Description

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.

Operations Planning & Project Management oversees the development of Metra's train schedules and service plans; reviews data related to Metra service, ridership, and fares and manages the reporting of operations data to the Metra Board, federal agencies, and other internal and external groups; and is responsible for the agency's adherence to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and other equity standards in the provision of service.

Reporting to the Manager, Service Design, the Lead Schedule and Service Design Analyst will provide support for various operations and service design initiatives through the use of rail modeling software; be responsible for developing and maintaining models needed to build schedules and infrastructure change scenarios; and will work with various departments and outside consultants to assess long-term capital improvements.

The primary duties include: Build and maintain up-to-date models of the agency's operations, both schedules and infrastructure, in relevant complex railroad modeling software. Model proposed schedule changes; provide feedback and recommendations on operational conflicts, sources of delays, and potential improvements; and assess and analyze customer impact. Develop conceptual train schedules based on proposed infrastructure changes such as new flyovers, stations, rolling stock, or other parameters as assigned. Work with other departments and outside consultants to evaluate proposed infrastructure improvements, including validating models from external agencies for accuracy. Generate and interpret reports of scenarios that describe modeling conditions and delays; produce stringline and other charts as required; and present findings to senior management and project stakeholders. Coordinate team's day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Incumbents work under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. 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.

Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field OR any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the degree that equals four (4) years in transportation scheduling or urban planning.
2. In addition to #1, five (5) years of experience in transportation scheduling or modeling, urban planning, or related work.
3. Comprehensive knowledge of principles of public transportation or railroad scheduling as well as transportation or logistical systems.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of statistical data collection and analysis methods used in resolving complex service delivery activities and data management.
5. Good knowledge of operations and issues affecting on-time performance particularly in transportation or the railroad.
6. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access); and transportation modeling or simulation software such as Rail Traffic Control (RTC).
7. Strong data analytics techniques, including managing and querying large databases and manipulating data using business intelligence software.
8. Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills with technical report writing and public presentation abilities.
9. Strong math, analytical, and statistical skills.
10. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail skills.
11. Ability to analyze performance data, prepare reports, and make presentations.
12. Ability to lead projects and train others on scheduling and modeling software.
13. Ability to problem solve and develop resolutions in situations with stakeholders who have conflicting interests.
14. Ability to comprehend and interpret technical materials.
15. Ability to work effectively as a team member and independently.
16. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
17. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
18. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
19. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

1. Master's degree.
2. Experience using rail modeling software.

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 [email protected].