General Yardmaster

Ocean State Job Lot; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra in Chicago is seeking a General Yardmaster to supervise rail operations staff, including contractors and switch crews, and to coordinate the movement of trains in yards according to plans.

You will monitor safety rules, plan staffing, attend foremen meetings, and ensure on-time arrivals while maintaining open communication with foremen and other departments.

Qualifications

• Minimum four (4) years railroad operations experience, preferably in a rail yard.
• Familiar with local, state, and federal railroad rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise rail operations employees, including contractors and switch crews.
• Coordinate movement of railroad traffic to ensure safe and on-time performance.
• Ensure FRA operating and safety rules are followed.
• Attend daily foremen meetings to plan activities and adjust schedules.
• Approve time off and coordinate staff schedules.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe working environment.
• Monitor weather, equipment availability, track warrants, and bulletins affecting movements.
• Communicate with foremen to identify and resolve issues impacting performance.
• Oversee yard makeup and crew coverage; coordinate with other departments.

Skills

Rail supervision

Crew management

Safety compliance

Communication

Team leadership

Staff scheduling

Problem solving

Rail procedures

Microsoft 365

Database management systems

Tools

Microsoft 365

Database management systems

Job description

Metra is America’s fourth busiest commuter rail system, providing essential transportation services to a community of over 9.4 million residents. As an organization of over 2,600 professionals, we are committed to safely and efficiently meeting the growing and changing transportation needs of the commuters and businesses we serve.
To meet those needs, Metra employs a diverse workforce in an environment that fosters creativity and drives innovation. We invite you to learn more about Metra and the many career opportunities we offer.

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.

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 theCrew Management Center.

Reporting to the Director, Suburban Operations Metra Electric District, the General Yardmaster will supervise assigned rail operations employees; direct, monitor, and coordinate the movement of railroad traffic in assigned yards according to consist requirements and operating plans; and ensure the safe, efficient, and on-time arrival and departure of commuter trains to ensure the needs of internal and external customers are met.

The primary duties include: Supervise assigned rail operations employees, including contractors and switch crews, responsible for the safe and efficient movement and routing of commuter trains and equipment; and provide guidance and support on assigned duties including spotting and removal of bad cars, placement of repaired or substituted cars.Oversee the makeup of outlying yards; ensure proper crew coverage for shifts; plan and coordinate work activities to ensure tasks are completed without impacting on time performance, efficiency, and safety; and ensure the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) operating and safety rules are followed.Monitor conditions affecting movements such as weather or environmental conditions, train crew, engine, and equipment availability, track warrants and bulletins, general orders, timetables, and track and speed restrictions. Oversee the assembly of train components; collaborate with other departments on equipment repairs and mandatory inspections; and maintain open and regular communications with foremen to keep apprised of needs, activity progress., and identification of issues that might impact on-time performance.Attend daily meetings with foremen to determine if planned activities can be accomplished without departure delays; and offer alternative plans when necessary.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 organizationensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations.Incumbents work under both inside and outside environmental conditionsunder prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow.This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing. 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.

• In addition to #1, must have a minimum of four (4) years railroad operations experience, preferably working in a rail yard moving trains.
• Working knowledge of train operating procedures and labor agreement provisions.
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal rules and regulations pertaining to railroad operations (e.g., Title 49 §238 Passenger Equipment Safety Standards and §218 Railroad Operating Practices).
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Familiar with the use of database management systems.
• Good written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to effectively direct the work of crew members in face-to-face interactions or telephonically.
• Good organizational skills needed to use time efficiently and set goals and objectives.
• Good critical thinking, judgement skills, and attention to detail needed to observe safety procedures and report potential unsafe conditions.
• Ability to problem-solve, identify, and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of others.
• General Code of Operating Rules qualified or able to become qualified within 30 days of the date of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or, for extended periods of time.
• Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
• Ability to lift and move up to 20pounds.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon,evenings, or weekends.

Preferences:

• Team lead or supervisory experience.

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 [e-mail].

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.

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 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.

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