Director, Sub Oper Ri Dist

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 Sr. Director, Transportation, the Director, Sub Operations Rock Island (RI) District will oversee all activities related to train operations for the location; and will ensure compliance with administrative policies and procedures, operating and safety rules, governmental regulations, including positive train control (PTC). The primary duties include provide leadership and direction for assigned district; manage and control all resources and activities related to train operations, including labor, materials, and equipment; ensure staff performs in compliance agency policies and procedures, along with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, track safety standards, and other applicable local, state, and federal government requirements, including PTC. Oversee yard activities to ensure on-time performance and efficiency; the coordination of operations and systems to re-establish service following disruptions or derailments; and the implementation of periodic schedule changes. Monitor ridership variances to determine necessary car adjustments; conductor ticket inventory and remittances; and customer feedback reports. Develop strategies for operational improvements to meet future district needs; review and approve expenditures for materials and supplies; and recommend budgetary adjustments when appropriate. Lead on the implementation and administration of safety programs through the execution of required activities and policies; and serve as liaison between the district, other departments, outside agencies, customers, and various stakeholders to enhance relations with the traveling public. Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Works 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.

Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate.

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

1. High School education required 
2. In addition to #1, must have a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the railroad industry or management of transportation system operations with at least three (3) years at the level of Assistant Superintendent, Trainmaster, or Road Foreman of Engines. 
3. Experience should also include at least five (5) years in middle management or higher-level capacity in a public or private sector rail transit agency with experience in program management, service contract compliance, scheduling, and experience in a unionized setting. 
4. Must have three (3) years supervisory experience which includes day to day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance, monitoring performance, conflict management and budgeting.
5. Principles, practices, and processes of organization, administration, supervision, budgeting, fiscal, and employee management.
6. Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing public transportation systems, as well as labor agreements.
7. Comprehensive and specific technical knowledge of major functions within assigned area of responsibility.
8. Familiar with scheduling software, PTC system operation, and proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
9. Exceptional customer service and relationship building skills.
10. Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, organizational, and project management skills with attention to detail.
11. Strong leadership skills with focus on staff development, team building, resource management, and decision-making.
12. Ability to work effectively with peers and establish cooperative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
13. Ability to define problem areas and evaluate, recommend, and implement alternative solutions to complex issues.
14. Able to exercise rules and regulations to oversee and coordinate the operations of a unit.
15. Able to direct, manage, schedule, and oversee procurement activities to achieve operational success.
16. Able to prepare and control a multi-million dollar operating budget.
17. Must be qualified on the General Code of Operating Rules or must become qualified within 90 days of the date of hire. 
18. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
19. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
20. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
21. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
22. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.

Preferences:

College degree preferred. 

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 pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

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.