Job Description

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Transportation is responsible for providing safe, efficient and dependable transportation to commuters on all Metra-operated lines: Milwaukee North and West, Rock Island, Metra Electric, SouthWest Service, North Central Service and Heritage Corridor and those lines operating under purchase of service agreements: BNSF and Union Pacific. In addition to all employees directly involved in providing train service, the Transportation Department also oversees the Rules Department, Dispatching Office, Crew Management Center, Station Services, Customer Service, Ticket Services and GPS Center.

Reporting directly to the Director, Suburban Operations, the Senior Trainmaster, will manage and supervise all transportation employees and activities on the district to ensure a safe, efficient, and on-time operation of commuter passenger service. Ensure the day-to-day responsibilities of train and engine crews comply with all federal regulations, operating and safety rules.

The primary duties include: Supervise all transportation employees to ensure compliance with all operating rules, safety rules and Federal Regulations. Ensure transportation employees provide optimum level of customer service and satisfaction. Assess and coach transportation employees to ensure proper compliance with federal regulations and operational practices; perform operational efficiency testing on all employees, including additional testing for new employees. Ensure minimal disruption to train operation accidents occur and work with local authorities and Metra police to resume service as soon as possible; remain at the accident site to protect train operations through affected area until all personnel (including clean-up crew) have left the area. Conduct formal investigations in compliance with appropriate labor agreements. Reconcile time and mileage claims per union contracts. Validate accuracy of Time Report Claims submitted by transportation personnel by reviewing Crew Management Calling System. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization
ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. Incumbents work under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Job Requirements

• Must possess a high school diploma.
• In addition to #1, must possess a minimum of seven (7) years railroad operating experience which includes at least one (1) year as a Trainmaster or Road Foreman of Engines.
• Must have three (3) years of direct or indirect supervisory experience that includes three (3) of the following responsibilities: day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, disciplinary and/or termination.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of evaluating rail operation
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and administrative policies and procedures governing rail operations.
• Knowledge of the principles of transit passenger and employee safety.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word and Access.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Ability to work under pressures and coordinate multiple activities.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions and implement recommendations.
• Must currently be Operating Rules qualified.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
• Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
• Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
• Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferences:

• A college degree
• Locomotive engineer license or conductor certification

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.