Roadmaster

Metra Commuter Rail; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 89,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra Commuter Rail in Chicago, IL seeks a Supervisory Track Maintenance role to oversee construction and maintenance of track and right-of-way projects. You will lead crews, ensure FRA compliance, and report on inspections and costs.

The position requires extensive supervisory experience, knowledge of FRA standards, and the ability to coordinate labor, scheduling, and safety programs. On-site work across Metra’s 6-county region with 24/7 on-call availability.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Six years of track maintenance and instruction experience.
• Three years of direct supervisory experience including task assignment, guidance, training, performance monitoring, budgeting, hiring and discipline.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of FRA track and maintenance standards and policies.
• Knowledge of FRA Track Safety Standards.
• Knowledge of track maintenance materials and costs.
• Strong supervisory, communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to prepare management reports.
• Ability to conduct track inspections.
• Ability to train staff on work processes and procedures.
• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods.
• Hearing/visual acuity and color vision.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
• On-call availability 24/7 including holidays.

Responsibilities

• Supervise construction and maintenance of track and right-of-way projects per FRA standards.
• Perform track and right-of-way inspections with Sperry car, geometry car, and rail grinder.
• Prioritize track repair needs and schedule maintenance crews and operators.
• Prepare project cost estimates and bills of material for assigned projects.
• Submit monthly and annual track inspection reports to FRA and Metra.
• Review and resolve labor issues including seniority, overtime, and work rules.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe work environment.
• Ensure safety objectives and programs are followed.
• Work in varied weather conditions; perform additional duties as needed.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Track maintenance

Railroad inspections

Budgeting

Labor management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job 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: $89,287.00 - $133,931.00

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 service.

Metra's Engineering Department is staffed with over 800 employees who work tirelessly applying technology and engineering principles in the design, construction, operation, and management of our network of infrastructure, facilities, and equipment so that customers can enjoy a safe, comfortable, economical, and dependable transit experience.

Supervise the construction and maintenance of track and railroad right-of-way projects ensuring compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Track Safety Standards, Metra quality standards, and project requirements. Perform track and railroad right-of-way inspections using the Sperry car, geometry car, and rail grinder to assess rail defects. Prioritize track repair needs, prepare maintenance and construction schedules, and schedule maintenance gangs, machine operators, and welders to perform rail work. Prepare project cost estimates and bills of material for assigned projects. Prepare and submit monthly and annual track inspection reports to the FRA and Metra management. Review and resolve labor issues including: seniority, overtime allocation, and work rules. 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. Incumbents work 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.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• In addition to #1, must have six (6) years of track maintenance and instruction experience.
• Must have three (3) years of direct supervisory experience that may include day-to-day management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, and discipline.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Considerable knowledge of FRA track and maintenance of way standards and policies.
• Considerable knowledge of (FRA) Track Safety Standards.
• Considerable knowledge of the materials, equipment, and cost involved in track maintenance work.
• Good supervisory skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to prepare management reports.
• Ability to conduct track inspections.
• Ability to train staff on work processes and procedures.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
• Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
• Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferences

• One (1) year of welding experience is preferred.

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.

Some positions require an Enhanced Background Check due to the nature of the role. This may include additional criminal history, employment and education verification, credential validation, and other legally permissible checks. All screenings are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and require candidate authorization.

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.