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.

The Contracts Department performs the day-to-day management and periodic renegotiation of various operating contracts with other railroads, while acting as a resource within the agency regarding our contractual rights and responsibilities.

Reporting to the Supervisor, Contract Administration, the Contract Administrator 1 will provide entry-level railroad operating contract administration work in support of department activities.

The Primary Duties include:Perform basic contract related tasks; research contract terms, conditions, and performance; and may respond to internal and external requests for information, including Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Generate and maintain hard copy and electronic master files; and enter assorted contract and amendment related information into appropriate electronic databases.Audit various usage reports to ensure billing and payments are aligned with contracts; review invoices for accuracy; and ensure monthly expenses are accrued properly and annual rate adjustments are accurate.Assist with the development of the annual revenue and expense estimates for internal budgeting purposes; generate purchase requisitions and justifications as needed. Assist with processing letters to partner railroads, amendments to capital project funding agreements, and schedule change notices to host railroads. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the department.

Candidates can expect salary offers that range from the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidate can consider their growth potential.

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 or in lieu of a degree, any combination of education and experience that equals four (4) years providing support for contract administration or management, railroads operations, accounting, or finance, or similar work.
• Familiar with business or contract writing techniques.
• Familiar with principles, practices, and techniques of document management, file maintenance, research, and report preparation.
• Familiar with basic principles and practices of accounting.
• Familiar with Metra's service region is preferred.
• Intermediate skills in the use of Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook); use of Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, Google Earth, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is preferred.
• Good written and verbal communication skills to respond to inquiries effectively.
• Good time management, problem solving, and organizational skills.
• Good math and reading comprehension skills, with an attention to detail and ability to spot errors.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to understand and apply departmental and agency policies and procedures.
• Ability to read maps, understand spatial relationships, comprehend military time, and calculate elapsed time.
• Pass the Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) rules exam within six (6) months of hire date.
• Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
• 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 in government or railroad operations.

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 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.