Road Foreman of Engines

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 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 directly to the Director, Suburban Operations (MED), the Road Foreman of Engines, will supervise district staff, train and engine crews, and clerks; manage daily operations to provide optimal performance and efficiency; and perform other related duties. Supervise train and engine crews to ensure compliance with all federal regulations, operating and safety rules, and optimum customer service levels.

Perform annual Operational Monitoring Performance (Check Rides) with engineers, and triennially with newly promoted engineers. Work with local authorities and Metra Police to ensure that train operations resume as soon as possible when accidents occur, and remain at accident sites until all staff and clean up crew have left the area. They arrange for and make sure employees receive medical attention as necessary.

Maintain various injury/accident reports. Conduct formal investigations in compliance with labor agreements, and handle time and mileage claims. Coordinate and modify crew and equipment assignments to use locomotives, cars, and staff efficiently as well as to respond to special service needs such as special events, equipment failures, and service disruptions.

They work with PACE, CTA, and other bus companies to provide vehicles where and when necessary. 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.

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. Operates locomotives, switchers, and cab cars in emergency situations or as the need arises. 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

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• In addition to #1, must be currently working as a Locomotive Engineer or Engineer Supervisor, with a minimum of five (5) years experience as a Locomotive Engineer.
• Must have no decertifications in the last three (3) years.
• Must have excellent knowledge of 49-CFR-240 certification.
• Must have thorough knowledge of operating rules and union contracts.
• Must have thorough knowledge of electrical, mechanical and air brake functions for diesel locomotive coaches.
• Must have excellent verbal/written communication and organization skills.
• Must have Operating Rules Certification.
• Must have a Locomotive Engineering License or Conductor Certification.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• 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 on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferences

• A college degree.
• Supervisory experience.

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.