Manager, Crew Dispatching- Up

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 Dispatching Office and Crew Management Center.

Reporting to the Director, Consolidated Control Facility (CCF), the Manager, Crew Dispatching will supervise the on-time dispatching of railroad personnel; develop appropriate levels of train staffing based on proper application of ridership, consist, and performance data and train schedules; and ensure the adequate day-to-day staffing of all train, engine, and clerical positions for all districts.
 

The primary duties include:Manage the assigned teams responsible for Crew Dispatching; ensure all activities are performed safely and in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations; planned assignments support the schedule and adhere to all labor agreement requirements; and document and participate in the grievance process. Track and monitor employee counts and absences; review and process time claims and schedule vacations; and work closely with payroll to ensure accurate and timely wage payments. Provide manpower for all districts; create forecasts based on attrition, capital projects, and various service needs; recommend when to hire additional staff; coordinate with district directors to ensure all areas are adequately staffed; and generate reports and seniority rosters. Oversee the input and maintenance of crew and equipment assignment data and the crew calling system; ensure data is input correctly and assignment changes are up to date; adhere to computer assisted calling procedures; and collaborate with IT on system updates and enhancements. Responsible for supplies and equipment purchases and inventory maintenance; and ensure employees have supplies and equipment needed to perform assigned duties effectively. $500 signing authority. 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. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Incumbents work under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. 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 diploma or GED equivalent. 
2. In addition to #1, must have a minimum of five (5) years railroad experience and at least three (3) years in a railroad or transportation operations department.
3. Must have two (2) years of supervisory experience that includes three 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.
4. Familiarity with transportation operations.
5. Knowledge of manpower planning, payroll, statistical, and budgetary constraints.
6. Knowledge of the Passenger Hours of Service Act as it pertains to crew staffing and assignments.
7. Knowledge of ridership demand analysis and service planning.
8. Knowledge and understanding of union agreements and those provisions pertaining to scope of duties.
9. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel); familiar with windows based crew scheduling systems such as DIVA; and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for order purchases.
10. Good written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with staff, management, and external contacts.
11. Good organization and analytical skills with an attention to details to manage complex databases.
12. Good judgment and discretion with the ability to maintain confidentiality.
13. Ability to work well under pressure, handle multiple tasks, and prioritize workload while adhering to deadlines.
14. Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships and effectively handle conflict situations.
15. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license
16. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
17. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
18. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon,
19. evenings, or weekends.
20. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays

Preferred:

1. College degree
2. Crew calling experience or crew calling system use

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.