Hearing Officer

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.

Labor Relations is charged with the negotiation and administration of 17 collective bargaining agreements between Metra and its employees represented by 14 unions. These responsibilities include representing Metra in arbitration with respect to minor disputes and the ongoing negotiations meant to reach amicable settlements and thus avoid a major dispute as defined by the Railway Labor Act with each of these unions.

Reporting to the Director of Labor Relations-Administration, the Hearing Officer willfacilitate, coordinate and manage all administrative functions of a discipline hearing, including serving as a hearing officer and reviewing officer. Prepare reports; make preliminary recommendations; prepare findings; consult with supervisors, managers and Labor Relations-Advocacy regarding contract application and interpretation; and respond to employee questions. Provide support to managers on employee claims to ensure fair and impartial disciplinary investigations. Collect, review, analyze, and present policy and other data; manage the various databases; and assist with various projects. Work independently to ensure discipline hearings are held within the appropriate timelines and in accordance with all rules as defined in the applicable CBA. This position would also be responsible for travelling to and from hearing locations throughout the Metra system.

The primary duties include: Prepare for and Conduct Discipline Hearings. Facilitate, coordinate and manage all administrative functions of a discipline hearing, including serving as a hearing officer and reviewing officer. Prepare reports; make preliminary recommendations; prepare findings; consult with supervisors, managers and Labor Relations-Advocacy regarding contract application and interpretation; and respond to employee questions. Serve as Reviewing Officer and make decisions. Provide support to managers on employee claims to ensure fair and impartial disciplinary investigations. Collect, review, analyze, and present policy and other data; manage the various databases; and assist with various projects. Administrative work to support the entire discipline hearing process, including scheduling, drafting notices and securing meeting rooms and court reporter. Work independently to ensure discipline hearings are held within the appropriate timelines and in accordance with all rules as defined in the applicable CBA. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform otherrelated 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 or 4 years of Labor Relations Experience.
2. In addition to #1, 5 years serving as a Hearing Officer or in a similar capacity.
3. Knowledge of principles and practices of Labor Relations.
4. Knowledge and exposure to contract discipline investigations and drafting of notices.
5. Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a demanding environment.
6. Ability to work with sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality.
7. Ability to understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and labor/management agreements.
8. Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
9. Strong organizational, research, and analytical skills.
10. Proficient in Microsoft 365 and computer based legal research.
11. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
12. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
13. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

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. For general assistance, please contact talentacquisition@metrarr.com. 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 the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at 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.