At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.
Job Summary
The Deputy Director of Ferry Operations will be responsible for the implementation and execution of the MBTA's contract(s) for ferry services. This position ensures that safe, reliable, and consistent transportation ferry services are provided to all MBTA riders by contractors. The Deputy Director of Ferry Operations will be responsible for implementing contract management strategies to ensure that the agreed-upon contract provisions are met, including the maintenance of vehicles, resources, and assets, as well as the continuous improvement of service for all MBTA riders. Additionally, they will ensure that all resource levels are optimized for maximum operational efficiency. Duties & Responsibilities
* Work with the contracted ferry service provider(s) to ensure ferry services are provided in accordance with the applicable contract and/or applicable MBTA policies, and to the benefit of the MBTA and customers.
* Coordinate with the contracted ferry service provider(s) on a day-to-day basis to oversee operations, mitigate delays, assist with service disruptions, and coordinate alternative service as needed.
* Coordinate with other MBTA operations departments for both day-to-day operations (such as diversions of service) and long-term initiatives (such as coordination of bus and ferry schedules).
* Oversee the collection and aggregation of data and metrics regarding ferry services and compile and produce reports regarding ferry operations.
* Oversee the development and improvement of data collection and presentation, including real-time vessel tracking, on-time performance, and ridership information.
* Respond, directly or through others, and/or report to work for emergencies, extreme weather conditions, or any other abnormal conditions that impair service or the safety of service, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
* Ensure communications to customers in the case of delays or service disruptions are provided via the "T-Alerts" system.
* Assist with the adoption and implementation of the internal MBTA Everbridge system for notifications to internal stakeholders regarding abnormal ferry operations events.
* Investigate and respond to customer complaints submitted to the MBTA regarding ferry operations.
* Work with Boston-area maritime stakeholders to coordinate ferry operations and serve as a point of contact for the coordination of external disruptions and issues.
* Assist with the preparation and administration of the annual capital and operating budgets.
* Assist with the development and implementation of metrics and other analytical tools to measure the performance of the ferry contractor.
* Assist the Director of Ferry Services with reports on the performance of ferry service providers to MBTA senior managers, boards, and other stakeholders.
* Assist with the development and implementation of schedule and route changes.
* Assist with coordination and collaboration with the MBTA Systemwide Accessibility Department to maintain and improve the accessibility of ferry services.
* Assist with the procurement and administration of all new and established contracted ferry services and ferry vessels, including the development of contract specifications and scopes of work for bidding purposes; review and selection of contractors to deliver ferry services; negotiation of contract terms and conditions; and monitoring of contracts to ensure that all contract terms are met, taking corrective actions as needed.
* Direct the work of technical consultants supporting ferry operations, including engineering, vehicle, infrastructure, safety, and planning issues.
* Participate in the negotiation and resolution of disputes related to ferry services contracts, consulting with the Legal Department, the Procurement Department, and the General Manager as needed.
* In conjunction with the Director of Ferry Services, represent the MBTA's ferry operations to state and federal regulators, boards, community groups, legislators, and other stakeholders.
* Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and to assist at emergencies, service disruptions, and/or other events as needed.
* Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
* A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering, Operations Management, Business Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or other related field. * Three (3) years of experience in operations management. * Three (3) years of experience in the administration of complex contracts. * Effective organizational, analytical, confidentiality, quantitative, writing, multi-tasking, and time management skills. * Proficient with the use of MS Office, PowerPoint, and graphic applications. * Demonstrated ability to communicate and present effectively to a diverse group of stakeholders and customers. * Possession of a valid driver's license without infractions, in accordance with MBTA policy. * Ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce. Preferred Experience and Skills * A master's degree in business management/administration, Public Administration, Operations Management, Engineering Management, or other related field. * Experience in the administration of complex contracts for a public agency or for transit services. * Experience with marine propulsion and electronics systems, especially systems typically found on "Subchapter T" size ferries. Substitutions Include
* Master's Degree or Legal degree substitutes for two (2) years of experience. * Nationally recognized licenses like PMP or CPA each substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Job Conditions:
- Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
- Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
- Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
- Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
- Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
- Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
- Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
- Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
- Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
- Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
- Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.
Disclaimers and Definitions:
- General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
- Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. Recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
- Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
- Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
- Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA, but a valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number are required prior to starting work. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
- Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
- Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
- On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
- Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
- ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.
- Intern / Co-Op / Fellow Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship, co-op, or fellowship at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on city from which the employee commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns, co-ops, or fellows.


