Programmer Analyst 1

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.

Information Technology is divided into four sections: Enterprise Applications, Railroad Applications, Network Services and Systems Development. The Enterprise Applications team is charged with implementing and supporting applications used enterprise-wide at Metra, such as the new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and HR, Payroll and Timekeeping systems. The Railroad Applications team is charged with implementing and supporting applications used to support Metra's Transportation, Mechanical, and Engineering functions. The Network Services section has two distinct groups: IT Support and Network Operations. IT Support maintains and supports the agency's personal computers as well as computer aided design (CAD) systems for the Engineering Department and point-of-sale terminals. Network Operations builds and maintains the servers and storage that are replacing the agency's mainframe, the data network, e-mail system and disaster recovery capabilities. Systems Development develops, maintains, and supports all application systems built in-house, across all business functions.

Positions will work on either the New Technology Development or Enterprise Application Team.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, New Technology Development, the Programmer Analyst will design, develop, deploy, document, maintain, and support Metra's computer applications.

OR

Reporting to the Manager, Application Development in the Enterprise Application team, the Programmer Analyst 1 will design, develop, deploy, document, maintain, and support Metra's ERP Solution (Microsoft D365 for Finance and Operation).

New Technology Development Team:

The primary duties include: Design, code, and test new or revise existing computer programs. Assist in analyzing user department operations, evaluating alternative solutions to business problems, and recommending  improved use of existing or the selection and application of new technologies. Prepare or assist with the preparation of computer programs to resolve business problems and review, analyze, and change programs to reflect changes in business requirements or hardware/operating system configurations.  Prepare flowcharts, menus, record and database specifications, and user manuals and training materials for applications. Develop queries to generate user reports.

Enterprise Application Team:

The primary duties include: Provide technical support for Microsoft D365, including: maintaining current logic and functionality, developing new logic, maintaining workflow and security, maintaining reports, general technical support as needed. Develop and maintain applications using Microsoft Power Platform tools (PowerBI, PowerApps, Power Automate, Logic Apps). Develop and maintain applications using Microsoft SharePoint Online. Develop  queries to generate ad-hoc and special reports in response to user departments and management requests. Assist users in the operation of existing or new systems and with problem determination and documentation. Assist with the deployment and updates of Microsoft releases for Microsoft D365.

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. Bachelor's degree in a computer related discipline OR in lieu of specified degree a combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four years in application development or systems administration.
2. Knowledge of all phases of the Systems Development Life Cycle.
3. Knowledge of the operational characteristics of various computer programs, software packages, and programming languages.
4. Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in the installation, troubleshooting, upgrading, and problem resolution of software applications.
5. Good analytical and problem solving skills.
6. Good verbal and written communication skills including the ability to converse with technical and non-technical management and end-users.
7. Skill using web development tools.
8. Good customer service skills.
9. Proficiency using Microsoft Office 365.
10. Proficiency in web development using .NET technology.
11. Proficiency with databases and development tools, SQL, SSRS, PHP, Javascript, .NET, Swift, iOS, and Windows OS. (Enterprise Application Team)
12. Ability to participate in team development projects.
13. Ability to establish priorities, work on multiple tasks, concurrent tasks, and meet deadlines.  
14. Ability to analyze and assess the technology needs of user departments.
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 and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
18. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

Enterprise Application Team:

1. Experience developing in X++ (Microsoft D365 coding language).
2. Experience with relational databases and SQL, Microsoft Power Platform, ERP or financial application.
3. Experience with Microsoft SharePoint On-Prem and Online.
4. Experience with any application-level role-based security implementation.
5. Good knowledge of Microsoft D365 coding language (X++).
6. Knowledge of Microsoft PowerBI, Microsoft PowerApps Proficiency and Microsoft Office 365.
7. Certification in Microsoft development tools and Microsoft Office products.

New Technology Development Team:

1. Experience with databases and applications, SQL, Forms, Reports, .NET, VBScript, Microsoft Project, and Windows OS.
2. Certification in Microsoft development tools and Microsoft Office products.

 
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 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.