Chief Train Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.
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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 the Crew Management Center.
Reporting directly to the Assistant Deputy Executive Director-Operations, the Chief Transportation Officer will provide strategic leadership and direction to the transportation division setting operational policies, safety standards, and performance metrics; oversight of all train movements, crews, and scheduling; ensure transparency and fiscal accountability for large operating budgets with an emphasis on proper allocations; and agency-wide compliance with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations and safety rules.
The primary duties include: Exercise executive leadership and accountability for the daily movement, safety, and operational efficiency of the agency's commuter rail system; direct the development, implementation, and communication of department procedures; and ensure all initiatives align with and support the agency's long-term strategic goals. Oversee budget development and administration; optime resource allocation across personnel, operations, uniforms, and supplies; approving expenditures and executing necessary budgetary adjustments for financial efficiency; and maintain strict accountability for financial controls, forecasting, and fiscal compliance. Drive the development and use of data-driven key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational health and the strategic allocation of resources to optimize performance and successfully attain performance goals. Oversee day-to-day operations and on-time performance across all districts, including dispatch and crew management; and direct positive train control (PTC) initiatives to guarantee seamless system interoperability, strict regulatory compliance, crew readiness, and effective incident mitigation. Champion collaborative labor-management relations to accelerate problem resolutions; and support constructive labor relations through regular engagement with union officials, translating expectations into clear operational realities while safeguarding employees and customers. This position controls Operating Budget. 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 organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. Works 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

1. Bachelor's degree in transportation, business administration, engineering, public administration or related field OR in lieu of a specified degree a combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four (4) years of relevant experience in transportation.
2. In addition to #1, possess a minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in transportation, with a strong focus (minimum of 10 years) in railroad operations or the railroad industry, and have senior management level experience in a large public or private rail organization of similar size and complexity.
3. Must possess seven (7) years of progressive supervisory experience that includes day-to-day management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, disciplinary and/or termination.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of transportation system operation and management.
5. Considerable knowledge of the methods and techniques of planning, organizing, and implementing operational activities of a comprehensive regional transit system.
6. Considerable knowledge of financial management, creating, forecasting, and managing large operating budgets.
7. Considerable knowledge of regulatory frameworks for local, state, and federal law such as Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety standards and transportation regulations.
8. Knowledge of labor agreements and labor relations.
9. Knowledge of railroad operating rules and the characteristics of the rail territory.
10. Familiar with operational systems such as positive train control (PTC), computer-aided dispatching, and crew management systems.
11. Strong leadership and conflict management skills to manage large, diverse workforces, including unionized employees.
12. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word and Excel).
13. Exceptional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with internal stakeholders, unions, regulatory bodies, and the public.
14. Strong strategic, analytical, planning, and organizational skills to analyze operational data to improve performance metrics.
15. Skill in using persuasive communication to elicit information, negotiate problem resolution, and/or garner support for various programs or policies.
16. Skill in exercising a high degree of initiative, judgment, discretion, and decision making to integrate divisional priorities, meet deadlines, and achieve objectives.
17. Ability to manage changing priorities, make quick, high-stakes decisions during emergencies in a high-stress, 24-hour, 7-day work environment.
18. Ability to manage a major commuter railroad transportation department.
19. Ability to build effective teams and foster an environment of collaboration.
20. Ability to represent the department on the local and federal levels.
21. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
22. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
23. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
24. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
25. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.
26. 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. For general assistance, please contact talentacquisition@metrarr.com. 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 the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at RAC@metrarr.com.
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.