Railroad Civil Engineer II (Limited Term)

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

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