Hybrid Director of Rail Division at Texas Department of Transportation

Are you ready to lead one of the most dynamic and complex rail oversight programs in the nation? TxDOT is seeking a visionary leader to direct the strategic management of Texas’s expansive 10,500-mile rail network and 15,000 grade crossings. This role oversees statewide implementation of federally and state-funded initiatives, public-private partnerships, and critical rail planning, safety, and compliance efforts. You’ll serve as the primary liaison to federal rail agencies, manage state-owned rail assets, and champion safety programs, including the Rail Trespasser Mitigation Program. With responsibility for the State Safety Oversight Program and state-sponsored Amtrak services, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of rail transportation in Texas. Join us and lead a team of dedicated professionals in delivering impactful, high-level outcomes across the state.

With a dedicated team of over 13,000 professionals statewide, TxDOT offers a dynamic environment where your leadership can shape the future of mobility in Texas. Ready to make a difference? Let's connect!

Work location: The selected candidate’s work location may be Headquartered in Austin or any of the following 25 TxDOT District offices located in Abilene, Amarillo, Atlanta, Austin, Beaumont, Brownwood, Bryan, Corpus Christi, Childress, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, Laredo, Lubbock, Lufkin, Odessa, Paris, Pharr, San Angelo, San Antonio, Tyler, Waco, Wichita Falls, and Yoakum.

%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3EAt TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including: %3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/p%3E%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22%3ERetirement Plans%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/li%3E%0A%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22%3EAlternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/li%3E%0A%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22%3EPaid Leave and Holidays%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/li%3E%0A%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22%3EHealth Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/li%3E%0A%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22%3EOn-the-Job Training%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/li%3E%0A%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22%3ETuition Assistance Program%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/li%3E%0A%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22%3EHolistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/li%3E%0A%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22%3ECareer Development and Advancement Opportunities%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/li%3E%0A%3Cli class=%22MsoNormal%22%3EFamily-Friendly Policies and Programs %3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/li%3E%0A%3C/ul%3E%0A%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3EIn 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/p%3E%0A%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3EFor a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: %3Ca href=%22https://www.txdot.gov/content/dam/docs/division/hrd/hrd-total-compensation.pdf%22 target=%22_blank%22 rel=%22noopener%22%3ETotal Compensation Package%3C/a%3E%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/p%3E%0A%3Cp class=%22MsoNormal%22%3ETo view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: %3Ca href=%22https://ers.texas.gov/benefits-at-a-glance%22 target=%22_blank%22 rel=%22noopener%22%3EBenefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)%3C/a%3E%3Co:p%3E%3C/o:p%3E%3C/p%3E
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Directs and leads one of the nation's largest and most complex rail oversight programs, managing Texas's 10,500-mile rail network and 15,000 grade crossings. Oversees statewide implementation of federal and state-funded programs, public-private partnerships, and rail planning, safety, compliance, construction, and grant execution. Directs operations of state-owned rail facilities, right of way, and joint rail initiatives. Serves as TxDOT's primary liaison to federal rail agencies, ensuring compliance with FRA and FTA regulations. Responsible for the State Safety Oversight Program. Champions safety initiatives such as the Rail Trespasser Mitigation Program and manages state-sponsored Amtrak services and a 400-mile short-line railroad with an international crossing. Reports to the Director Planning & Modal Programs. Provides strategic leadership to professional, technical and administrative employees. Work requires extensive contact with high-level executives, government officials, special interest groups, railroad companies, governmental transportation entities, and private entities. Employees at this level perform work at the highest level of discretion and independent judgment and are responsible for final outcomes.

Essential Duties: 

• Administers and implements the state and federal freight and passenger rail programs.
• Develops Statewide Transportation Plan for railroad mode and the State Rail Plan.
• Directs development and monitoring of the division's operating budget and preparation of the Division’s legislative appropriation request.
• Establishes policies and directs the statewide research, development, and education programs.
• Oversees federal/state rail programs and activities for highway/rail grade crossings.
• Oversees planning, development, and coordination of rail construction projects with federal, state, county, municipal, and governmental transportation entities.
• Oversees the department's rail safety inspection program and the state safety oversight program.
• Oversees the development and implementation of the rail safety infrastructure program and rail/intermodal projects.
• Provides direction and technical support in the implementation, administration, and enforcement of laws and regulations relating to transportation in Texas.
• Serves as liaison to state and federal agencies and organizations with interests and responsibilities pertaining to rail projects, operations, systems, or facilities.

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Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Relevant work experience may be substituted for a degree on a year-per-year basis, or related graduate-level education may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience: 

• Five (5) years of experience in planning and continuous improvement, transportation planning. (Experience can be satisfied by full-time or prorated part-time equivalent). Related graduate education may be substituted for experience on a year-per-year basis. 
• Must have three (3) years of managerial/supervisory experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Competencies:

• Applicable governmental laws, rules, and regulations specific to area of responsibility for safeguarding information and information technology-related systems
• Rail transportation planning and development principles and practices
• The inter-relationships between state and federal rail programs
• Communicating vision, developing an organization, and directing an organization 
• Directing and establishing objectives; clarifying roles and responsibilities through individual performance plans; monitoring and measuring performance against goals; evaluating results and making necessary adjustments to meet deadlines. 
• Directing the development of policy and operating procedures
• Analyzing and organizing business and technical data 
• Interpreting and analyzing legislation, rules, and regulations 
• Manages financial and personnel resources to achieve individual and organizational goals 
• Collaborates and cooperates with others and builds effective working relationships with internal and external members to accomplish organizational goals

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT).

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TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.

To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

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The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Please click this link to read the information for applicants: Additional Applicant Information

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