Project Manager, Operations Special Projects

The final salary will depend on the candidates 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.

Metras rail operations are overseen by the Deputy Executive Director Operations who provides executive direction and guidance to the chief officers of the Engineering Mechanical and Transportation departments as well as the Training and Certification and Operations Training departments. The division also provides executive oversight and direction to contract carriers (BNSF and Union Pacific) to ensure that rail operations are consistent with Metras standards and practices.

Under the direction of the Deputy Executive Director Operations the Project Manager Operations Special Projects is responsible for leading and coordinating critical operational initiatives including Metras Capital Assets Remediation Program and other strategically important non-routine projects. This position serves as a key Operations liaison providing project leadership cross-functional coordination and operational support related to capital asset reconciliation procedure development and physical asset inventory activities. The incumbent will be responsible for facilitating issue resolution escalating matters as appropriate and identifying and engaging the necessary operational stakeholders to support project objectives maintain timelines and achieve successful outcomes. This position requires demonstrated project management expertise strategic and analytical thinking sound judgment effective problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively with internal departments and external stakeholders in a professional and results-oriented manner.

The primary duties include:Facilitate alignment and collaboration between Operations (Engineering Mechanical Fleet Maintenance and Transit Asset Management Departments) and the Audit remediation team throughout the remediation the collection of documentation data and information requests required for capital asset recalculation activities. This requires working closely with Engineering pertaining to Bridges Communications Equipment Track and Signal Infrastructure and Equipment field Office Buildings Maintenance Shops and Coach Yards Stations Rolling-stock (locomotives and passenger rail cars) Shop Equipment and Work Equipment and rubber tire in key project meetings to receive status updates contribute to issue resolution and provide operational insight and operational knowledge and perspective related to capital asset acquisition reporting tracking monitoring and associated business in reviewing proposed financial and accounting processes that may impact issues requiring senior management attention and help identify the appropriate operational stakeholders needed to support project objectives and teams day-to-day activities assign tasks/projects and monitor performance and provide guidance and training but is not a safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Incumbents work under both inside and outside environmental conditionsunder prevailing conditions of heat cold rain and position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol 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.

1. Bachelors Degree in Business Project Management Transportation Public Administration or related field is required; equivalent experience may substitute.
2. In addition to #1 have Project Manager certification and/or Project Management experience.
3. Must have four (4) years of Operations experience.
4. Strong understanding of Operations functions including Mechanical Engineering asset maintenance overhaul and replacement processes.
5. Ability to influence and drive action across operational teams with either decision-making authority or direct access to leadership to support decision-making issue resolution and project execution.
6. Familiarity with capital projects asset life-cycle management and operational reporting processes.
7. Proficiency in data analysis and the ability to use data-driven insights to inform decision-making.
8. Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license.
9. Ability to stand walk and/or sit for extended periods of time.
10. Hearing/Visual acuity far/near depth perception field of vision color vision.
11. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
12. Must be willing to travel within Metras 6-county region.
13. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning late afternoonevenings or weekends.

Preferred:

1. PMP

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

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.