Project Controls Administrator

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.

This department oversees the design and construction of Metra capital projects and oversees the work of contractors implementing these projects. Capital projects overseen by this group include stations and parking as well as structural, electrical, and mechanical design.

Reporting to the Director, Project Controls, the Project Controls Administrator coordinates tasks and provides professional administrative support to project teams ensuring appropriate and consistent use of the Program Management Information System (PMIS) across design and construction teams, ensures adherence to process workflows, document management, and project progress.

The primary duties include: Review project requirements, identify interdependencies with internal or external departments or service providers, and delegate responsibilities.

Monitor the workflow process within the Program Management Information System (PMIS), ensuring all steps are completed in accordance with established project plans, processes, and timelines; generating and disseminating reports; and following up with individuals or groups who are non-compliant.

Work closely with members of the Project Controls team to ensure staff use PMIS processes and tools including delegating tasks in the system, tracking completion, and coordinating meetings to facilitate collaboration, resolve issues, and keep tasks on track. 

Conduct quality control and process flow audits to ensure documents are completed and accounted for, properly routed through workflow, delivered to the appropriate party, and correctly filed in the document system.

Participate in validating and processing invoices, creating new release orders in financial systems, and monitoring and tracking Program Management Oversight contract financials.

Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.

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 Engineering, Construction Management, or related field OR in lieu of degree a combination of education and experience that equals four years supporting and tracking projects and program data.

2. In addition to #1 above, must have a minimum of five years of Project Controls/administration experience.

3. Considerable knowledge of:

• project administration principles.
• electronic document management systems.

4. Good:

• knowledge of document management procedures and practices.
• organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills.    

5. Strong:

• record-keeping skills with attention to detail and accuracy.    
• verbal communication skills.

6. Proficiency in Microsoft 365.

7. Ability to:

• conduct training consisting of multi-disciplinary members.    
• exercise discretion and good judgment in working with confidential information.    
• interface concisely with executive level staff.

8. Must:

• possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• be able to operate a vehicle and be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
• be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

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.