maintaining the cost accounting system within the Financial Information System, Oracle. Assist with the preparation and analysis of the annual operating budget, revenue and expenses. Assist in the annual cost setting process and year-end reconciliation of operating expenditures. Assist in the conversion of the budget process to a more efficient and automated environment. Provide support to Cost Centers with current financial information and any questions regarding budgets. Review budgets to monthly, quarterly and annual actual reports to monitor expenditure. Collect and analyze data, record results and make recommendations for cost savings. Create and maintain documentation files to support operating budget information for ease of retrieval and historical analysis. Provide timely explanation and analytics of variances between actual results and forecasts/budgets. Assist in the production of quarterly performance measurement reports to the appropriate Board Committee and the Board of Directors. Assist in the development of reports for internal agency management for publication. Work with department staff to coordinate various ongoing and annual special projects including but not limited to Annual Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (ACFR), Indirect Cost Allocation Plan, and internal and external audits. Perform other related duties as assigned. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or a related field or equivalent experience. A minimum of six (6) years’ experience accounting, finance, business intelligence and/or budget, along with experience performing complex financial analysis of operational expenditures. A combination of training, with a minimum of an Associate’s degree and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience. Valid Class C Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than three moving violations and no DUI’s within the last three years. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of Six Sigma or Green / Black Belt Certification Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of : Accounting principles and procedures related to cost accounting, budgeting, and forecasting Principles and practices of public administration Principles and practices of administrative research and statistical analysis Skilled in : Resolving discrepancies and analyzing trends Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills Use of Microsoft Office with advanced skills in Excel Strong and effective communication skills both verbally and in writing Strong and effective organizational and time management skills Ability to : Build team cohesiveness by establishing, communicating, and reinforcing the Finance mission statement Perform complex analysis and prepare associated reports Identify, monitor and track complex trends and patterns Ability to comprehend the public service environment, SCRRA mission, objectives, and business model PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations Operate tools to perform the duties of the position; such as computers, office equipment and work-related machinery Transport equipment or boxes up to 25lbs Exchange ideas by means of communication Visual acuity to detect, identify and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations Working Conditions Hybrid work schedule may be available for this position classification. Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Southern California Regional Rail Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Selection Process: Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA. Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA MEDICAL: SCRRA offers a choice of twelve (12) health plan options provided through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You may choose from up to ten (10) Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and two (2) Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Some health plans are only available in certain counties and/or zip codes. You contribute 12.5 percent of the plan premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. You may waive coverage if you are covered under another group health plan; you must provide proof. Once you waive coverage, you will only be allowed to enroll during Open Enrollment or within 60 days from the date on which your other coverage is no longer available (proof is required). If you elect to waive coverage, you will receive $300.00 per month taxable earnings, paid in two installments of $150 each on the first two paychecks of the month. A retiree or an employee who is a spouse, child, or any other eligible dependent of another SCRRA employee is not eligible for the opt out/cash in lieu credit if he/she is covered under a SCRRA health plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. DENTAL: SCRRA offers two dental options provided by Delta Dental. Under the DeltaCare (HMO) program, you must select a contract dentist within their network to perform your dental services. If you require treatment from a specialist, your contract dentist will handle the referral. Many services are covered at no cost to you. A co-payment applies for other services. The Delta Dental PPO plan allows you to visit a dentist of your choice, change dentists at any time, go to a dental specialist of your choice, receive dental care anywhere in the world, and save on out-of-pocket expenses when you visit a PPO network dental office. SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents under both plans. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. VISION: SCRRA offers two (2) vision plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP), providing coverage for eye examinations, prescription eyewear and contact lenses through network providers. You have the option of seeing out-of-network providers, but full reimbursement is not guaranteed. VSP has contracted with many laser surgery facilities and doctors, offering you a discount on PRK and LASIK surgeries. If you enroll in the VSP Basic Plan, SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. If you enroll in the VSP Buy-up Plan, which offers enhanced vision benefits, you pay the difference between the cost of the Basic Plan and the Buy-up Plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow for the deferral of pre-tax dollars to be used for reimbursement of eligible medical and dependent care expenses. You can set aside up to $3,050 for health care expenses and $5,000 per family for dependent care expenses annually. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or a qualifying event. GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, to a maximum of $200,000. Your life insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. IRS regulations require that the portion of Group Term Life (“G.T.L.”) insurance benefits provided to you by SCRRA, which exceeds $50,000, be added to your Federal, State, and Medicare taxable earnings for W-2 reporting. This amount is reflected on your pay statements each pay period in the “Other Benefits and Information” section. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000 without evidence of insurability (initial enrollment period only) and up to 5 times your salary to a maximum of $500,000 with evidence of insurability. Dependent life options are also available. The voluntary plan is portable; you may retain it if you leave SCRRA and pay the premium. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT: SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, up to a maximum of $200,000. Your AD&D insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000, subject to a maximum of the lesser of 5 times your annual salary or $500,000. Dependent AD&D options are also available. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. SHORT TERM DISABILITY: You are covered under the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) Program. Your maximum benefit amount is 52 times your weekly benefit amount or the total wages subject to SDI tax paid in your base period, whichever is less. Employees pay a mandatory contribution, through payroll deductions, for coverage under the SDI program. The contribution rate for 2023 is 0.9 percent of earnings. The SDI taxable wage limit is $153,164, with a maximum withholding of $1,378.48 per employee for calendar year 2023. LONG TERM DISABILITY : SCRRA provides for income replacement of 60 percent of monthly earnings subject to a maximum benefit of $7,500 per month up to age 65. To qualify, you must be on disability for 90 days. (Note: there is a pre-existing condition clause in this program.) Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. VOLUNTARY BENEFITS: SCRRA offers the following employee-paid voluntary benefits, provided by Aflac: Group Accident Insurance helps pay for out-of-pocket costs that arise from covered accidents, such as fractures, dislocations, and lacerations. Group Critical Illness Insurance helps pay for the expected and unexpected expenses that arise from diagnosis of a covered critical illness, such as cancer (internal or invasive), heart attack, stroke, end-stage renal failure or a major organ transplant. Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs associated with a hospital stay, including benefits for hospital confinement, hospital admission, hospital intensive care and intermediate intensive care step-down unit. Group Short-Term Disability Insurance pays a monthly benefit directly to an employee who is off work due to an injury or illness for up to three (3) months after a seven (7) day waiting period. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. 9/80 ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULE: SCRRA offers a 9/80 Alternative Work Schedule (AWS). During a 10-day work period, you work eight 9-hour days, one 8-hour day and have one day off. Your day off can be Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the 9/80 AWS program. TELECOMMUTING SCHEDULE: SCRRA offers employees the option to telecommute up to two (2) days per week. At the CEO’s discretion, the maximum number of days per week may be increased due to a natural disaster, pandemic, civil unrest, federal/state/local stay-at-home order, or other special circumstances. Approval from your supervisor, chief and HR is required to participate in the telecommuting program. Employees on a 9/80 schedule cannot telecommute. HOLIDAYS: SCRRA observes twelve (12) holidays a year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. PAID TIME OFF (PTO): SCRRA provides employees with Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacations, illnesses, injuries, medical/dental appointments, religious holidays, personal business, and emergencies as follows: 0-4 years of service - 25 days 5-6 years of service - 30 days 7th year of service - 32 days 8th year of service - 33 days 9th year of service - 34 days 10-14 years of service - 35 days 15-19 years of service - 38 days 20 or more years - 42 days At the CEO’s discretion, prior service at a public transportation or public agency, or rail transportation company may be counted towards an employee’s total service years to increase the employee’s PTO accrual rate. To be considered, Human Resources requires that a written request along with verification and confirmation of the years of service be provided prior to the start of employment with SCRRA. Human Resources will provide the final determination on behalf of the CEO. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP): SCRRA offers you and your immediate and dependent family members confidential counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for family, personal, work-related and substance abuse issues through the EAP. You are entitled to a telephone session(s) with a trained EAP professional to assess the nature of the problem and provide a referral for additional assistance, if needed. Services also include three (3) face-to-face counseling sessions per family member per six (6) month period. HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICES: SCRRA offers you and your eligible dependents free health advocacy services through Health Advocate. You are entitled to unlimited calls with trained professionals who can help you navigate the healthcare and insurance systems. RETIREMENT PLAN: The SCRRA contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You pay a 8.00 percent employee contribution and SCRRA pays an employer contribution, which varies each year. To be eligible for service retirement, you must be at least age 52 and have a minimum of five (5) years of CalPERS-credited service. Upon retirement you are entitled to a monthly retirement benefit based on your years of credited service, age, and average compensation during your last three (3) years of service (“final compensation”). The retirement formula for New Members is 2%@62, which means at age 62, you receive 2 percent of your final compensation for every year of service. Upon separation from employment with less than 5 years of credited service, you may request a refund of your employee contributions only, including interest, and end your membership with CalPERS, or leave it in your account and retain your service credit should you decide to work for another CalPERS-covered agency. If you are vested upon separation but do not retire, you may leave your contributions in your account until retirement or elect a refund. SOCIAL SECURITY: You do not participate in Social Security except for Medicare. You will contribute 1.45 percent of your pay to cover the hospital insurance portion of Medicare. *Additional Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax: As of January 1, 2013, employees are required to pay an additional 0.9 percent Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (for those who file an individual return) or $250,000 (for those who file a joint return). This additional hospital insurance tax is not reflected in the rate above. RETIREE MEDICAL: Unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18*: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other. SCRRA pays the same amount for retirees as it does for active employees, which is currently 87.5 percent of the applicable premium. Unrepresented employees hired on or after 11/1/18: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other and you have a minimum of 10 years of credited CalPERS service, five of which must be performed at SCRRA. SCRRA pays a percentage of the state annuitant contribution rate** in accordance with the vesting schedule below: 10 Years of CalPERS Service - 50% 11 - 19 Years of CalPERS Service - 50%, plus 5% for each additional year of service 20+ Years of CalPERS Service - 100% *Once each year the employer may allow unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18 the opportunity to individually elect to be subject to the vesting schedule. **The state annuitant contribution rates for 2023 are: $883 (Retiree Only); $1,699 (Retiree + 1 Dependent); $2,124 (Retiree + Family). DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (457) : You are eligible to set aside a portion of your current income without paying taxes on that money until it is received later during retirement when taxes may be lower. In 2023, you can defer up to 100 percent of your gross compensation or $22,500 annually, whichever is less (“normal contribution limit”). You may make an additional $7,500 contribution to the plan if you are age 50 and older. If you are at least within three years of the age in which you are eligible to receive unreduced benefits under our CalPERS retirement plan, you may contribute up to double the normal contribution limit, or $45,000. TRANSPORTATION PASSES: You may use your employee badge for unlimited free access to all Metrolink lines and trains. Your badge cannot be used on connecting public transportation. However, if you commute to/from work on Metrolink on a regular basis and need to connect to other public transportation (e.g., Metro Red or Purple Line) you can be issued a Metrolink pass with the appropriate station pair, which will also give you access to connecting transportation. You are also eligible to receive a free transit pass to ride any greater Los Angeles area transit system other than Metrolink (such as, Metro, Foothill Transit, LADOT, and LOSSAN) for commuting purposes. The commuter transit pass has a value up to the monthly maximum tax-free transit pass amount established by the Internal Revenue Service ($300 in 2023). You are responsible for any transit fares above the IRS monthly cap. To receive this benefit, the SCRRA requires each employee to use public transportation to commute to and from work three (3) or more days per week. OTHER BENEFITS: Educational Assistance - SCRRA will reimburse an employee up to $1,000 per fiscal year for tuition, books and mandatory student fees for courses that are relevant to employment. No reimbursement is allowed for parking. Professional Memberships - SCRRA pays up to $300 per year for professional memberships. Credit Union Membership - SCRRA offers credit union services for employees and their family members, provided by Northrup Grumman Federal Credit Union. Jury Duty - SCRRA will continue an employee's salary during any non-voluntary jury service up to a maximum of ten (10) working days. Pregnancy Disability and Family and Medical Leaves - A leave of absence may be paid or unpaid and shall be granted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, and SCRRA policy. Refer to the Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual for more detailed information. Bereavement Leave - In the event of death in an employee’s immediate family, the agency grants up to three (3) working days, with pay, to handle family affairs and to attend the funeral. When an employee needs to travel outside the radius of the five (5) member agencies due to the death of an immediate family member, the Authority grants up to five (5) working days, with pay. Military Leave - Employees will be paid for the annually required active period. At the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, and with Board notification, paid military leave may be granted beyond what is provided by the applicable state law. Closing Date/Time: Continuous
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Los Angeles, California, United States
Position/Program Information When to Submit Your Application: The application filing period will begin on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 7:00 a.m. (PT). T his recruitment will remain open until the needs of the service are met. Reposting Information: This announcement is a repost to update information in the following section: Essential Job Functions Type of Recruitment: Open Competitive Job Opportunity No with-hold or out-of-class experience will be accepted. Check Out Our Outstanding Benefits! Los Angeles County offers one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the nation. Flexible Benefit Plans - Benefits may be purchased using tax-free County contribution of an additional 14.5%-17% of the employee's monthly salary. Robust Retirement Packages - Contributory-defined benefit plan; optional tax-deferred income plans that may include a County matching contribution up to 4% of employee's salary. Generous Maternity and Family Leave Benefits Flexible Schedules (4/40 workweeks - where appropriate, Telework - where appropriate) Rideshare, Parking, and Transit Benefits 13 paid holidays per year Who We Are: The Internal Services Department (ISD) plays a major role in supporting all County of Los Angeles departments and commissions. With an annual budget of over $885 M and 2,162 budgeted positions along with over 5,120 contracted workers of varying professions in facilities management, information technology, environmental, administrative, purchasing, and contracting, ISD is the County's trusted partner and provider of choice. Essential Job Functions What you will perform: Serves as a technical expert/consultant to the department, other County departments, and external stakeholders on issues/areas. Provides expertise, leadership, and technical training to team members and other stakeholders. Plans, develops, implements, and supports information technology projects and programs in the department as well as development, infrastructure, and hardware/software migration projects and system architecture planning. Develops and provides recommendations to improve existing information technology processes. Develops, administers, and evaluates internal and external contracts. Monitors contract activities. Prepares and disseminates a variety of technical documents. Collaborates with public and private sector agencies, and community-based organizations on programs that promote digital equity. Coordinates outreach efforts to constituents in underserved communities on digital literacy, broadband access, and computer/technology resources. Requirements Requirements to Qualify Two years of information systems experience, within the last three years, at the level of Los Angeles County's classes of Telecommunications Systems Consulting Engineer, Supervising Telecommunications Systems Engineer, Principal Application Developer, Principal Operating Systems Analyst, Principal Network Systems Administrator, Principal Information Systems Analyst, Senior Telecommunications Systems Engineer, Database Administrator or higher. License: A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions. Physical Expectations: Physical Class II - Light: This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved. Additional Information EXAMINATION CONTENT This examination will consist of two (2) parts: Part I: Multiple choice and/or simulation assessments, weighted 55%, measuring: Deductive Reasoning Professional Potential Generating New Ideas Analyzing Information Responsibility Learning Quickly Working to High Quality Standards Coping with Uncertainty Adapting to Change Achievement Willingness to Learn Working Relationships Using Time Efficiently Applicants must meet the Requirements and achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on Part I in order to be invited to Part II of this examination. Part II: M ultiple-choice and/or simulation assessments weighted 45% measuring the following four (4) Professional/Technical Knowledge areas: Project Management covering Project Communications Management, Project Cost Management, Project Human Resource Management, Project Management Characteristics, Project Management Methodologies, Project Procurement Management, Project Quality Management, Project Risk Management, Project Scope Management, Project Stakeholder Management, and Project Time Management. Software Business Analysis covering Business Process, Diagramming and Modeling, Documentation, Joint Application Development, Methodologies and Tools, Project Development, Requirements Gathering, and System Design and User Interface. Cyber Risk covering Knowledge of Cyber Risk Management, System and Application Security, Network Security, and Security Management. Cloud Computing covering Knowledge of Cloud Computing Concepts, Cloud Service Models, Virtualization, and Private Clouds. Candidates must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on each weighted part of the examination in order to be placed on the Eligible Register. MULTIPLE-CHOICE AND/OR SIMULATION ASSESSMENT(S) ARE NOT REVIEWABLE BY CANDIDATES PER CIVIL SERVICE RULE 7.19. Eligibility Information: The names of candidates receiving a passing score in the assessment will be placed on the Eligible Register in the order of their score group for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of promulgation. Passing this examination and being placed on the Eligible Register do not guarantee an offer of employment. Vacancy Information: The resulting Eligible Register for this examination will be used to fill vacancies in the Internal Services Department, Information Technology Service located at 9150 E. Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242 . Shift: Any How to Apply Applications must be field online only. We must receive your application before 5:30 p.m., (PT), on the last day of filing. Applications submitted by U.S. Mail, Fax, or in person will not be accepted. Apply online by clicking on the green “Apply” button at the top right of this posting. You can track the status of your application using the website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacounty . Many important notifications including invitation letters will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application. It is important that you provide a valid email address. Please add “hvasquez@isd.lacounty.gov,” as well as noreply@governmentjobs.com, and info@governmentjobs.com to your email address and list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail. Please make sure you put in the time and effort when filling out your application and supplemental questions completely. The acceptance of your application depends on whether you have clearly shown that you meet the Requirements to Qualify as listed on this bulletin. Provide any relevant job experience in the spaces provided so we can evaluate your qualifications for the job. For each job held, give the name and address of your employer, your job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week, and description of work performed. If your application is incomplete, it will be rejected. Please note that all information included in the application materials is subject to verification at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or rescission of appointment. Utilizing verbiage from Class Specification and Requirements serving as your description of duties will not be sufficient to demonstrate that you meet the requirements. Doing so may result in an incomplete application and you may be disqualified. Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI) - The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. The Department of Human Resources is committed to promoting Anti-racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst race. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices. (optional) Have questions about anything listed above? Department Contact Name: Hugo Vasquez Department Contact Phone: 323-881-3670 Department Contact Email: hvasquez@isd.lacounty.gov ADA Coordinator Phone: (323) 267-2432 Teletype Phone: (800) 899-4099 Alternate Teletype Phone: (800) 897-0077 California Relay Services Phone: (800) 735-2922 Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below. Your Responsibilities: 1. Completing Your Application : a. Before submission of the application, it is your responsibility to ensure that all information provided is correct and complete on the application. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted. b. List each payroll title separately for each job. Do not group your experience. Specify the beginning and ending dates for each job. If you are a Los Angeles County employee and have held multiple positions, do NOT list all of your time with the County under your present payroll title. c. Please include your Social Security Number for record control purposes. Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number. d. To receive credit, include required documents (e.g., copy of your diploma, transcript, certificate, or license) as directed on the job posting. International degrees in a foreign language must be translated to English and evaluated for equivalency to U.S. standards. Refer to the job posting for specific deadlines for supporting documentation. 2. Requirements on Job Posting : a. Your application will only be accepted if it clearly shows you meet the requirements. The information you give will determine your eligibility and is subject to verification at any time. b. You must be at least 16 years of age at the time of appointment unless other age limits are stated on the job posting. The Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967, as amended, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age for any individual over age 40. c. Experience is evaluated on the basis of a verifiable 40- hour week, unless specified otherwise. Prorated part-time experience may be acceptable. 3. Application Deadline : All job applications must be completed and submitted before the closing time on the last day of the filing period as indicated on the job posting unless other instructions are provided. Job postings with an open continuous filing period are subject to closure without prior notice. It is to your advantage to file your application early and not wait until the last allowable date and time as you will not be able to apply once the filing period has closed. 4. Change of Name or Address : To change personal information such as your name or address, log into your profile on www.governmentjobs.com and make the necessary change. This can be done at any time. 5. Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Policy : a. It is the policy of the County of Los Angeles to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability. b. If you are an individual requesting reasonable accommodation(s) in the examination process, please contact the testing accommodation coordinator listed on the job posting. The provision of accommodation may be subject to verification as allowable with State and Federal law. All accommodation-related information will remain confidential. Disclaimer : The County of Los Angeles is not responsible or in any way liable for any computer hardware or software malfunction which may affect the employment application or the application selection process. You assume all responsibility and risk for the use of this system and the Internet generally. This system and the information provided on it are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. No advice or information given by the County of Los Angeles or its respective employees shall modify the foregoing or create any warranty. The County of Los Angeles expressly disclaims any warranty that the information on this system or on the Internet generally will be uninterruptible or error free or that any information, software or other material accessible from the system is free of viruses or other harmful components. You shall have no recourse against the County of Los Angeles as the system provider for any alleged or actual infringement of any proprietary rights a user may have in anything posted or retrieved on our system. The County of Los Angeles shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special or consequential damages arising out of or in any way connected with the use of this system or with the delay or inability to use it (or any linked sites), or for any information obtained through this system, or otherwise arising out of the use of this system, the Internet generally or on any other basis. NOTE: Your application is submitted using Secure Encryption to ensure the privacy of all information you transmit over the Internet. By accepting the Use Disclaimer set forth here, you agree to all of the above terms and further agree to use this Online Job Employment Application System only for the submission of bona fide employment applications to the County of Los Angeles. Any other use of this Online Job Employment Application System, including without limitation any copying, downloading, translating, decompiling, or reverse engineering of the system, data, or related software, shall be a violation of the Use Disclaimer. Test Preparation : Study Guides and other resources are available to help candidates prepare for employment tests. An interactive system for taking practice tests may be accessed on the Department of Human Resources website at https://hr.lacounty.gov /. Additional resources may be listed on the job posting. COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES Employment Information Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below. Veteran’s Credit : In all open competitive examinations, a veteran’s credit of 10 percent of the total credits specified for such examinations will be added to the final passing grade of an honorably discharged veteran who served in the Armed Forces of the United States under any of the following conditions: During a declared war; -or- During the period April 28, 1952 through July 1, 1955; -or- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976; -or- During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990 through January 2, 1992; -or- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010 the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom; -or- In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal or expeditionary medal has been authorized and awarded. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti qualifies for credit. A campaign medal holder or Gulf War veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980 (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. This also applies to the spouse of such person who, while engaged in such service was wounded, disabled or crippled and thereby permanently prevented from engaging in any remunerative occupation, and also to the widow or widower of any such person who died or was killed while in such service. A DD214, Certificate of Discharge or Separation from Active Duty, or other official documents issued by the branch of service are required as verification of eligibility for Veterans preference. Applicants must submit the documentation for each open competitive exam to qualify for veteran’s credit. More information available at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veteransservices/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/ Accreditation Information : Accredited institutions are those listed in the publications of regional, national or international accrediting agencies which are accepted by the Department of Human Resources. Publications such as American Universities and Colleges and International Handbook of Universities are acceptable references. Also acceptable, if appropriate, are degrees that have been evaluated and deemed to be equivalent to degrees from United States accredited institutions by an academic credential evaluation agency recognized by The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). More information available at: http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/070812_PPG123.pdf (Download PDF reader) and http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/205105_PPG_123_AC E_Resource_Guide.pdf Background Check : The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except for a very limited number of positions, you will not be asked to provide information about a conviction history unless you receive a contingent offer of employment. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct or adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and consider potential mitigating factors, including, but not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). I f asked to provide information about a conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed. Career Planning : Resources to help current and prospective employees plan a career with Los Angeles County are available. To explore career paths to and from nearly all job titles, please visit our interactive Career PathFinder application at https://career-pathfinder.hr.lacounty.gov/#/ . Benefit Information : Depending on the position, the successful candidate will enroll in a contributory defined benefit pension plan if the candidate is a “new member” of the County’s defined benefit plan (LACERA) on or after January 1, 2013 (first employed by the County on or after December 1, 2012) - unless she or he established reciprocity with another public retirement system in which she or he was a member before January 1, 2013. It should be noted that County employees do not pay into Social Security, but do pay the Medical Hospital Insurance Tax portion of Social Security at a rate of 1.45%. The Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) has reciprocal agreements with several public retirement systems in California. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 : All positions are open to qualified men and women. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, persons with disabilities who believe they need reasonable accommodation, or help in order to apply for a position, may contact the ADA/Personnel Services for Disabled Persons Coordinator. Hearing impaired applicants with telephone teletype equipment may leave messages by calling the teletype phone number on the job posting. The County will attempt to meet reasonable accommodation requests whenever possible. Equal Employment Opportunity : It is the policy of the County of Los Angeles to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability or any other characteristic protected by State or Federal law. All positions are open to qualified men and women pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. The County will comply with all of its obligations under State and Federal laws regarding the provision of reasonable accommodations to applicants. COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES Employment Information Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below. Los Angeles County Child Support Compliance Program : In an effort to improve compliance with courtordered child, family and spousal support obligations, certain employment and identification information (i.e., name, address, Social Security number and date of hire) is regularly reported to the State Directory of New Hires which may assist in locating persons who owe these obligations. Family Code Section 17512 permits under certain circumstances for additional employment and identifying information to be requested. Applicants will not be disqualified from employment based on this information. Social Security Act of 2004 : Section 419 (c) of Public Law 108-203, the Social Security Protection Act of 2004, requires State and local government employers to disclose the effect of the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset Provision to employees hired on or after January 1, 2005, in jobs not covered by Social Security. The County of Los Angeles does not participate in the Social Security System. All newly hired County of Los Angeles employees must sign a statement (Form SSA1945) prior to the start of employment indicating that they are aware of a possible reduction in their future Social Security benefit entitlement. For more information on Social Security and about each provision, you may visit the website www.socialsecurity.gov , or call toll free 1-800-772- 1213. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the TTY number 1-800-325-0778 or contact a local Social Security office. Employment Eligibility Information : Final appointment is contingent upon verification of U.S. citizenship or the right to work in the United States. Immigration law provides that all persons hired after November 6, 1986, are required to present original documents to the County, within three (3) business days of hiring, which show satisfactory proof of 1) identity and 2) U.S. employment eligibility. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Part 2.8 commencing with Section 12900 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) and the Regulations of the Fair Employment and Housing Commission (California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Division 4, Sections 7285.0 through 8504) prohibits employment discrimination based on race or color; religion; national origin or ancestry, physical disability; mental disability or medical condition; marital status; sex or sexual orientation; age, with respect to persons over the age of 40; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. COVID-19 VACCINATION : Some County workforce members may be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Successful candidates for those positions/classifications may be required to submit proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or request an exemption for qualifying medical or religious reasons during the onboarding process. Candidates should not present proof of vaccination until instructed to do so by the hiring department. For detailed information, please click here
Mar 08, 2024
Full Time
Position/Program Information When to Submit Your Application: The application filing period will begin on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 7:00 a.m. (PT). T his recruitment will remain open until the needs of the service are met. Reposting Information: This announcement is a repost to update information in the following section: Essential Job Functions Type of Recruitment: Open Competitive Job Opportunity No with-hold or out-of-class experience will be accepted. Check Out Our Outstanding Benefits! Los Angeles County offers one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the nation. Flexible Benefit Plans - Benefits may be purchased using tax-free County contribution of an additional 14.5%-17% of the employee's monthly salary. Robust Retirement Packages - Contributory-defined benefit plan; optional tax-deferred income plans that may include a County matching contribution up to 4% of employee's salary. Generous Maternity and Family Leave Benefits Flexible Schedules (4/40 workweeks - where appropriate, Telework - where appropriate) Rideshare, Parking, and Transit Benefits 13 paid holidays per year Who We Are: The Internal Services Department (ISD) plays a major role in supporting all County of Los Angeles departments and commissions. With an annual budget of over $885 M and 2,162 budgeted positions along with over 5,120 contracted workers of varying professions in facilities management, information technology, environmental, administrative, purchasing, and contracting, ISD is the County's trusted partner and provider of choice. Essential Job Functions What you will perform: Serves as a technical expert/consultant to the department, other County departments, and external stakeholders on issues/areas. Provides expertise, leadership, and technical training to team members and other stakeholders. Plans, develops, implements, and supports information technology projects and programs in the department as well as development, infrastructure, and hardware/software migration projects and system architecture planning. Develops and provides recommendations to improve existing information technology processes. Develops, administers, and evaluates internal and external contracts. Monitors contract activities. Prepares and disseminates a variety of technical documents. Collaborates with public and private sector agencies, and community-based organizations on programs that promote digital equity. Coordinates outreach efforts to constituents in underserved communities on digital literacy, broadband access, and computer/technology resources. Requirements Requirements to Qualify Two years of information systems experience, within the last three years, at the level of Los Angeles County's classes of Telecommunications Systems Consulting Engineer, Supervising Telecommunications Systems Engineer, Principal Application Developer, Principal Operating Systems Analyst, Principal Network Systems Administrator, Principal Information Systems Analyst, Senior Telecommunications Systems Engineer, Database Administrator or higher. License: A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions. Physical Expectations: Physical Class II - Light: This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved. Additional Information EXAMINATION CONTENT This examination will consist of two (2) parts: Part I: Multiple choice and/or simulation assessments, weighted 55%, measuring: Deductive Reasoning Professional Potential Generating New Ideas Analyzing Information Responsibility Learning Quickly Working to High Quality Standards Coping with Uncertainty Adapting to Change Achievement Willingness to Learn Working Relationships Using Time Efficiently Applicants must meet the Requirements and achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on Part I in order to be invited to Part II of this examination. Part II: M ultiple-choice and/or simulation assessments weighted 45% measuring the following four (4) Professional/Technical Knowledge areas: Project Management covering Project Communications Management, Project Cost Management, Project Human Resource Management, Project Management Characteristics, Project Management Methodologies, Project Procurement Management, Project Quality Management, Project Risk Management, Project Scope Management, Project Stakeholder Management, and Project Time Management. Software Business Analysis covering Business Process, Diagramming and Modeling, Documentation, Joint Application Development, Methodologies and Tools, Project Development, Requirements Gathering, and System Design and User Interface. Cyber Risk covering Knowledge of Cyber Risk Management, System and Application Security, Network Security, and Security Management. Cloud Computing covering Knowledge of Cloud Computing Concepts, Cloud Service Models, Virtualization, and Private Clouds. Candidates must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on each weighted part of the examination in order to be placed on the Eligible Register. MULTIPLE-CHOICE AND/OR SIMULATION ASSESSMENT(S) ARE NOT REVIEWABLE BY CANDIDATES PER CIVIL SERVICE RULE 7.19. Eligibility Information: The names of candidates receiving a passing score in the assessment will be placed on the Eligible Register in the order of their score group for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of promulgation. Passing this examination and being placed on the Eligible Register do not guarantee an offer of employment. Vacancy Information: The resulting Eligible Register for this examination will be used to fill vacancies in the Internal Services Department, Information Technology Service located at 9150 E. Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242 . Shift: Any How to Apply Applications must be field online only. We must receive your application before 5:30 p.m., (PT), on the last day of filing. Applications submitted by U.S. Mail, Fax, or in person will not be accepted. Apply online by clicking on the green “Apply” button at the top right of this posting. You can track the status of your application using the website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacounty . Many important notifications including invitation letters will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application. It is important that you provide a valid email address. Please add “hvasquez@isd.lacounty.gov,” as well as noreply@governmentjobs.com, and info@governmentjobs.com to your email address and list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail. Please make sure you put in the time and effort when filling out your application and supplemental questions completely. The acceptance of your application depends on whether you have clearly shown that you meet the Requirements to Qualify as listed on this bulletin. Provide any relevant job experience in the spaces provided so we can evaluate your qualifications for the job. For each job held, give the name and address of your employer, your job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week, and description of work performed. If your application is incomplete, it will be rejected. Please note that all information included in the application materials is subject to verification at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or rescission of appointment. Utilizing verbiage from Class Specification and Requirements serving as your description of duties will not be sufficient to demonstrate that you meet the requirements. Doing so may result in an incomplete application and you may be disqualified. Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI) - The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. The Department of Human Resources is committed to promoting Anti-racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst race. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices. (optional) Have questions about anything listed above? Department Contact Name: Hugo Vasquez Department Contact Phone: 323-881-3670 Department Contact Email: hvasquez@isd.lacounty.gov ADA Coordinator Phone: (323) 267-2432 Teletype Phone: (800) 899-4099 Alternate Teletype Phone: (800) 897-0077 California Relay Services Phone: (800) 735-2922 Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below. Your Responsibilities: 1. Completing Your Application : a. Before submission of the application, it is your responsibility to ensure that all information provided is correct and complete on the application. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted. b. List each payroll title separately for each job. Do not group your experience. Specify the beginning and ending dates for each job. If you are a Los Angeles County employee and have held multiple positions, do NOT list all of your time with the County under your present payroll title. c. Please include your Social Security Number for record control purposes. Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number. d. To receive credit, include required documents (e.g., copy of your diploma, transcript, certificate, or license) as directed on the job posting. International degrees in a foreign language must be translated to English and evaluated for equivalency to U.S. standards. Refer to the job posting for specific deadlines for supporting documentation. 2. Requirements on Job Posting : a. Your application will only be accepted if it clearly shows you meet the requirements. The information you give will determine your eligibility and is subject to verification at any time. b. You must be at least 16 years of age at the time of appointment unless other age limits are stated on the job posting. The Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967, as amended, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age for any individual over age 40. c. Experience is evaluated on the basis of a verifiable 40- hour week, unless specified otherwise. Prorated part-time experience may be acceptable. 3. Application Deadline : All job applications must be completed and submitted before the closing time on the last day of the filing period as indicated on the job posting unless other instructions are provided. Job postings with an open continuous filing period are subject to closure without prior notice. It is to your advantage to file your application early and not wait until the last allowable date and time as you will not be able to apply once the filing period has closed. 4. Change of Name or Address : To change personal information such as your name or address, log into your profile on www.governmentjobs.com and make the necessary change. This can be done at any time. 5. Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Policy : a. It is the policy of the County of Los Angeles to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability. b. If you are an individual requesting reasonable accommodation(s) in the examination process, please contact the testing accommodation coordinator listed on the job posting. The provision of accommodation may be subject to verification as allowable with State and Federal law. All accommodation-related information will remain confidential. Disclaimer : The County of Los Angeles is not responsible or in any way liable for any computer hardware or software malfunction which may affect the employment application or the application selection process. You assume all responsibility and risk for the use of this system and the Internet generally. This system and the information provided on it are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. No advice or information given by the County of Los Angeles or its respective employees shall modify the foregoing or create any warranty. The County of Los Angeles expressly disclaims any warranty that the information on this system or on the Internet generally will be uninterruptible or error free or that any information, software or other material accessible from the system is free of viruses or other harmful components. You shall have no recourse against the County of Los Angeles as the system provider for any alleged or actual infringement of any proprietary rights a user may have in anything posted or retrieved on our system. The County of Los Angeles shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special or consequential damages arising out of or in any way connected with the use of this system or with the delay or inability to use it (or any linked sites), or for any information obtained through this system, or otherwise arising out of the use of this system, the Internet generally or on any other basis. NOTE: Your application is submitted using Secure Encryption to ensure the privacy of all information you transmit over the Internet. By accepting the Use Disclaimer set forth here, you agree to all of the above terms and further agree to use this Online Job Employment Application System only for the submission of bona fide employment applications to the County of Los Angeles. Any other use of this Online Job Employment Application System, including without limitation any copying, downloading, translating, decompiling, or reverse engineering of the system, data, or related software, shall be a violation of the Use Disclaimer. Test Preparation : Study Guides and other resources are available to help candidates prepare for employment tests. An interactive system for taking practice tests may be accessed on the Department of Human Resources website at https://hr.lacounty.gov /. Additional resources may be listed on the job posting. COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES Employment Information Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below. Veteran’s Credit : In all open competitive examinations, a veteran’s credit of 10 percent of the total credits specified for such examinations will be added to the final passing grade of an honorably discharged veteran who served in the Armed Forces of the United States under any of the following conditions: During a declared war; -or- During the period April 28, 1952 through July 1, 1955; -or- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976; -or- During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990 through January 2, 1992; -or- For more than 180 consecutive days, other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on August 31, 2010 the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom; -or- In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal or expeditionary medal has been authorized and awarded. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary medal or campaign badge, including El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Southwest Asia, Somalia, and Haiti qualifies for credit. A campaign medal holder or Gulf War veteran who originally enlisted after September 7, 1980 (or began active duty on or after October 14, 1982, and has not previously completed 24 months of continuous active duty) must have served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active duty. This also applies to the spouse of such person who, while engaged in such service was wounded, disabled or crippled and thereby permanently prevented from engaging in any remunerative occupation, and also to the widow or widower of any such person who died or was killed while in such service. A DD214, Certificate of Discharge or Separation from Active Duty, or other official documents issued by the branch of service are required as verification of eligibility for Veterans preference. Applicants must submit the documentation for each open competitive exam to qualify for veteran’s credit. More information available at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veteransservices/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/ Accreditation Information : Accredited institutions are those listed in the publications of regional, national or international accrediting agencies which are accepted by the Department of Human Resources. Publications such as American Universities and Colleges and International Handbook of Universities are acceptable references. Also acceptable, if appropriate, are degrees that have been evaluated and deemed to be equivalent to degrees from United States accredited institutions by an academic credential evaluation agency recognized by The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). More information available at: http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/070812_PPG123.pdf (Download PDF reader) and http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/205105_PPG_123_AC E_Resource_Guide.pdf Background Check : The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except for a very limited number of positions, you will not be asked to provide information about a conviction history unless you receive a contingent offer of employment. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct or adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and consider potential mitigating factors, including, but not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). I f asked to provide information about a conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed. Career Planning : Resources to help current and prospective employees plan a career with Los Angeles County are available. To explore career paths to and from nearly all job titles, please visit our interactive Career PathFinder application at https://career-pathfinder.hr.lacounty.gov/#/ . Benefit Information : Depending on the position, the successful candidate will enroll in a contributory defined benefit pension plan if the candidate is a “new member” of the County’s defined benefit plan (LACERA) on or after January 1, 2013 (first employed by the County on or after December 1, 2012) - unless she or he established reciprocity with another public retirement system in which she or he was a member before January 1, 2013. It should be noted that County employees do not pay into Social Security, but do pay the Medical Hospital Insurance Tax portion of Social Security at a rate of 1.45%. The Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA) has reciprocal agreements with several public retirement systems in California. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 : All positions are open to qualified men and women. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, persons with disabilities who believe they need reasonable accommodation, or help in order to apply for a position, may contact the ADA/Personnel Services for Disabled Persons Coordinator. Hearing impaired applicants with telephone teletype equipment may leave messages by calling the teletype phone number on the job posting. The County will attempt to meet reasonable accommodation requests whenever possible. Equal Employment Opportunity : It is the policy of the County of Los Angeles to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability or any other characteristic protected by State or Federal law. All positions are open to qualified men and women pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. The County will comply with all of its obligations under State and Federal laws regarding the provision of reasonable accommodations to applicants. COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES Employment Information Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below. Los Angeles County Child Support Compliance Program : In an effort to improve compliance with courtordered child, family and spousal support obligations, certain employment and identification information (i.e., name, address, Social Security number and date of hire) is regularly reported to the State Directory of New Hires which may assist in locating persons who owe these obligations. Family Code Section 17512 permits under certain circumstances for additional employment and identifying information to be requested. Applicants will not be disqualified from employment based on this information. Social Security Act of 2004 : Section 419 (c) of Public Law 108-203, the Social Security Protection Act of 2004, requires State and local government employers to disclose the effect of the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset Provision to employees hired on or after January 1, 2005, in jobs not covered by Social Security. The County of Los Angeles does not participate in the Social Security System. All newly hired County of Los Angeles employees must sign a statement (Form SSA1945) prior to the start of employment indicating that they are aware of a possible reduction in their future Social Security benefit entitlement. For more information on Social Security and about each provision, you may visit the website www.socialsecurity.gov , or call toll free 1-800-772- 1213. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the TTY number 1-800-325-0778 or contact a local Social Security office. Employment Eligibility Information : Final appointment is contingent upon verification of U.S. citizenship or the right to work in the United States. Immigration law provides that all persons hired after November 6, 1986, are required to present original documents to the County, within three (3) business days of hiring, which show satisfactory proof of 1) identity and 2) U.S. employment eligibility. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Part 2.8 commencing with Section 12900 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) and the Regulations of the Fair Employment and Housing Commission (California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Division 4, Sections 7285.0 through 8504) prohibits employment discrimination based on race or color; religion; national origin or ancestry, physical disability; mental disability or medical condition; marital status; sex or sexual orientation; age, with respect to persons over the age of 40; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. COVID-19 VACCINATION : Some County workforce members may be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Successful candidates for those positions/classifications may be required to submit proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or request an exemption for qualifying medical or religious reasons during the onboarding process. Candidates should not present proof of vaccination until instructed to do so by the hiring department. For detailed information, please click here
SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION The Rail Traffic Controller will dispatch trains, other vehicles/equipment that travel on the rail, and protect individuals who work on or near the track. Dispatch is a 24 hour, 7 days a week, 365 days a year operation that can be fast paced and challenging at times. The scheduled hours of this position vary and will include days or nights any day of the week, including holidays. The Dispatching Operations Division is covered under the United States Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). The RRB is an independent agency in the executive branch of the federal government. All dispatchers are covered under the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA) and the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act. SCRRA Dispatchers, in addition to dispatching Metrolink trains, dispatch Amtrak's intercity trains, and BNSF and UP freight trains on SCRRA territories. The majority of the SCRRA network is Central Traffic Control (CTC) with some track warrant (TWC) territories. SCRRA also has implemented Positive Train Control on its CTC territories. This is a classified position represented by Amalgamated Transit Union, ATU Local 1277, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) dated January 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026. Hourly Rate Range: $36.8699 -$56.7229 TO APPLY: This is a continuous recruitment with the first review of applications beginning October 13, 2023 . Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This job description is not part of a job series SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Receive general oversight from departmental supervisory roles. No formal supervisory responsibilities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Control and direct the movement of trains, authorizing occupancy of the main track and sidings for train operations, track inspection and maintenance personnel. Keep all connecting regions, terminals, adjoining territories and stations informed of any movement for which they are concerned. Communicate bulletins and warrants to train personnel and maintenance of way personnel. Monitor radios and telephones, communicating with railroad personnel regarding train and track information. Schedule the routing and movement of trains to provide for safe, timely meets. Protect engineering forces for maintenance activities on controlled tracks. Manage unplanned events to protect the safety of the public, railroad employees and railroad property. Maintain records of train movements, track assignments, maintenance activities and other events. Perform testing and data input for increased usage and placement of PTC. Handle a variety of administrative tasks related to Hours-of-Service requirements, hazardous materials, rule violations and other reports. Perform other duties as assigned. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent GED. Two (2) years of work experience with Computer Aided Train Dispatching systems and radio control devices related to Railroad Operations preferred. Prior work experience with railroad operations and an understanding of the railroad's operating rules, safety rules, General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), and all applicable federal regulations is preferred. Prior work experience with movement authority and protect authority, including procedures for blocking tracks, switches and signals preferred Subject to and must comply with all FRA regulations for drug and alcohol testing. A combination of training, education and or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience. Valid Class "C" California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than 3 moving violations and no DUI's within the last 3 years. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of : Movement authority and protect authority, including procedures for blocking tracks, switches and signals. Track bulletins, train dispatcher bulletins, special instructions and other forms of operational directives. Recordkeeping and reporting duties. The physical characteristics of the railroad. Railroad operating rules (GCOR), Train Dispatcher (TDM) guidelines, Positive Train Control (PTC) procedures, Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD-TMDS) system procedures, and Federal regulations (CFR) concerning Train Sheets and Hours of service. Skilled in : Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel. Verbal and written communication. Organization, prioritization and time management. Ability to : Utilize procedures for an unplanned event or emergency. Describe the characteristics of different types of equipment used on the railroad. Able to read, write, and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English, as well as issue oral instructions clearly and accurately using a variety of communication devices. Take initiative and process information that leads to solutions. Must be detail oriented and able to multitask in a demanding work environment. Able to maintain composure and customer focus during challenging situations. Function calmly and exercise sound judgment during rapidly changing situations and crises in a fast-paced work environment. Carry out assignments independent of immediate supervision. Work on manual processes and/or computer-aided dispatching systems and personal computers. Available to work a 40-hour work week subject to overtime, on-call, and alternate shifts that may include weeknights, weekends, and holidays. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations Operate tools to perform the duties of the position, such as computers, office equipment and work-related machinery Transport equipment or boxes up to 25lbs Exchange ideas by means of communication Visual acuity to detect, identify and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations Working Conditions Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Based on job duties, work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, railroad track and right-of-way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as trains, heavy trucks, construction, etc.).Telecommuting may not be available for this classification. Southern California Regional Rail Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Selection Process: Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA. Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA MEDICAL: SCRRA offers a choice of twelve (12) health plan options provided through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You may choose from up to ten (10) Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and two (2) Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Some health plans are only available in certain counties and/or zip codes. You contribute 12.5 percent of the plan premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. You may waive coverage if you are covered under another group health plan; you must provide proof. Once you waive coverage, you will only be allowed to enroll during Open Enrollment or within 60 days from the date on which your other coverage is no longer available (proof is required). If you elect to waive coverage, you will receive $300.00 per month taxable earnings, paid in two installments of $150 each on the first two paychecks of the month. A retiree or an employee who is a spouse, child, or any other eligible dependent of another SCRRA employee is not eligible for the opt out/cash in lieu credit if he/she is covered under a SCRRA health plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. DENTAL : SCRRA offers two dental options provided by Delta Dental. Under the DeltaCare (HMO) program, you must select a contract dentist within their network to perform your dental services. If you require treatment from a specialist, your contract dentist will handle the referral. Many services are covered at no cost to you. A co-payment applies for other services. The Delta Dental PPO plan allows you to visit a dentist of your choice, change dentists at any time, go to a dental specialist of your choice, receive dental care anywhere in the world, and save on out-of-pocket expenses when you visit a PPO network dental office. SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents under both plans. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. VISION: SCRRA offers two (2) vision plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP), providing coverage for eye examinations, prescription eyewear and contact lenses through network providers. You have the option of seeing out-of-network providers, but full reimbursement is not guaranteed. VSP has contracted with many laser surgery facilities and doctors, offering you a discount on PRK and LASIK surgeries. If you enroll in the VSP Basic Plan, SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. If you enroll in the VSP Buy-up Plan, which offers enhanced vision benefits, you pay the difference between the cost of the Basic Plan and the Buy-up Plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. FLEXIBLE SPENDING PLAN: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow for the deferral of pre-tax dollars to be used for reimbursement of eligible medical and dependent care expenses. You can set aside up to $3,050 for health care expenses and $5,000 per family for dependent care expenses annually. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or a qualifying event. GROUP LIFE INSURANCE : SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, to a maximum of $200,000. Your life insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. IRS regulations require that the portion of Group Term Life (“G.T.L.”) insurance benefits provided to you by SCRRA, which exceeds $50,000, be added to your Federal, State, and Medicare taxable earnings for W-2 reporting. This amount is reflected on your pay statements each pay period in the “Other Benefits and Information” section. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000 without evidence of insurability (initial enrollment period only) and up to 5 times your salary to a maximum of $500,000 with evidence of insurability. Dependent life options are also available. The voluntary plan is portable; you may retain it if you leave SCRRA and pay the premium. ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT : SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, up to a maximum of $200,000. Your AD&D insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000, subject to a maximum of the lesser of 5 times your annual salary or $500,000. Dependent AD&D options are also available. UNEMPLOYMENT AND SICKNESS BENEFITS: Dispatching Operations employees receive retirement-survivor and unemployment/sickness benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act and the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA). These programs provide income protection during old age and in the event of disability, death or temporary unemployment and sickness. The 2023 Tier I tax rate is 6.20 percent of earnings for employees and 6.20 percent for employers for retirement, and 1.45* percent for Medicare hospital insurance. The maximum amount of an employee’s earnings subject to the Tier I tax is $160,200. The Medicare hospital insurance tax is applied to all earnings. The 2023 Tier II tax rate is 4.90 percent of earnings for employees and 13.10 percent for employers. The maximum amount of an employee’s earnings subject to the Tier II tax is $118,800. *Additional Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax: As of January 1, 2013, employees are required to pay an additional 0.9 percent Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (for those who file an individual return) or $250,000 (for those who file a joint return). This additional hospital insurance tax is not reflected in the rate above. For additional information, contact the IRS. LONG TERM DISABILITY: SCRRA provides for income replacement of 60 percent of monthly earnings subject to a maximum benefit of $7,500 per month up to age 65. To qualify, you must be on disability for 90 days. (Note: there is a pre-existing condition clause in this program.) VOLUNTARY BENEFITS: SCRRA offers the following employee-paid voluntary benefits, provided by Aflac: Group Accident Insurance helps pay for out-of-pocket costs that arise from covered accidents, such as fractures, dislocations, and lacerations. Group Critical Illness Insurance helps pay for the expected and unexpected expenses that arise from diagnosis of a covered critical illness, such as cancer (internal or invasive), heart attack, stroke, end-stage renal failure or a major organ transplant. Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs associated with a hospital stay, including benefits for hospital confinement, hospital admission, hospital intensive care and intermediate intensive care step-down unit. Group Short-Term Disability Insurance pays a monthly benefit directly to an employee who is off work due to an injury or illness for up to three (3) months after a seven (7) day waiting period. HOLIDAYS: SCRRA observes twelve (12) holidays a year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. PAID TIME OFF: SCRRA provides employees with Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacations, illnesses, injuries, medical/dental appointments, religious holidays, personal business and emergencies as follows: 0-4 years of service - 25 days 5-6 years of service - 30 days 7 years of service - 32 days 8 years of service - 33 days 9 years of service - 34 days 10-14 years of service - 35 days 15-19 years of service - 38 days 20 or more years - 42 days At the CEO's discretion, prior service at a public transportation or public agency, or rail transportation company may be counted towards an employee's total service years to increase the employee's PTO accrual rate. To be considered, Human Resources requires that a written request along with verification and confirmation of the years of service be provided prior to the start of employment with SCRRA. Human Resources will provide the final determination on behalf of the CEO. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: SCRRA offers you and your immediate and dependent family members confidential counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for family, personal, work-related and substance abuse issues through the EAP. You are entitled to a telephone session(s) with a trained EAP professional to assess the nature of the problem and provide a referral for additional assistance, if needed. Services also include three (3) face-to-face counseling sessions per family member per six (6) month period. HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICES: SCRRA offers you and your eligible dependents free health advocacy services through Health Advocate. You are entitled to unlimited calls with trained professionals who can help you navigate the healthcare and insurance systems. RETIREMENT PLAN: Dispatching Operations employees receive retirement-survivor and unemployment/sickness benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act and the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA). These programs provide income protection during old age and in the event of disability, death or temporary unemployment and sickness. The 2023 Tier I tax rate is 6.20 percent of earnings for employees and 6.20 percent for employers for retirement, and 1.45* percent for Medicare hospital insurance. The maximum amount of an employee’s earnings subject to the Tier I tax is $160,200. The Medicare hospital insurance tax is applied to all earnings. The 2023 Tier II tax rate is 4.90 percent of earnings for employees and 13.10 percent for employers. The maximum amount of an employee’s earnings subject to the Tier II tax is $118,800. *Additional Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax: As of January 1, 2013, employees are required to pay an additional 0.9 percent Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (for those who file an individual return) or $250,000 (for those who file a joint return). This additional hospital insurance tax is not reflected in the rate above. For additional information, contact the IRS. RETIREE MEDICAL: Unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18*: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other. SCRRA pays the same amount for retirees as it does for active employees, which is currently 87.5 percent of the applicable premium. Unrepresented employees hired on or after 11/1/18: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other and you have a minimum of 10 years of credited CalPERS service, five of which must be performed at SCRRA. SCRRA pays a percentage of the state annuitant contribution rate** in accordance with the vesting schedule below: 10 years of CalPERS Service - 50% Contribution 11-19 years of CalPERS Service - 50%, plus 5% for each additional year of service. 20+ years of CalPERS service - 100% *Once each year the employer may allow unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18 the opportunity to individually elect to be subject to the vesting schedule. **The state annuitant contribution rates for 2023 are: $883 (Retiree Only); $1,699 (Retiree + 1 Dependent); $2,124 (Retiree + Family). 401A PLAN: Employees hired before 2/8/19: The Authority will contribute 5 percent of your base earnings to a money purchase plan. You will be 100% vested in the plan upon reaching 5 years of vesting service. DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (457 ) You are eligible to set aside a portion of your current income without paying taxes on that money until it is received later during retirement when taxes may be lower. In 2023, you can defer up to 100 percent of your gross compensation or $22,500 annually, whichever is less (“normal contribution limit”). You may make an additional $7,500 contribution to the plan if you are age 50 and older. If you are at least within three years of the age in which you are eligible to receive unreduced benefits under our CalPERS retirement plan, you may contribute up to double the normal contribution limit, or $45,000. TRANSPORTATION PASSES : You may use your employee badge for unlimited free access to all Metrolink lines and trains. Your badge cannot be used on connecting public transportation. However, if you commute to/from work on Metrolink on a regular basis and need to connect to other public transportation (e.g., Metro Red or Purple Line) you can be issued a Metrolink pass with the appropriate station pair, which will also give you access to connecting transportation. You are also eligible to receive a free transit pass to ride any greater Los Angeles area transit system other than Metrolink (such as, Metro, Foothill Transit, LADOT, and LOSSAN) for commuting purposes. The commuter transit pass has a value up to the monthly maximum tax-free transit pass amount established by the Internal Revenue Service ($300 in 2023). You are responsible for any transit fares above the IRS monthly cap. To receive this benefit, the SCRRA requires each employee to use public transportation to commute to and from work three (3) or more days per week. Educational Assistance - SCRRA will reimburse an employee up to $1,000 per fiscal year for tuition, books and mandatory student fees for courses that are relevant to employment. No reimbursement is allowed for parking. Professional Memberships - SCRRA pays up to $300 per year for professional memberships. Credit Union Membership - SCRRA offers credit union services for employees and their family members, provided by Northrup Grumman Federal Credit Union. Jury Duty - SCRRA will continue an employee's salary during any non-voluntary jury service up to a maximum of ten (10) working days. Pregnancy Disability and Family and Medical Leaves - A leave of absence may be paid or unpaid and shall be granted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, and SCRRA policy. Refer to the Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual for more detailed information.??????? Bereavement Leave - In the event of death in an employee’s immediate family, the agency grants up to three (3) working days, with pay, to handle family affairs and to attend the funeral. When an employee needs to travel outside the radius of the five (5) member agencies due to the death of an immediate family member, the Authority grants up to five (5) working days, with pay. Military Leave - Employees will be paid for the annually required active period. At the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, and with Board notification, paid military leave may be granted beyond what is provided by the applicable state law. Closing Date/Time: Continuous
Mar 07, 2024
Contractor
SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION The Rail Traffic Controller will dispatch trains, other vehicles/equipment that travel on the rail, and protect individuals who work on or near the track. Dispatch is a 24 hour, 7 days a week, 365 days a year operation that can be fast paced and challenging at times. The scheduled hours of this position vary and will include days or nights any day of the week, including holidays. The Dispatching Operations Division is covered under the United States Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). The RRB is an independent agency in the executive branch of the federal government. All dispatchers are covered under the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA) and the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act. SCRRA Dispatchers, in addition to dispatching Metrolink trains, dispatch Amtrak's intercity trains, and BNSF and UP freight trains on SCRRA territories. The majority of the SCRRA network is Central Traffic Control (CTC) with some track warrant (TWC) territories. SCRRA also has implemented Positive Train Control on its CTC territories. This is a classified position represented by Amalgamated Transit Union, ATU Local 1277, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) dated January 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026. Hourly Rate Range: $36.8699 -$56.7229 TO APPLY: This is a continuous recruitment with the first review of applications beginning October 13, 2023 . Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This job description is not part of a job series SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED Receive general oversight from departmental supervisory roles. No formal supervisory responsibilities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Control and direct the movement of trains, authorizing occupancy of the main track and sidings for train operations, track inspection and maintenance personnel. Keep all connecting regions, terminals, adjoining territories and stations informed of any movement for which they are concerned. Communicate bulletins and warrants to train personnel and maintenance of way personnel. Monitor radios and telephones, communicating with railroad personnel regarding train and track information. Schedule the routing and movement of trains to provide for safe, timely meets. Protect engineering forces for maintenance activities on controlled tracks. Manage unplanned events to protect the safety of the public, railroad employees and railroad property. Maintain records of train movements, track assignments, maintenance activities and other events. Perform testing and data input for increased usage and placement of PTC. Handle a variety of administrative tasks related to Hours-of-Service requirements, hazardous materials, rule violations and other reports. Perform other duties as assigned. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent GED. Two (2) years of work experience with Computer Aided Train Dispatching systems and radio control devices related to Railroad Operations preferred. Prior work experience with railroad operations and an understanding of the railroad's operating rules, safety rules, General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), and all applicable federal regulations is preferred. Prior work experience with movement authority and protect authority, including procedures for blocking tracks, switches and signals preferred Subject to and must comply with all FRA regulations for drug and alcohol testing. A combination of training, education and or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered when determining minimum qualifications. Advanced relevant coursework may also substitute for a portion of required experience. Valid Class "C" California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than 3 moving violations and no DUI's within the last 3 years. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of : Movement authority and protect authority, including procedures for blocking tracks, switches and signals. Track bulletins, train dispatcher bulletins, special instructions and other forms of operational directives. Recordkeeping and reporting duties. The physical characteristics of the railroad. Railroad operating rules (GCOR), Train Dispatcher (TDM) guidelines, Positive Train Control (PTC) procedures, Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD-TMDS) system procedures, and Federal regulations (CFR) concerning Train Sheets and Hours of service. Skilled in : Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel. Verbal and written communication. Organization, prioritization and time management. Ability to : Utilize procedures for an unplanned event or emergency. Describe the characteristics of different types of equipment used on the railroad. Able to read, write, and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English, as well as issue oral instructions clearly and accurately using a variety of communication devices. Take initiative and process information that leads to solutions. Must be detail oriented and able to multitask in a demanding work environment. Able to maintain composure and customer focus during challenging situations. Function calmly and exercise sound judgment during rapidly changing situations and crises in a fast-paced work environment. Carry out assignments independent of immediate supervision. Work on manual processes and/or computer-aided dispatching systems and personal computers. Available to work a 40-hour work week subject to overtime, on-call, and alternate shifts that may include weeknights, weekends, and holidays. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations Operate tools to perform the duties of the position, such as computers, office equipment and work-related machinery Transport equipment or boxes up to 25lbs Exchange ideas by means of communication Visual acuity to detect, identify and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations Working Conditions Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Based on job duties, work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, railroad track and right-of-way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as trains, heavy trucks, construction, etc.).Telecommuting may not be available for this classification. Southern California Regional Rail Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Selection Process: Following a review of resumes and/or applications, the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the exact time and place of assessments and interview. Candidates will be interviewed to determine their relative knowledge, skills and ability in job related areas. Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a reference check, including degree verification and criminal records check provided through SCRRA. Internal Candidates: Employees with active discipline as defined in the HR Policy No. 5.3 Positive Discipline Program and/or with performance that does not meet the standard for "meets expectations" as defined in the Performance Planning and Appraisal Process may be precluded from consideration and placement in the position. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SCRRA will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The SCRRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/ADA MEDICAL: SCRRA offers a choice of twelve (12) health plan options provided through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). You may choose from up to ten (10) Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and two (2) Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Some health plans are only available in certain counties and/or zip codes. You contribute 12.5 percent of the plan premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. You may waive coverage if you are covered under another group health plan; you must provide proof. Once you waive coverage, you will only be allowed to enroll during Open Enrollment or within 60 days from the date on which your other coverage is no longer available (proof is required). If you elect to waive coverage, you will receive $300.00 per month taxable earnings, paid in two installments of $150 each on the first two paychecks of the month. A retiree or an employee who is a spouse, child, or any other eligible dependent of another SCRRA employee is not eligible for the opt out/cash in lieu credit if he/she is covered under a SCRRA health plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. DENTAL : SCRRA offers two dental options provided by Delta Dental. Under the DeltaCare (HMO) program, you must select a contract dentist within their network to perform your dental services. If you require treatment from a specialist, your contract dentist will handle the referral. Many services are covered at no cost to you. A co-payment applies for other services. The Delta Dental PPO plan allows you to visit a dentist of your choice, change dentists at any time, go to a dental specialist of your choice, receive dental care anywhere in the world, and save on out-of-pocket expenses when you visit a PPO network dental office. SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents under both plans. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. VISION: SCRRA offers two (2) vision plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP), providing coverage for eye examinations, prescription eyewear and contact lenses through network providers. You have the option of seeing out-of-network providers, but full reimbursement is not guaranteed. VSP has contracted with many laser surgery facilities and doctors, offering you a discount on PRK and LASIK surgeries. If you enroll in the VSP Basic Plan, SCRRA pays the full premium for coverage of you and your eligible dependents. If you enroll in the VSP Buy-up Plan, which offers enhanced vision benefits, you pay the difference between the cost of the Basic Plan and the Buy-up Plan. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or qualifying event. FLEXIBLE SPENDING PLAN: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow for the deferral of pre-tax dollars to be used for reimbursement of eligible medical and dependent care expenses. You can set aside up to $3,050 for health care expenses and $5,000 per family for dependent care expenses annually. Eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date or a qualifying event. GROUP LIFE INSURANCE : SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, to a maximum of $200,000. Your life insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. IRS regulations require that the portion of Group Term Life (“G.T.L.”) insurance benefits provided to you by SCRRA, which exceeds $50,000, be added to your Federal, State, and Medicare taxable earnings for W-2 reporting. This amount is reflected on your pay statements each pay period in the “Other Benefits and Information” section. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000 without evidence of insurability (initial enrollment period only) and up to 5 times your salary to a maximum of $500,000 with evidence of insurability. Dependent life options are also available. The voluntary plan is portable; you may retain it if you leave SCRRA and pay the premium. ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT : SCRRA provides for an amount equal to one (1) time your annual salary, rounded to the nearest $1,000, up to a maximum of $200,000. Your AD&D insurance benefit will reduce to 65% at age 65 and 55% at age 70. In addition, SCRRA offers a voluntary plan, which may be purchased in increments of $10,000, subject to a maximum of the lesser of 5 times your annual salary or $500,000. Dependent AD&D options are also available. UNEMPLOYMENT AND SICKNESS BENEFITS: Dispatching Operations employees receive retirement-survivor and unemployment/sickness benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act and the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA). These programs provide income protection during old age and in the event of disability, death or temporary unemployment and sickness. The 2023 Tier I tax rate is 6.20 percent of earnings for employees and 6.20 percent for employers for retirement, and 1.45* percent for Medicare hospital insurance. The maximum amount of an employee’s earnings subject to the Tier I tax is $160,200. The Medicare hospital insurance tax is applied to all earnings. The 2023 Tier II tax rate is 4.90 percent of earnings for employees and 13.10 percent for employers. The maximum amount of an employee’s earnings subject to the Tier II tax is $118,800. *Additional Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax: As of January 1, 2013, employees are required to pay an additional 0.9 percent Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (for those who file an individual return) or $250,000 (for those who file a joint return). This additional hospital insurance tax is not reflected in the rate above. For additional information, contact the IRS. LONG TERM DISABILITY: SCRRA provides for income replacement of 60 percent of monthly earnings subject to a maximum benefit of $7,500 per month up to age 65. To qualify, you must be on disability for 90 days. (Note: there is a pre-existing condition clause in this program.) VOLUNTARY BENEFITS: SCRRA offers the following employee-paid voluntary benefits, provided by Aflac: Group Accident Insurance helps pay for out-of-pocket costs that arise from covered accidents, such as fractures, dislocations, and lacerations. Group Critical Illness Insurance helps pay for the expected and unexpected expenses that arise from diagnosis of a covered critical illness, such as cancer (internal or invasive), heart attack, stroke, end-stage renal failure or a major organ transplant. Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance helps pay for the out-of-pocket costs associated with a hospital stay, including benefits for hospital confinement, hospital admission, hospital intensive care and intermediate intensive care step-down unit. Group Short-Term Disability Insurance pays a monthly benefit directly to an employee who is off work due to an injury or illness for up to three (3) months after a seven (7) day waiting period. HOLIDAYS: SCRRA observes twelve (12) holidays a year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. PAID TIME OFF: SCRRA provides employees with Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacations, illnesses, injuries, medical/dental appointments, religious holidays, personal business and emergencies as follows: 0-4 years of service - 25 days 5-6 years of service - 30 days 7 years of service - 32 days 8 years of service - 33 days 9 years of service - 34 days 10-14 years of service - 35 days 15-19 years of service - 38 days 20 or more years - 42 days At the CEO's discretion, prior service at a public transportation or public agency, or rail transportation company may be counted towards an employee's total service years to increase the employee's PTO accrual rate. To be considered, Human Resources requires that a written request along with verification and confirmation of the years of service be provided prior to the start of employment with SCRRA. Human Resources will provide the final determination on behalf of the CEO. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: SCRRA offers you and your immediate and dependent family members confidential counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for family, personal, work-related and substance abuse issues through the EAP. You are entitled to a telephone session(s) with a trained EAP professional to assess the nature of the problem and provide a referral for additional assistance, if needed. Services also include three (3) face-to-face counseling sessions per family member per six (6) month period. HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICES: SCRRA offers you and your eligible dependents free health advocacy services through Health Advocate. You are entitled to unlimited calls with trained professionals who can help you navigate the healthcare and insurance systems. RETIREMENT PLAN: Dispatching Operations employees receive retirement-survivor and unemployment/sickness benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act and the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA). These programs provide income protection during old age and in the event of disability, death or temporary unemployment and sickness. The 2023 Tier I tax rate is 6.20 percent of earnings for employees and 6.20 percent for employers for retirement, and 1.45* percent for Medicare hospital insurance. The maximum amount of an employee’s earnings subject to the Tier I tax is $160,200. The Medicare hospital insurance tax is applied to all earnings. The 2023 Tier II tax rate is 4.90 percent of earnings for employees and 13.10 percent for employers. The maximum amount of an employee’s earnings subject to the Tier II tax is $118,800. *Additional Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax: As of January 1, 2013, employees are required to pay an additional 0.9 percent Medicare tax on earnings above $200,000 (for those who file an individual return) or $250,000 (for those who file a joint return). This additional hospital insurance tax is not reflected in the rate above. For additional information, contact the IRS. RETIREE MEDICAL: Unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18*: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other. SCRRA pays the same amount for retirees as it does for active employees, which is currently 87.5 percent of the applicable premium. Unrepresented employees hired on or after 11/1/18: You will be eligible for medical coverage when you retire if your separation date and retirement date are within 120 days of each other and you have a minimum of 10 years of credited CalPERS service, five of which must be performed at SCRRA. SCRRA pays a percentage of the state annuitant contribution rate** in accordance with the vesting schedule below: 10 years of CalPERS Service - 50% Contribution 11-19 years of CalPERS Service - 50%, plus 5% for each additional year of service. 20+ years of CalPERS service - 100% *Once each year the employer may allow unrepresented employees hired before 11/1/18 the opportunity to individually elect to be subject to the vesting schedule. **The state annuitant contribution rates for 2023 are: $883 (Retiree Only); $1,699 (Retiree + 1 Dependent); $2,124 (Retiree + Family). 401A PLAN: Employees hired before 2/8/19: The Authority will contribute 5 percent of your base earnings to a money purchase plan. You will be 100% vested in the plan upon reaching 5 years of vesting service. DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (457 ) You are eligible to set aside a portion of your current income without paying taxes on that money until it is received later during retirement when taxes may be lower. In 2023, you can defer up to 100 percent of your gross compensation or $22,500 annually, whichever is less (“normal contribution limit”). You may make an additional $7,500 contribution to the plan if you are age 50 and older. If you are at least within three years of the age in which you are eligible to receive unreduced benefits under our CalPERS retirement plan, you may contribute up to double the normal contribution limit, or $45,000. TRANSPORTATION PASSES : You may use your employee badge for unlimited free access to all Metrolink lines and trains. Your badge cannot be used on connecting public transportation. However, if you commute to/from work on Metrolink on a regular basis and need to connect to other public transportation (e.g., Metro Red or Purple Line) you can be issued a Metrolink pass with the appropriate station pair, which will also give you access to connecting transportation. You are also eligible to receive a free transit pass to ride any greater Los Angeles area transit system other than Metrolink (such as, Metro, Foothill Transit, LADOT, and LOSSAN) for commuting purposes. The commuter transit pass has a value up to the monthly maximum tax-free transit pass amount established by the Internal Revenue Service ($300 in 2023). You are responsible for any transit fares above the IRS monthly cap. To receive this benefit, the SCRRA requires each employee to use public transportation to commute to and from work three (3) or more days per week. Educational Assistance - SCRRA will reimburse an employee up to $1,000 per fiscal year for tuition, books and mandatory student fees for courses that are relevant to employment. No reimbursement is allowed for parking. Professional Memberships - SCRRA pays up to $300 per year for professional memberships. Credit Union Membership - SCRRA offers credit union services for employees and their family members, provided by Northrup Grumman Federal Credit Union. Jury Duty - SCRRA will continue an employee's salary during any non-voluntary jury service up to a maximum of ten (10) working days. Pregnancy Disability and Family and Medical Leaves - A leave of absence may be paid or unpaid and shall be granted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, and SCRRA policy. Refer to the Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual for more detailed information.??????? Bereavement Leave - In the event of death in an employee’s immediate family, the agency grants up to three (3) working days, with pay, to handle family affairs and to attend the funeral. When an employee needs to travel outside the radius of the five (5) member agencies due to the death of an immediate family member, the Authority grants up to five (5) working days, with pay. Military Leave - Employees will be paid for the annually required active period. At the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, and with Board notification, paid military leave may be granted beyond what is provided by the applicable state law. Closing Date/Time: Continuous