Director, Workforce Dev & Continuous Learning- Eng

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 Operations Training Department is responsible for designing, developing, and delivering training services for the Transportation, Mechanical and Engineering Divisions. Training is delivered to comply with Federal Railroad Administration and OSHA regulations. The Mechanical Division audience includes Carmen, Electricians, Sheet Metal Workers, and Machinists. The Engineering Division audience includes the workforce employed by the Track, Signal, Capital Construction, Communications, Electrical Maintenance and Building/Bridges departments.

Reporting to the Sr Div Dir, Ops Learn & Development Programs, the Director, Workforce Development and Continuous Learning (WDCL) - Engineering will lead and direct the strategic design, development, implementation, and evaluation of continuous learning initiatives focusing on the use of new technologies, software, or systems for engineering division employees; drive the development of technical facilitators and the advancement of apprentice and journeyman programs; oversee on-going assessments of training outcomes; ensure training initiatives and activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations and union agreements; and advance the agency's operational and safety goals.

The primary duties include: Provide leadership and direction to technical trainers responsible for creating training materials, assessing trainee performance, and ensuring all related training activities follow industry standards; and establish key performance indicators (KPIs) ensuring well-practiced facilitation skills, in alignment with best practices in adult learning, are maintained. Observe, coach, and provide feedback to enhance training delivery skills and optimize the learning experience; monitor workloads to allocate training resources; and lead efforts to develop adjunct field trainers. Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of existing training program delivery methods, procedures, and resources ensuring employees are adequately prepared to perform job duties in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements. Conduct training program review including materials, manuals, and equipment; establish KPIs to evaluate program effectiveness, apprenticeship success, and employee engagement; identify opportunities for improvement based on needs assessments and stakeholder input; and evaluate and report outcomes to senior leadership. Monitor developments in regulatory compliance related to the assigned area of responsibility; evaluate impact of changes on operations; recommend policy and procedural changes; and implement improvements for ongoing compliance. 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. 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.

1. Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Adult Education, Instructional Design, Industrial Organization Psychology, or Technical Writing and Communications OR in lieu of specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in training program management or administration.
2. In addition to #1, must have ten (10) years of experience in adult training, instruction, or developing, delivering, and managing training programs, preferably in a technical environment.
3. Must have five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience that includes: day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, disciplinary and/or termination.
4. Considerable knowledge of engineering principles, practices, and relevant software, tools, and technologies.
5. Knowledge of training and development principles, methodologies, best practices, and evaluation models.
6. Knowledge of adult learning and teaching techniques and technologies and informal learning tools such as Minute to Learn It videos, podcasts, simulators, role plays, etc.
7. Knowledge of FRA operating, maintenance of way, safety, and roadway worker protection rules and special instruction training standards.
8. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Planner) or similar productivity and collaboration tools.
9. Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to enable clear and concise messaging of complex technical concepts in an engaging manner, active listening, and to build strong relationships.
10. Strong leadership skills to establish and maintain professional relationships and networks internally and externally, advocate for and support training functions, and foster teamwork, collaboration, and employee engagement.
11. Ability to drive instructor professionalism; implement modern learning strategies; strengthen partnerships with labor organizations; and support leadership development.
12. Ability to foster a customer-focused, innovative, and continuously improving training culture.
13. Ability to interpret and apply local, state, and federal regulations and agency policies and document client needs.
14. Ability to maintain the confidentiality of highly sensitive information related to employee medical and driving records.
15. Ability to adapt training programs and materials to meet the specific needs of different learners.
16. Strong project and time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
17. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
18. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
19. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
20. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

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.