Project Manager 1

Metra Commuter Rail; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 81,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra Commuter Rail is seeking a Project Manager 1 to lead a range of small to mid-size commuter rail projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards. The role involves budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating with engineers, consultants, and vendors.

You will build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across Metra’s Capital Delivery Department, oversee contract administration, and manage progress toward milestones while adapting to project

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction or Project Management, Engineering or relevant field.
• Two years of engineering or project management experience.
• Working knowledge of infrastructure project management principles.
• Working knowledge of contract administration related to public works construction projects.
• Knowledge of construction principles and practices.
• Basic knowledge of state and federal requirements for capital projects.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Project management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage project budgets and cost estimates.
• Oversee scoping, staffing plans, and schedules for assigned projects.
• Review plans with subject matter experts for constructibility and cost effectiveness.
• Conduct on-site inspections to monitor progress and ensure quality and safety standards.
• Support contract administration: bid reviews, contract changes, and payments.
• Maintain stakeholder relationships and prepare status reports.
• Perform other related duties to meet organizational needs.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Project management

Reading engineering drawings

Multi-project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction or Project Management, Engineering or relevant field

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Description

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.

Salary Range

$80,986.00 - $121,479.00. 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.

Metra's Capital Delivery Department oversees the design, construction and administration of Metra capital projects and manages the work of consultants and contractors implementing these projects. Capital projects overseen by this group include stations and parking as well as structural, civil, electrical, mechanical, traction power, and wayfinding and signs. The department also includes Project Management, NEPA, Project Controls, and Project Administration teams.

Reporting to the Director, Project Management, the Project Manager 1 will manage a wide range of small to mid-range commuter rail projects of moderate complexity including stations, civil infrastructure, bridges, and support facilities ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality standards.

The Primary duties include: Perform project management duties including preparing project budgets; overseeing the preparation of project cost estimates, scope of work, staffing plans, and schedules for assigned projects; working with subject matter experts to review plans and designs prepared by in-house staff or consultants for efficiencies, cost effectiveness and constructibility; and recommending changes as needed to ensure compliance with scope, budget, and schedules. Conduct on-site inspections to monitor progress and accomplishments against goals; ensure compliance with quality standards, construction engineering best practices, and quality and safety standards; and assist in resolving construction problems. Participate in the contract administration process including reviewing bids and awarding contracts; approving, negotiating, and processing contract changes; authorizing contract payments upon work completion; and evaluating vendor performance and recommending appropriate action when contract specifications are not met. Develop and maintain strong stakeholder relationships both within and outside the organization to facilitate project coordination. Maintain project files and prepare status reports. 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction or Project Management, Engineering or relevant field.
• In addition to #1 above, must have two years of engineering or project management experience.
• Working knowledge of infrastructure project management principles
• Working knowledge of contract administration related to public works construction projects.
• Knowledge of construction principles and practices
• Basic knowledge of state and federal requirements for capital projects
• Good organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Project management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill reading engineering drawings and contract specifications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to perform conflict resolution.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Ability to provide leadership of interdisciplinary project teams.
• Ability to build relationship with individuals both within and outside of the organization.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferences

• Project management certification
• Experience in the railroad, transit, or infrastructure industry.

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.