Rules Examiner

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.

The Rules Department is responsible for developing, interpreting, and monitoring the proper application of Operations, Maintenance of Way, Roadway Worker Protection, and Safety rules to the working environment of the railroad. The Rules Team also oversee the administration of rules classes, examinations, and operational testing in accordance with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

Reporting to the Sr Manager, Rules, the Rules Examiner 2 will schedule, organize, and coordinate employee training events and programs; serve as a principle instructor for employees; conduct periodic examinations to ensure compliance with, and proper application of, operating, maintenance of way, safety, and road worker protection rules and regulations; and support Metra's goals and objectives to improve performance and provide efficient and safe service.

The primary duties include: Develop and update brochures, presentations, lesson plans, examinations, and instructional materials in various media to disseminate to employees for initial job qualification or reexamination purposes; and generate comprehensive reports, correspondence, business plans, and other instruction related documents. Conduct instructional classes, initial examinations, and re-examinations on applicable rules, practices, and special instructions for operations employees; preemployment proficiency assessments for assistant conductors; and on-train and field operational testing and monitoring for all districts and foreign line railroads where trackage rights apply. Track program performance and progress; develop training content in response to training needs; identify skills or knowledge gaps among the employee population; and assess the impact of the program on the employees' understanding of the rules and regulations. Serve as subject matter expert; advise departments of new or modified procedures and practices; provide guidance in the proper application and interpretation of rules and regulations; and offer suggestions to ensure employee compliance and operational tests are correctly conducted and recorded. Participate in operational testing activities with the corporate operational testing team; and in periodic Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and American Public Transportation Association (APTA) audits of operational testing. 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. Incumbents work under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing. 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.

Job Requirements:

1. High School diploma or GED.
2. In addition to #1, a minimum of three (3) years of experience in operations compliance, training, program administration, or other relevant experience.
3. Working knowledge of Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49 Transportation, specifically regulations related to railroad operations safety:
4. 49 CFR * 214 - Railroad Workplace Safety
5. 49 CFR * 217 - Railroad Operating Rules
6. 49 CFR * 218 - Railroad Operating Practices
7. 49 CFR * 232 - Brake System Safety Standards for Freight and Other Non-passenger Trains and Equipment; End-of-Train Devices
8. 49 CFR * 236 - Rules, Standards, and Instructions Governing the Installation, Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair of Signal and Train Control Systems, Devices, and Appliances
9. 49 CFR * 238 Passenger Equipment Safety Standards
10. 49 CFR * 239 Passenger Train Emergency Preparedness
11. 49 CFR * 270 System Safety Program
12. Working knowledge of the agency's operating rules and special, emergency operating, and equipment instructions.
13. Knowledge of program implementation and administration; and training techniques and methodologies needed to deliver instruction and training to employees.
14. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
15. Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to effectively communicate with employees at all levels within the agency and with government entities.
16. Strong recordkeeping, analytical, and organizational skills; detail oriented.
17. Ability to understand, track, interpret, and apply compliance rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; and to remain current on rules and regulations.
18. Ability to design lesson plans and effectively deliver instructions and training in classroom and field settings; and to research and extract data for comprehensive reports.
19. Ability to design, develop, implement, facilitate, evaluate, and measure training program impact on employee development.
20. Ability to work collaboratively with others to meet department needs; and adapt to changing priorities within the work environment.
21. General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) or Maintenance of Way Rules qualified or able to become qualified within 90 days of hire date.
22. Must possess a current valid driver's license
23. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
24. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
25. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
26. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
27. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

1. Bachelor's degree.
2. Experience in Railroad Maintenance of Way.

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. 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 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.