Director Rules

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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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.

Metra's Safety & Regulatory Compliance Department oversees all safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental compliance requirements and matters across the agency, including but not limited to, developing and implementing safety directives, policies, and procedures; overseeing and coordinating Metra's participation and involvement in regulatory committees and engagements with regulators, ensuring Operating Department policies & procedures are compliant with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards; ensuring safe operating environments for our passengers and safe work environments for employees, conducting and participating in safety audits (internal and external), provides FRA and State Agencies immediate notification and monthly reporting of Accident/Incident/Investigation data per Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations, determines the need for Executive and Board briefings, and provides strategic direction and updates to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) regarding all regulatory compliance matters. The department's environmental compliance function includes inspection and testing for environmental safety (air quality, hazardous materials storage, etc.) at Metra-controlled facilities. The department also oversees environmental mitigation, employee training, and the agency's hazardous waste disposal program.

Reporting to the Chief Safety & Regulatory Compliance Officer, the Director Rules will provide leadership, strategic and tactical direction, and subject matter expertise on the interpretation, development, and proper application of rules to the working environment of the railroad; and oversee operational testing and administration of rules examination programs and classes in accordance with the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA's) training regulations.

The primary duties include: Provide direction and guidance to assigned team responsible for testing and rules activities including the preparation of the six-month operational testing and inspections review in accordance with the FRAs regulations regarding railroad operating rules and practices; and will develop departmental policies, practices, and procedures. Oversee and monitor the agency's operating rules, employee qualification guidelines, training and testing programs to ensure the agency is compliant with the Railroad Safety Act, the Hours of Service Act, and relevant sections of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations; and identify and recommend improvements to operating practices. Establish internal partnerships to define testing and compliance priorities; and ensure on-train and field operational testing, monitoring, and physical characteristics inspections are coordinated and conducted over all operated districts and foreign line railroads with trackage rights. Serve as principle subject matter expert and advisor on the interpretation and proper application of rules, special instructions, and operational tests to ensure they are conducted and recorded accurately; identify and address key issues; review compiled evidence for possible disciplinary cases; and discuss corrective actions with department leaders needed to address compliance deficiencies or rule violations. Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with contemporaries of external passenger and freight railroads, headquarters, and regional representatives of the FRA to keep abreast of best practices and ensure the agency's interests are protected. 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. 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. This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing. 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.

1. Bachelor's degree in business administration, adult education, industrial/organizational psychology, transportation, or a related field OR in lieu of a specified degree, a combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in curriculum design, adult education, e-learning, program administration, or performing rules related functions preferably in the transportation or railroad industry.
2. In addition to #1, must have ten (10) years of experience in curriculum design, adult education, e-learning, program administration, or performing rules related functions preferably in the transportation or railroad industry.
3. Must have five (5) years of progressively responsible 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. Comprehensive knowledge of training and development principles, methodologies, best practices, evaluation models, and adult learning.
5. Considerable knowledge FRA training standards and operating, maintenance of way, safety and roadway worker protection rules and special instruction.
6. Considerable knowledge of Illinois Commerce Commission and American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way standards.
7. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
8. Strong communication and interpersonal skills for fostering collaboration, employee engagement, and effective communication both internally and externally and to enable clear and concise messaging, active listening, and the ability to build strong relationships.
9. Strong leadership skills with the ability to facilitate and organize the activities of others while motivating and fostering teamwork.
10. Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships and networks to advocate for, and support, training functions.
11. Ability to identify and use accessible technology to develop, deliver, administer and evaluate training initiatives to implement strategic goals.
12. Ability to manage resources within budget constraints.
13. Ability to work with and influence senior leadership.
14. Must be General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) and Maintenance of Way Rules qualified or able to become qualified for both within 90 days of hire date.
15. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
16. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
17. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
18. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
19. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

1. Master's degree in organizational development, training and development, or adult education.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

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 committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.

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.