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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The position will manage the field-based system safety engineers' day-to-day activities. The position will also review safety incidents, injuries, and industry trends to develop and implement corrective actions and update processes and procedures to improve safety at Metra. Work with regulatory authorities and other Class I and passenger railroads to reduce regulatory fines, human caused incidents, and verify Metra is at the leading edge of Safety.

The primary duties include: Manage and direct others, set priorities, develop work schedules, monitor progress towards goals, meet deadlines, and track varying activity details, data, and information. Perform job safety analysis and incident investigations to determine probable cause, provide recommendations to resolve railroad safety issues based on root cause analysis, lead and direct incident investigations, and coordinate activities over cross-functional work groups. Work collaboratively with other departments to coordinate safety practices to reduce incident occurrences; lead or participate in the development and implementation of various safety related projects and programs; ensure the appropriate resources and staff are allocated for projects and tasks; and participate in the development of the annual budget. Serve as subject matter expert for safety training programs and classes, railroad safety, and hazard analyses; liaison between management, staff, and external stakeholders; assist in the development and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures meant to protect employee health and safety. Manage the identification and reporting of safety defects and unsafe/hazardous conditions utilizing the hazard identification and resolution procedure, including the performance of root cause analyses, contributing factor determinations, corrective action recommendation. 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. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. 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. Works 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.

Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in safety and occupational health, safety engineering or a related field or in lieu of specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years of experience in the administration of safety regulations or occupational health.
2. In addition to #1, must have six (6) years of professional occupational health or safety management related experience applying applicable safety standards and best practices, preferably in railroad environment.
3. Strong project coordination and communication skills.
4. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations and manage multiple priorities.
5. Working knowledge of essential business software, Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and a general understanding of working on a computer.
6. Knowledge of safety and regulatory regulations related to FRA, FTA, OSHA, ICC, and EPA.
7. Ability to conduct field observations/audits, including coaching and correcting.
8. Ability to prepare and conduct safety training materials, programs, and other relevant safety topics, which can be delivered in person or online.
9. Interpersonal communication skills with the ability to review and suggest safety improvements to task planning in the field.
10. Ability coach and mentor employees under their supervision and Metra employees as a whole about safety.
11. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
12. Experience using data and metrics to drive improvements.
13. Knowledge of principles of accident investigation.
14. Knowledge and ability to perform site evaluations, including exposure assessment strategies, risk assessments. The ability to specify hazard control measures and assess their effectiveness.
15. FTA Certified TSI Safety Professional Preferred but not required. Must obtain within 24 months of hire.
16. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
17. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
18. Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
19. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
20. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
21. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
22. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

1. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

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.

Some positions require an Enhanced Background Check due to the nature of the role. This may include additional criminal history, employment and education verification, credential validation, and other legally permissible checks. All screenings are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and require candidate authorization.

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.