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, Union Pacific, Heritage Corridor, and the line operating under a purchase-of-service agreement: BNSF. In addition to all employees directly involved in providing train service, the Transportation Department also oversees the Dispatching Office and the Crew Management Center.
Reporting directly to the Assistant Deputy Executive Director-Operations, the Chief Transportation Officer will provide strategic leadership and direction to the transportation division setting operational policies, safety standards, and performance metrics; oversight of all train movements, crews, and scheduling; ensure transparency and fiscal accountability for large operating budgets with an emphasis on proper allocations; and agency-wide compliance with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations and safety rules.
The primary duties include: Exercise executive leadership and accountability for the daily movement, safety, and operational efficiency of the agency's commuter rail system; direct the development, implementation, and communication of department procedures; and ensure all initiatives align with and support the agency's long-term strategic goals. Oversee budget development and administration; optime resource allocation across personnel, operations, uniforms, and supplies; approving expenditures and executing necessary budgetary adjustments for financial efficiency; and maintain strict accountability for financial controls, forecasting, and fiscal compliance. Drive the development and use of data-driven key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational health and the strategic allocation of resources to optimize performance and successfully attain performance goals. Oversee day-to-day operations and on-time performance across all districts, including dispatch and crew management; and direct positive train control (PTC) initiatives to guarantee seamless system interoperability, strict regulatory compliance, crew readiness, and effective incident mitigation. Champion collaborative labor-management relations to accelerate problem resolutions; and support constructive labor relations through regular engagement with union officials, translating expectations into clear operational realities while safeguarding employees and customers. This position controls Operating Budget. 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. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. Works 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.
Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.