Chief of Engineering and Construction

Location:  Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) Download:  Austin Transit Partnership - Chief of Engineering and Construction - brochure

About Austin Transit Partnership (ATP)

The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) was created (by the City of Austin and the Capital Metro Transportation Authority (CapMetro) in December 2020, as the independent entity, accountable and responsible for the financing, design, construction, and overall implementation of Project Connect – a transformative, voter-approved investment in new transit services that includes Light Rail, MetroRapid Bus Lines, Commuter Rail, and Park and Ride facilities. 

ATP’s charge is to deliver on the voters’ transit vision in partnership with the community — and in a way that embeds equity, sustainability, and transparency as overarching priorities. ATP is driven by data, which includes community input, and is committed to meeting voters’ goals and honoring Austin’s values. 

Board of Directors

ATP’s Board of Directors (Board) provides strategic oversight of the program and convenes the community, as well as experts and partners who are crucial to delivering the program and achieving the public’s vision and goals. Certain foundational documents, including the Joint Powers Agreement among ATP, the City of Austin, and CapMetro, define ATP’s responsibilities, which include:

  • “Financing, designing, building, implementing, and contracting with Capital Metro to operate and maintain [Project Connect assets] in a manner independent of the City and Capital Metro”.
  • Actively ensuring that all parts of the community have a voice in the development of the program and providing regular program updates to the community and partners.
  • Creating and deploying “transit supportive anti-displacement strategies”; and
  • Approving interlocal agreements and the Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Austin and CapMetro. 

Learn more about ATP at https://atptx.org. 

The Position

The Chief of Engineering and Construction reports directly to the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) Executive Director.  The position is responsible for ATP’s engineering and construction program management functions related to the implementation of a new light rail system as well as strong collaboration across partnerships and workgroups on all aspects of Project Connect program delivery related to ATP’s role and responsibilities.

The Chief of Engineering and Construction is responsible overseeing position functions and assigned personnel and will deliver program management for light rail, including preparation of technical documents in support of funding and procurement packages, selection of consultants and contractors, construction and engineering program/project management, scheduling, cost estimating, budgeting, cost control and related functions.  

The position will serve as a key advisor for Austin Transit Partnership’s Board of Directors, consultants, management team, partnering entities and employees on a wide range of technical, business, financial, and corporate issues affecting the organization’s ability to timely deliver large-scale projects.  The position will provide strategic leadership for Light Rail Program Management and Project Delivery functions.  

Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities:

  • Establishes general guidelines and performance objectives for Director-level staff in each functional area of responsibility
  • Acts as the Chief Technical Officer, supervise staff and liaise with external consultants as required to ensure that ATP’s interests are protected
  • Responsible for planning, directing, managing, and overseeing the engineering activities, operations, development and maintenance of the design criteria and standards, design of rail, rail vehicles, transit systems, maintenance facilities, and other ATP related activities from the initiation of preliminary engineering through design and construction until project close-out
  • Oversees the engagement of consultants and contractors required to implement light rail and monitors performance against budgets and schedules
  • Ensures superior capital project management executed with best practices to help ensure capital project success in terms of safety, schedule, budget, and quality assurance and management. Participates in the negotiation of agreements and manages changes that may occur during the implementation process
  • Ensures a positive safety culture is maintained by supporting the health, safety, and security of employees within ATP 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities           

  • Knowledge of public sector laws, regulations and familiarity with federal, state, and local transportation statutes and regulations, with a specialized focus on regulations related to the Federal Transit Administration Capital Investment Grant (CIG) Program and delivery of federally funded programs
  • Familiarity with Project Management Information Systems, BIM, CADD management, and tools for effective communications between the field and the project team
  • Advanced knowledge and experience with the Federal Transit Administration Capital Investment Grant Programs (CIG) and related program development requirements
  • Demonstrated experience in projects that cross multiple departments and organizations and are cross-functional in nature, with responsibility for managing expectations, controlling costs and risk, and driving for results in a collaborative approach
  • Demonstrated ability to drive complex projects to completion within strict time constraints
  • Advanced interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and maintain effective working relationships across all project partnerships 

Education and Experience

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in engineering and registration as a Professional Engineer licensed to practice in the State of Texas or equivalent qualifications, plus a minimum of 10 years of experience in major project delivery with a focus on delivery of public transit or transportation projects, and management experience negotiating consulting and construction contracts using a variety of contractual models; a Master’s degree in Construction Management or Business Administrations is desirable. 

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a strategic leader with significant experience in engineering, construction, and building codes to include knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances, and comprehensive knowledge of modern construction contract provisions and standards, contract terms, and construction methods, materials, techniques, design, practice, and procedures.  The ideal candidate will have experience in managing government contracts; negotiating construction projects;  managing environmental compliance; and understanding multi-modal transportation, real estate acquisition, and strategic planning.  The ideal candidate should possess financial knowledge to include fiscal planning and budget management as it relates to large capital programs. 

The ideal candidate must have the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, contractors and consultants, the ATP Board of Directors, senior leadership team and employees. This individual should demonstrate the capacity and interest to be an effective mentor and leader and inspire staff to achieve excellence and encourage professional development. Advanced written and oral communication skills are imperative, with demonstrated ability presenting highly technical information to diverse audiences and skillful management of challenging interactions. Experience working for a public transportation agency is desired. 

Salary

The Austin Transit Partnership offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and extensive benefits. Relocation assistance will be available for a successful out of area candidate. 

How to Apply

Interested applicants should forward a cover letter and resume for consideration to: 

resumes@affionpublic.com
Reference: ATPCEC 

Affion Public
PO Box 794
Hershey, PA 17033
888.321.4922
www.affionpublic.com 

*The deadline to receive resumes is September 20, 2022* 

The Austin Transit Partnership is committed to building a workplace where inclusion is not only valued but prioritized. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating a welcoming and diverse environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, age, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state or local laws. ATP makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and organization needs at the time.

Posted: 08/23/2022