Description
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.
Engineering is responsible for building and maintaining the majority of Metra's fixed assets, such as buildings, stations, bridges, track, electrical, telecommunications and signal systems. The Engineering Department also monitors the condition of and assists in building and maintaining the fixed assets on the freight lines where Metra trains operate. The Engineering Department is divided into two major groups: Capital Projects, and Communications and Maintenance.
Reporting to the Senior Director, Engineering Maintenance, the Director, Track Construction directs and controls the construction, maintenance, operation, testing, and repair of all capital related track, junction, and appurtenance projects and activities; acts as a first responder to major disasters, derailments, and weather related emergency conditions; and performs related duties as required to meet the on-going needs of the organization.
The primary duties include: Direct the development of capital project plans including scope; objectives; budgets for manpower, materials, and equipment; and key tasks, outcomes, and performance indicators.
Assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility and monitor for efficiencies and optimum utilization of resources; establish work priorities and schedules; and implementing operational improvements and resource reallocations as needed to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to plan.
Allocate and manage staff work, set goals and expectations, oversee training and development, and evaluate performance.
Develop goals and objectives that align with strategic plans; oversee the development of standard operating procedures and work methods that adhere to safety and quality standards, best practices, and funding agency and regulatory requirements.
Oversee and participate in the contracting process including the development of request-for-proposals, scope of work, specifications, cost estimates, bid document reviews; approve contract changes, resolve contracting issues, and authorize payments according to contract provisions.
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.
Candidates can expect salary offers that range from the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidate can consider their growth potential.
Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.
Requirements
1. Bachelor's degree in Engineering or in lieu of the required degree a combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four years in construction and maintenance.
2. In addition to #1, must have 10 years of track construction and maintenance experience.
3. Must have five years supervisory experience that includes day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, disciplinary and/or termination.
4. Considerable knowledge of operations, services, and activities of engineering construction.
5. Considerable knowledge of:

• the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of construction project coordination.
• materials and equipment used in construction projects.
• terminology, methods, practices, and techniques used in technical engineering report preparation.
• the principles and practices of budget preparation and administration and project scheduling and management.
• building codes, regulations, and provisions.
• applicable federal, state, and local regulations and standards.

6. Strong:

• analytical, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.
• verbal and written communication skills.
• interpersonal skills in dealing with all levels of staff, and external groups and organizations.

7. Skill in:

• interpreting engineering designs and specifications.
• preparing and administering large program budgets and contracts.

8. Good project management skills.
9. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
10. Ability to:

• manage complex construction projects where independent judgment and discretion are required.
• work with sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality and be a self-starter.
• direct, develop, and mentor management level staff.
• interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.

11. Must be:

• able to operate a vehicle and be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
• available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

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.