Trainmaster

Ocean State Job Lot; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra is seeking a Trainmaster to supervise train and engine crews, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and operating rules as part of the Transportation Department. This role coordinates crew and equipment assignments, monitors schedules, and conducts safety meetings and investigations to maintain high service standards.

Responsibilities include audits of operations, guiding staff through labor agreements, and ensuring accurate remittances and safety program adherence while working in

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of five years railroad operating experience.
• Current Operating Rules qualification required.
• Knowledge of federal regulations, labor agreements, and operating procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit for extended periods.
• Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.

Responsibilities

• Supervise train and engine crews to ensure compliance with federal regulations and operating rules.
• Coordinate and modify crew and equipment assignments to use locomotives, cars, and staff efficiently.
• Monitor schedules and employee performance; conduct efficiency tests on operating rules knowledge.
• Hold safety meetings; investigate accidents and injuries; participate in time-claim audits.
• Review crew/equipment assignments to ensure efficient use of locomotives, cars and staff.
• Ensure safety objectives and programs are met under applicable rules and regulations.

Skills

Communication skills

Regulatory knowledge

Driver's license

Safety culture

Education

High school diploma or GED

5 years railroad operating experience

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.

The Transportation Department is responsible for providing safe, efficient, and dependable transportation to commuters on all Metra-operated lines: Milwaukee North and West, Rock Island, Metra Electric, South West 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 Rules Department, Dispatching Office, Crew Management Center, Station Services, Customer Service, Ticket Services and GPS Center. The department is staffed by nearly 900 Transportation employees who are often referred to as the face of Metra.

Reporting directly to the Director, Suburban Operations, CUS District, the Trainmaster will supervise the train and engine crews to ensure compliance with federal regulations, operating and safety rules, and optimum customer service. Work with local authorities and Metra police to ensure train operations resume as soon as possible when accidents occur and remain at the accident site until all staff and crew clean up the area. Coordinate and modify crew and equipment assignments to use locomotives, cars, and staff efficiently as well as respond to special service needs such as equipment failures and service disruptions. Monitor train schedule and employees in the performance of their assigned duties. Perform efficiency tests to determine employee's knowledge of and compliance with operating rules. Hold safety meetings with employees and investigate accidents and injuries. Conduct formal investigations in compliance with appropriate labor agreements and handle time claims. Perform audits of cash fare sales and review remittances to determine company monies are being handled in accordance with policy. Review crew and equipment assignments to ensure most efficient use of locomotives, cars and employees. 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.Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.Employees may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.

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

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• In addition to #1, must have a minimum of five (5) years of railroad operating experience.
• Current Operating Rules qualified is required.
• A working knowledge of train operating procedures, labor agreements and federal regulations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
• Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.

Preferences:

• 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 andemployees’ 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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