Supervisor Rail Operations

Metra; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 82,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in commuter rail services is seeking a Supervisor for Rail Operations. This pivotal role involves overseeing daily safety and customer service activities within the Consolidated Control Facility. You will collaborate with multiple rail carriers to manage train movements and service disruptions, ensuring compliance with regulations. Your leadership will foster a safe work environment and promote continuous improvement initiatives. If you have a passion for rail operations and a commitment to excellence, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a vital sector.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of railroad work experience, preferably in a control center.
• Considerable knowledge of FRA safety and operating rules.

Responsibilities

• Supervise personnel in the control center and ensure safety compliance.
• Manage service disruptions and coordinate with rail carriers.

Skills

Railroad Operations Knowledge

Safety Compliance

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Microsoft 365 Proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

College Degree (Preferred)

Tools

Train Management Dispatching Systems (TMDS)

Microsoft 365

Job description

Date Posted:

5/8/2025

Posting End Date:

5/13/2025

Location:

98-Non-Contract

City:

Chicago

State:

IL

Country:

United States of America

Category:

Administrative Support(Including Clerical and Sales)

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Salary Mid Point:

$103,198.00

Salary Range:

$82,558.00
-
$123,838.00

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.

Click here to learn more about our benefits!

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 and Heritage Corridor and those lines operating under purchase of service agreements: BNSF and Union Pacific. In addition to all employees directly involved in providing train service, the Transportation Department also oversees the Dispatching Office and Crew Management Center.

Reporting to the Assistant Superintendent, CCF, the Supervisor Rail Operations will manage employees responsible for performing day to day safety, customer service, and train movement activities in the Consolidated Control Facility (CCF); collaborate on continuous improvement initiatives; and coordinate with multiple rail carriers on train movements and patterns to manage service disruptions and delays in real time while adhering to provisions of service agreements.

The primary duties include: Supervise assigned personnel within the control center; ensure all CCF activities are performed safely and documented in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations; train assigned personnel on tasks, procedures, and regulations; and document and participate in union grievance processes. Work with state and federal oversight agencies to ensure regulatory compliance and reporting requirements are met; maintain federal testing standards; and conduct required safety audits and tests. Manage service disruptions; notify other rail carriers of service delays; coordinate efforts to resume train movement; and disseminate information to the agency's train reporting and customer communications teams as appropriate. Work directly with other dispatching centers to establish credible real time scenarios to negotiate and protect slotting of the agency's trains and services with foreign freight and passenger rail carriers across the Chicago area rail network. Collaborate, and work in conjunction, with internal district managers across the agency to provide protection for roadway workers, issue track warrants, and make arrangements around yard terminal equipment cycles. 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. 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.

Requirements

1. High school diploma or GED equivalent.
2. In addition to #1, must have five (5) years of railroad work experience, preferably in a railroad control center or railroad operations.
3. Considerable knowledge of rail operations or control center functions and activities.
4. Considerable knowledge of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety and railroad operating rules and regulations.
5. Considerable knowledge of train management dispatching systems (TMDS) such as ALSTOM or Wabtec and their functionality, fundamentals of PTC, or other integrated back-office systems.
6. Considerable knowledge of passenger and freight rail operations and networking in the Chicagoland region.
7. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to develop materials and presentations for use during employee training.
8. Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to gather, analyze, and present data in a clear, concise manner.
9. Strong organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills, with attention to details.
10. Ability to prioritize work and function in a fast paced environment while ensuring tasks are completed timely and safely.
11. Ability to encourage, build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation with employees and educate, train, and evaluate them objectively.
12. Ability to identify and resolve issues and conflicts or escalate when necessary.
13. Must be GCOR qualified or able to become qualified within 60 days of hire date.
14. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
15. Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds.
16. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
17. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
18. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

1. A college degree
2. Team lead or supervisory experience
3. Experience working with a unionized workforce

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.