Rail Operations Specialist at Metrolinx, Canada

AI Summary

Metrolinx is seeking a Rail Operations Specialist in Canada to represent rail operations and support network planning for GO and UP Express. This role involves developing service disruption recovery plans and managing operational performance. Key requirements include a strong background in operating rules and a Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) certification.

About Metrolinx and the Role

Metrolinx is a vital agency of the Government of Ontario, dedicated to connecting communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe through its GO Transit and UP Express services, as well as the PRESTO fare payment system. The organisation is actively expanding its rapid transit network, including GO Expansion and Light Rail Transit routes, to enhance travel for all Canadians. This Rail Operations Specialist position, situated within the Network Operations Office, is crucial for representing rail operations across the GO and UP Express network. The specialist will support the Network Operations Planning team in reviewing and developing future projects, ensuring that proposed expansions do not negatively impact current or future operational plans. This role demands a strong, network-level understanding of operating rules and governance, fostering collaboration with key internal business units to ensure Metrolinx builds the right project, in the right place, at the right time, ultimately improving public service.

Key Responsibilities and Operational Excellence

The Rail Operations Specialist will monitor the performance of information systems to provide accurate and timely data essential for service delivery and planning activities. Utilising this data and business unit metrics, the specialist will lead teams in identifying opportunities for improvement through root cause analysis and structured problem solving. A core aspect of this role involves developing and recommending effective service disruption recovery plans, communicating these with Network Operations staff to maintain high levels of service reliability, expedite recovery, and minimise passenger delays. The specialist will also oversee the delivery of communications during major rail service disruptions and recovery incidents, impacting both mainline and operations in the USRC. This position involves recommending revisions to operational emergency response plans and managing daily operational recovery activities. The role leads business unit initiatives focused on developing rail-related contingency planning to support punctual and reliable customer-focused decision-making within network operations. Furthermore, the specialist will review technical and functional reports for planned recovery operational changes, identifying weaknesses that could impact service, customer satisfaction, and safety, and providing actionable recommendations. Maintaining and recommending updates to standard operating policies, procedures, and processes will be key to supporting efficiencies for daily operations within the Metrolinx rail network. This role also leads Business Continuity activities for rail-related functions in network Operations, ensuring strategies are in place to maintain service continuity during disruptions and mitigate operational risks. The systematic administration of a functional Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is essential to support the business’ capability to continue service delivery following disruptive incidents. The specialist manages the corporate Performance Management Program, aligning individual goals with organisational objectives and supporting the overall performance evaluation process for front-line employees within the business unit. They ensure rail-related contingency plans adhere to established legislation and regulations, and maintain operational accuracy and efficiency by updating records, reports, and performance data, while prioritising tasks to balance urgent, emergent, and routine responsibilities.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates for this Rail Operations Specialist role should possess a degree in Transportation Planning/Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Progressive experience in a transportation Control Centre or related transit operations experience is considered a significant asset. A Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) certification is a mandatory requirement, alongside in-depth knowledge of transportation operations principles, practices, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements governing passenger rail services, such as those from Transport Canada. The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge of business improvement processes and performance analytics to maintain and test compliance and safety system elements, establishing robust performance standards. Experience with project management and leading transformational change to adapt to new operational requirements is also highly valued. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are essential for coordinating emergency responses, implementing service adjustments, and ensuring cost-effective and efficient use of resources during service disruptions. The role requires effective time management and the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a dynamic environment, alongside excellent interpersonal and communication skills for collaborating across Metrolinx and with external stakeholders to promote compliance and operational excellence within the rail network.