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 Senior Director for Bridges & Structures will oversee and manage the development of the complex MBTA Capital Delivery bridge, tunnel, horizontal structures projects from project inception (planning) through the design phase (conceptual, preliminary, and final) and the construction phase (including project close-out), with oversight responsibility for quality and control of schedule and budget. The Senior Director will manage a group of project managers (all levels) and project coordinators. The Senior Director for Bridges & Structures reports to the Deputy Chief of Structures in Capital Programs.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Oversee and manage multiple Senior Project Managers and Project Managers throughout the execution of project assignments to ensure project and program requirements are fulfilled, that contract cost and schedule requirements are met, and that the contract documents and completed work satisfy the high-quality standard expected of MBTA consultants and contractors.
- Ensure that bridge and structure Capital Delivery projects are advanced in accordance with the following MBTA Manuals, policies and procedures as may be amended from time to time, or program specific delivery protocols and procedures if supporting a major MBTA program: Project Manager's Manual; Project Controls Manual; Quality Assurance Manual; Resident Engineer's Manual; Contract Administration Policies and Procedures; MBTA Directives published on the MBTA Web Page or provided directly by the Authority, as well as FTA Circular 4220.1F Third Party Contracting,
- Lead the development of Capital Delivery bridge and tunnel project scopes, budgets and schedules as part of the capital planning process.
- Lead the procurement of consultants and contractors, as required.
- Oversee negotiations of project assignments, task orders, amendments, change orders and use of contingency and make recommendations for approval, as required.
- Ensure that monthly payment and schedule submissions from consultants and contractors are being reviewed and analyzed in a timely fashion.
- Participate in Project Design Group meetings, value engineering sessions, constructability reviews and risk workshops, as required.
- Coordinate with other Capital Delivery Department personnel, including contract administration staff and field staff and other project coordinators, as required.
- Ensure that project coordination with other Departments, including the Capital Program Oversight Department (project controls and administration and finance), Engineering and Maintenance and Railroad Operations, as required, occur on a timely basis.
- Ensure that project activities with outside agencies, abutters, utility companies, community groups and other third parties affected by the project, as required, occur on a timely basis.
- Ensure that all work has been completed, including QA/QC, and necessary approvals have been obtained prior to advertising projects for construction, including budget approval, environmental permits and approvals, real estate actions and approvals, force accounts (e.g. utility, traffic, railroad operator), other agency and municipal agreements (e.g., MOU's, MOA's, Interagency Agreements) and other third party agreements.
- Oversee the management of construction project process from advertisement to contract closeout to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget.
- Oversee the management of on-call emergency repair contracts and other construction contracts, ensuring compliance with construction plans and specifications.
- Proactively engage in the resolution of potential field issues.
- Review and approve staff recommendations for contract proposals or bids.
- Supervise professional staff including Sr. Project Managers, Project Managers and other administrative personnel.
- Secure commitments from MBTA Operating Departments concerning the availability of their resources.
- Organize and prioritize workload, be pro-active in identifying bridge and tunnel needs/requirements.
- Prepare correspondence, reports, charts and presentations utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, Database and PowerPoint, as required
- Prepare for and make project presentations to elected officials, community groups, and others as required.
- Work both independently and in support of project teams to address complex tasks in a time-sensitive environment.
- Follow up on actions required for successful project completion, as required.
- Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor or co-worker in a courteous and professional manner consistent with the Authority's Customer Service quality standard.
- Respond, either directly or through others, to emergencies twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
- Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
- Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and/or attend off-site meetings.
- Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.
- Perform related duties and projects as assigned.
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an engineering discipline, construction management, or directly related field.
- Ten (10) years of demonstrated experience in the management of large and/or complex transit/railroad, heavy/civil and bridge construction projects (design and/or construction) with individual project/program values in excess of $50 million or related experience in a technical design or construction group supervisory capacity.
- Seven (7) years of experience in a managerial, supervisory, or leadership capacity successfully leading large projects.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of and ability to manage contracts which would include all best practices as it relates to scope/fee negotiation, cost control activities and tasks, schedule control activities and tasks and tasks, and other business practices related to the monument of Capital Projects.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise and/or oversee a wide variety of technical professionals that would include MBTA staff and consultants working in Field Oversight Services, Project Controls, Change Order management and Quality Assurance.
- Working knowledge of industry standards and ability to support project safety.
- Effective communication, organizational, analytical, time management, and interpersonal skills. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Database, and PowerPoint applications.
- Proven track record of collaboration, transparency, and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to effectively communicate with customers, employees, and vendors.
- Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
- Possess a valid driver's license
- Availability to work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
- The ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
Preferred Experience and Required Skills
- Over ten (10) years of demonstrated experience in the management of large and/or complex transit/railroad, heavy/civil and bridge construction projects (design and/or construction) with individual project/program values in excess of $50 million or related experience in a technical design or construction group supervisory capacity.
- Demonstrated experience working on or managing projects utilizing alternative project delivery methods which could include Design-Build (standard or modified), CM-at-Risk, etc.
- Master's degree from an accredited institution in civil or structural engineering, construction management, or related field.
- Licensed Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or ability to attain through reciprocity.
- Registered Professional Engineer in Structural or Civil Engineering.
- Nationally recognized certification as a Construction Manager.
- Experience in managing project managers or field staff.
- Experience in the management capacity of construction projects with CMAR, Design-Build or other alternative project delivery methods.
- Strong project controls knowledge and ability to accurately evaluate consultant and contractor cost and schedule submissions and scheduling knowledge (P6).
- Familiar with FTA, FRA, MBTA, and MassDOT rules and regulations regarding project delivery, environmental requirements, and permitting.
- Familiar with AREMA, AASHTO, and MBTA standards.
- Knowledge transit/railroad related safety rules and regulations and conducting work in an operating environment.
- Movable bridge design and/or construction experience.
- Proficiency in the design and analysis of bridges made from structural steel, timber and reinforced and prestressed concrete.
- Knowledge of temporary works/shoring design and installation.
- Knowledge of MassDOT, FHWA, and FRA bridge and tunnel inspection requirements and protocols.
- Experience in managing on-call bridge and tunnel repair or rehabilitation contracts.
- NHI/NBIS certification.
- Experience in managing multiple inspection and rating contracts for commuter rail, transit, highway, and pedestrian bridges.
- Work knowledge of Bridge Management Software and programs (MassDOT 4D, Ponti's, BRR and Trapeze programs).
- Experience using E-Builder or another platform.
Substitutions Include
- A master's degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general 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.


