Sr/Lead Disciplinary Hearing Advocate - 90409265 (Remote-Optional)
US
As we move America’s workforce toward the future, our goal is to connect businesses and communities across the country. The safety of our passengers, our more than 20,000 colleagues, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to your efforts
Our values of ‘Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security’ are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.
This position is a tiered position. Incumbents will have a position level assigned based on their skills and experience, and in alignment with position development plans. Position placement is at Amtrak’s sole and absolute discretion.
Job Summary
Responsible for representing Amtrak and presenting its case in formal investigations for agreement employees charged with violating Amtrak policies, regulations, rules, and procedures. Primary role will be supporting the operating crafts (T&E, Dispatch and OBS) Prior to the investigation hearing, gathers all the relevant evidence and determines the required witnesses. Oversees sending out the letter setting forth the charges against the employee within the time limits as prescribed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). During the hearing, questions Amtrak witnesses, cross examines witnesses called by the union or charged employee and raises/responds to objections. Once the Hearing Officer reaches a determination on whether the charge was proven or not, works with the employee’s management department to determine the level of discipline to be assessed, if any. Ensures that the charged employee and union are notified properly and timely of the disciplinary decision in accordance with the pertinent CBA and are sent a copy of the hearing transcript and all exhibits.
Essential Functions
- Organize and assemble all relative evidentiary documents prior to the hearing investigating the employee’s alleged misconduct.
- Determine which witnesses are required to effectively present Amtrak’s case and the order in which they will testify.
- Work independently with attention to detail, to ensure disciplinary hearing correspondence is handled within appropriate timelines, including charge letters, letters of postponement, and discipline letters.
- Travel, sometimes at short notice, and participate in disciplinary hearings throughout the country. This may include weekends, holidays and off-hours travel in order to accommodate business needs.
- During investigations, effectively question Amtrak witnesses, cross examine union/charged employee witnesses, and respond to/raise objections as appropriate.
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with all Organization department heads and their staffs.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education, training and/or relevant experience.
- Plus 3+ years of relevant work experience.
- Experience in conducting investigations, researching evidence, and questioning witnesses in a corporate or government setting.
Preferred Qualifications
- At least 5+ years’ experience as a Charging Officer or similar experience in a position with Labor Relations, Human Resources, or Operations.
- College degree and/or Juris Doctor degree preferred.
- Previous experience with disciplinary investigations and proceedings in a union environment.
- Knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Amtrak policies and procedures related to operational department business functions.
- De novo arbitration experience
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Discretion to work with sensitive and confidential information
- Sharp analytical skills to evaluate situations and take appropriate action to ensure resolution
- Good judgement, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills
- Excellent records management and time management skills
- Proficient computer skills including spreadsheet, data base, and word processing software as well as virtual meetings and proceedings
- Ability to work closely with operational staff
- Understanding of how to work within a departmental budget
- Handle high volume of cases within time constraints using solid time management skills
- Excellent oral and written communications skills and ability to interact effectively with all levels of management
The salary/hourly range for Lead Disciplinary Hearing Advocate is $94,300 - $122,256.The salary range for Sr Disciplinary Hearing Advocate is $78,600 - $101,844. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. Depending on an employee’s assigned worksite or location, Amtrak may consider a geo-pay differential to be applied to the employee’s base salary. Amtrak may offer additional incentive and pay programs to recognize and reward our employees, including a short-term incentive bonus based upon factors such as individual and company performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
| Health and Wellbeing | Financial and Retirement | Work and Family Life Support |
| Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance | 401K with Employer Match | Generous Paid Time Off |
| Wellness Programs | Railroad Retirement Benefits | Paid Caregiving Days and Backup Care |
| Health Savings Account | Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness | Fertility and Family Building Benefits |
| No-cost Personal Health Advocate | Student Loan Assistance | Adoption and Surrogacy Assistance |
| Medical Plan Opt-out Credit | Tuition and Education Reimbursement | Paid Family Leave |
| Life Insurance | Rail Pass Privileges | |
| Short- and Long-term Disability Insurance | Employee Assistance Program | |
| No-cost Financial Advisor Sessions | Commuter and Flexible Spending Accounts |
Learn more about our benefits offerings here.
Requisition ID:166478
Work Arrangement:02-Remote Optional Click here for more information about work arrangements at Amtrak.
Relocation Offered:No
Travel Requirements:Up to 25%
You power our progress through your performance.
We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job. We want your career at Amtrak to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging work, rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, and attractive compensation. Amtrak maintains a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions.
Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre-employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screen.
Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Amtrak's pre-employment drug testing program is administered in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable law.
In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR § 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.
In accordance with federal law governing security checks of covered individuals for providers of public transportation (Title 6 U.S.C. §1143), Amtrak is required to screen applicants for any permanent or interim disqualifying criminal offenses.
Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Amtrak is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/color, to include traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, such as lactation), national origin/ethnicity, disability (intellectual, mental and physical), veteran status, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, citizenship or any other personal characteristics protected by law.
