Director, Rail Operations and Regulatory Compliance

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Director, Rail Operations and Regulatory Compliance for our Orland, FL location. The selected candidate may also be eligible for remote-based work. Be involved in projects with our Passenger Rail Operations and Service Planning Team and across all WSP business lines and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients’ objectives and solves their challenges.  

Your Impact

• Provide proactive and strategic process leadership for rail operations activities in support of planning, engineering, and construction projects, with a focus on intercity passenger rail (i.e., Corridor ID and Fed-State Partnership programs), in addition to rail transit (commuter rail, light rail, metro rail, and streetcar).
• Provide leadership for regulatory compliance activities (both FRA and FTA, as applicable).
• Provide operations and regulatory expertise to complex transit and rail operations projects, and work across business lines and disciplines as needed to achieve the best outcomes for our clients.
• Assist with the pursuit of new business and the successful execution of work for current and potential planning, engineering, and/or construction projects in the rail industry.  
• Lead technical aspects of projects, including making presentations and facilitating meetings.
• Drive the overall long-term strategy, growth, and pipeline development of Transit and Rail Operations and Service Planning work for WSP, with a focus on rail infrastructure and operations opportunities in all disciplines (planning, design, strategic consulting, advisory services, and program/construction management).
• Drive compliance and accountability at all levels with applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, codes, policies, and regulatory requirements that apply to transit and rail operations, especially FRA and FTA.
• Lead meetings and continuing educational opportunities for areas of responsibility, providing updates and recommendations to staff that ensure all appropriate measures are taken to foster innovation, development, and quality project delivery.
• Serve as a WSP representative/liaison to a variety of external entities including Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Clients, Subcontractors, industry-related groups, and various government and community entities.
• Provide input and information for proposals and project work scopes, pricing, budget, and performance metrics.
• Interpret and summarize data, including producing reports and documents for complex projects and initiatives that result in sound operational and regulatory outcomes for our clients.
• Contribute subject matter expertise to multi-disciplinary project teams and provide high level strategic advice to clients on rail operations and safety.
• Develop high-level business contacts and a client base for providing high level transit and rail operations services including identifying additional business development opportunities, and cross-selling of other WSP capabilities.
• Remain current in the latest transit and rail operating, planning, safety practices and regulatory changes.
• Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide future ready solutions for clients.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs. 

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with Educational background in planning, transportation, business, or other related discipline.
  • Equivalent experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• 12 or more years’ experience in railroad operations, including operations management, service development, regulatory compliance, and safety.
• Solid background in FRA-regulated railroad operations (including the FRA New Start process), or a combination of education and/or relevant experience to meet the job requirements.
• Solid background in rail project development.
• Proficiency in office productivity software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Essential professional licensure/certification.
• Background in the FRA project development process (i.e., Corridor ID and Fed-State Partnership) and FRA regulatory processes for start-up of new rail systems and changes to existing rail systems. 

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About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company o