PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Senior Counsel, Risk Manager will provide a broad range of advisory duties and the legal representation of the agency in a wide range of transactional matters as well as overseeing the agency’s insurance and risk management program.

DISTINGUISING CHARACTERISTICS

This job description is not part of a job series.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

• Reports directly to the General Counsel as Senior Counsel within the Legal Department.
• Responsible for also managing the Risk Management Department and reporting to the General Counsel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required of the position and are offered for illustrative purposes and therefore are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of job responsibilities.

General Duties as Senior Counsel

• Work closely with the Contracts & Procurement Department to provide guidance and counsel as to negotiation and reviewing of contracts, shared use agreements, contract task orders, and other documentation related to procurements and capital projects.
• Work closely with senior managers and other internal departments including but not limited to Capital Projects, Engineering, Railroad & Real Estate Services.
• Perform other transactional legal duties as assigned.

General Duties as Risk Manager

• Responsible for the annual insurance renewals for all insurance coverages for the Agency including the operating liability coverage.
• Responsible for managing all pre-litigation claims, SCRRA’s claims program and insurance matters including interacting with insurance brokers, underwriters, and third-party claims administrator (TPA).
• Coordinate investigations of claims with the Metrolink sheriff’s unit and local law enforcement agencies.
• Conduct field investigations from perspective of third-party claims and General Code of Operating Rules.
• Pursue compensation/reimbursement for damages to SCRRA property.
• Advise internal staff on internal policy, compliance and regulatory issues affecting operations, public works, and capital projects, including state and federal procurement and contracting laws.
• Perform other insurance and risk-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• D. from accredited law school and licensed to practice law in the State of California.
• A minimum of five years of work experience (within the last seven years) as a practicing attorney.
• A minimum three years of work experience advising clients in railroad or transportation claims administration, including railroad related property damage and personal injury claims.
• A combination of training, education and/or background that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may also substitute for a portion of required experience.
• A Valid Class “C” California driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record of no more than 3 moving violations and no DUI’s within the last 3 years.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in insurance and/or risk management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: 

• Public agency procurement and contracting generally for federal and state funding recipients.
• Insurable Risk and placement and management of insurance policies

Skilled in: 

• Verbal and written advice and communication  
• Organization and time management 
• Microsoft Office

Ability to: 

• Exercise sound legal and business judgment in challenging situations
• Work in a leadership position including the ability to interact with business team members and executives

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Transition between a stationary position at a desk or work location and move about Metrolink facilities or other work site locations
• Operate tools to perform the duties of the position, such as computers, office equipment and work-related machinery
• Transport equipment or boxes up to 25lbs
• Exchange ideas by means of communication, written and oral
• Visual acuity to detect, identify and observe employees or train movement and any barriers to movement when working on or near railroad tracks
• Hear and perceive the nature of sounds when working on or near railroad tracks
• Balance, ascend/descend, climb, kneel, stoop, bend, crouch, or crawl within assigned working conditions and or locations

Working Conditions

Position requires work in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, or temperature. Work may also be conducted in outdoor environments, at construction sites, Railroad Track and Right-of-Way environments, and warehouse environments, with possible exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises (85+ decibels, such as heavy trucks, construction, etc.)

Southern California Regional Rail Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Authority will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

About Metrolink

Metrolink is proud to serve as the LINK between six Southern California counties with safe, seamless and reliable transportation and connectivity. By reducing 9.2 million car trips annually, Metrolink has proven to be an effective solution, taking pressure off freeways and reducing gridlock. With a shared purpose and commitment to excellence, we strive to motivate and challenge our employees to explore the limits of their potential. We promote a culture of innovation, safety, teamwork, collaboration, and respect. We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, skills and experiences and actively eliminate disparities through inclusive hiring practices, that acknowledge the contributions and potential of all candidates.

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