Job Description

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 Rules Department, Dispatching Office, Crew Management Center, Station Services, Customer Service, Ticket Services and GPS Center.

Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Train Operations the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) Manager will ensure the uninterrupted connectivity, security, quality, and integrity of the data resources for public safety systems that are required to be operational 24 hours per day, 7 days per week; and ensure the CAD and positive train control (PTC) systems operate appropriately and efficiently on a real time basis for over 1000 weekly scheduled trains.

The primary duties include responsible for consist and system maintenance related activities; build, verify, and validate consist data streams to ensure the build is correct; align data streams from the Mechanical department and yards to ensure accurate consist capture; and ensure data is sent to trains via electronic data interchange (EDI) appropriately. Provide functional direction and guidance to Dispatchers on the use of train dispatching software and data entries; interface with Chief Dispatchers to ensure CAD and PTC systems, bulletins, consists, and other critical data are appropriately transmitted to trains. Serve as a point of contact for dispatchers to resolve inquiries, technical requests, and support while on duty and on-call; manage data transmissions; audit and report issues pertaining to system deficiencies to mitigate data loss. Assess, propose, coordinate, and implement solutions for hardware and software issues, and system modifications, enhancements, and replacements; ensure proper configuration and implementation of CAD modules, records management modules, security, tables, work-flow, and CAD mapping. Formulate procedures for implementing information technology changes using agency defined methodologies and standards; ensure compliance with FRA safety rules, regulations, and standards. Coordinate team’s day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate.

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

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Electrical/Electronics or Engineering or, in lieu of the specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in the railroad/transportation industry.
• In addition to #1, must have two (2) years of experience working in the railroad/transportation industry is required.
• One (1) year of experience as a team lead or supervisor is required.
• Knowledge of computer aided dispatch systems with a familiarity with user needs assessment procedures and techniques.
• Understand the basic operational functions of a train dispatching console to ensure safe and efficient data management.
• Working knowledge of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety rules and requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access) programs and computing systems.
• Skill in identifying and resolving complex problems.
• Skill in interacting with users to analyze their needs and to detect, define, and resolve problems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communications, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with a customer focus with persons at all levels of the agency.
• Ability to rapidly learn on-board issues related to the interface between train dispatchers and operating crews.
• Must be qualified for General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) within 60 days of hire date.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
• Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferences:

Experience with dispatching, Interoperable Electronic Train Management System (I-ETMS), CAD, and PTC systems is strongly preferred.

On May 11, 2023, both the state of IL and the federal government will put an end to the COVID-19 emergency measures. Effective May 11, 2023 Metra's COVID vaccine requirements will be suspended until further notice.

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 pre-employment 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.