Steven Stratford
TriMet
Tualatin,OR
1
Certification
10
years of professional experience
Results-driven operations manager with extensive experience in transportation, rail operations, personnel supervision, and logistical coordination. Skilled in operational planning, safety compliance, employee development, and cross-functional collaboration. Proven ability to improve processes, build strong working relationships, manage competing priorities, and lead teams in high-pressure environments. Committed to operational excellence, employee engagement, and delivering safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services.
Work History
Manager, Streetcar Operations
3 Years 8 Months- Manage daily activities of TriMet personnel assigned to Streetcar. Collaborate with Streetcar management to ensure performance metrics are met. Respond to rail emergency situations including winter weather, major events, and service disruptions.
- Serve as on-site liaison between the City of Portland's managers of Streetcar operations and maintenance, and TriMet transportation, maintenance, and human resources managers, for project management of the TriMet - City of Portland Streetcar Operating Agreement, including filling openings in TriMet employee staffing at Portland Streetcar.
- Manage both TriMet Rail Transportation department and Streetcar department employees for performance accountability to and consistent application of TriMet Human Resources policies and procedures. Manage Streetcar department employees for performance accountability and Portland Streetcar policies, rules and operating procedures.
- Ensure consistent application of the Working & Wage Agreement for Rail Transportation department employees. Ensure consistent application of the Portland Streetcar Supplemental Working & Wage Agreement for Streetcar department employees.
Assistant Manager, Rail Operations
6 Months- Responsible for managing the union rail operator workforce. Including but not limited to compliance with CDL/DOT requirements, required training, and rule compliance.
- Performing and supporting the Competency Management System (CMS) program.
- Work on a rotational on-call schedule to support staff and respond to TriMet emergencies.
- Collaborate with a variety of work groups and divisions to further TriMet's goals.
Manager of Terminal Operations (MTO)
1 Year- Lead the daily transportation plan working with internal departments to coordinate train movement and locomotive/car availability.
- Conduct field training exercises for train service employees to ensure compliance with safety rules.
- Handle labor expenses within assigned budgetary limits commensurate with volume of business, to control costs associated with car movement, supplies, and labor.
- Build and maintain cross-functional relationships with internal and external customers, other railroads, local state and federal agencies, and other service units to ensure that transportation plans are met.
- Lead, mentor and engage employees, ensuring individual performance and employee involvement activities are successful in accomplishing objectives.
- First responder to safety incidents which occur in any part of territory including scene assessment and incident investigation.
- Promoted to MTO from MYO, Manager of Yard Operations. Began work as an MYO in October 2020.
Yard Controller
3 Years 10 Months- Ensured the safety and security of all employees and equipment in the facility.
- Accomplish terminal production goals and implement a daily yard plan; monitor actual train movements against time schedules and limits.
- Directly supervise all yard crews, clerks and all other employees in the yard.
- Communicate clearly with Mechanical, Engineering and other personnel regarding train and freight car movements and instructions.
- Coordinate corrective responses to unplanned events.
- Work closely with and communicate effectively with external customers to ensure timely delivery and pick-up of commodities.
- Apply industry and company requirements concerning hours of service, hazardous materials, etc.
- Support FRA and operating rules compliance; report alleged and follow up with alleged violations of rules.
- Provide job briefings before each shift and throughout the day as needed.
Education
Associate of Arts
Skills
Business Management
Personnel Supervision
Database Management
Financial Data Analysis
Regulatory Compliance
Contract Negotiation
Strategic Planning
Employee Retention
Organizational Skills
Vendor Relationship Cultivation
Creative Problem Solving
Customer Service
Cross-Cultural Communication
Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
Leadership
Proven in Critical Thinking.
Certification
- ICS 100, 200, 300, 700, 800, 2200
- Blue Point Leadership Program
- TriMet Management Certificate
- ENO Transportation Mid-Manager
Timeline
Manager, Streetcar Operations
TriMet
02.2023 - CurrentRead More
Assistant Manager, Rail Operations
TriMet
08.2022 - 02.2023Read More
Manager of Terminal Operations (MTO)
Union Pacific Railroad
08.2021 - 08.2022Read More
Yard Controller
Union Pacific Railroad
10.2016 - 08.2020Read More
Pioneer Pacific College
Associate of Arts
Read More