Director, Workforce Dev & Continuous Lrng - Transp

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.

Training and Certification is responsible for the training of locomotive engineers, conductors and assistant conductors and other functions within the Transportation Division. The department conducts and oversees training programs that enable employees to meet regulatory mandates and develop necessary job skills.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Training & Certification, the Director, Workforce Development and Continuous Learning (WDCL) -Transportation will lead and direct the operations and activities of training and certification programs for transportation division employees (i.e., locomotive engineers, conductors, assistant conductors, train dispatchers, and signal employees); be responsible for the development, implementation, and administration of training strategies and on-going assessments of training outcomes; and ensure training and certification activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations and meet agency's operating and safety standards.

The primary duties include: Provide leadership and direction to simulator engineers and assigned instructors fostering a customer-focused, innovative, and continuously improving training culture; will establish onboarding processes and key performance indicators (KPIs) for instructors ensuring well-practiced facilitation skills, in alignment with best practices in adult learning, are maintained; monitor workloads; and allocate training resources. Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of existing training program delivery methods, procedures, and resources ensuring employees are qualified to perform job duties in accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements. Develop new training programs as required by the FRA; review and evaluate work methods, processes and procedures, evaluations, and performance; and ensure any FRA required documentation is submitted in a timely manner. Conduct training program review including materials, manuals, and equipment; establish KPIs to evaluate program effectiveness, new hire success, and employee engagement; identify opportunities for improvement; and report outcomes to senior leadership. Monitor developments in regulatory compliance related to assigned areas 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, or Technical Writing and Communications) OR in lieu of a specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in rail operations or training.
2. In addition to #1, must have ten (10) years of experience in adult training, instruction, or certification administration, preferably in the transportation or railroad industry.
3. Must be currently certified as a locomotive engineer or conductor and decertification free for a period of five (5) years
4. 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.
5. Considerable knowledge of federal regulations related to training and certification programs for locomotive engineers (49 CFR 240), conductors (49 CFR 242), dispatchers (49 CFR and 245), and signal employees (49 CFR and 246).
6. Considerable knowledge of principles, methodologies, and best practices of training and development, adult instruction, and training design, delivery, and assessment.
7. Knowledge of FRA operating, maintenance of way, safety, and roadway worker protection rules and special instruction training standards.
8. Knowledge of various teaching techniques and informal learning tools such as Minute to Learn It videos, podcasts, simulators, role plays, etc.
9. Knowledge of certification administration for programs for train dispatchers and signal employees. These programs, subject to FRA approval, will assess employee knowledge, skills, and safety records.
10. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, Teams, Planner) or similar productivity and collaboration tools.
11. Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to enable clear and concise messaging, active listening, and the ability to build strong relationships.
12. Strong project and time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
13. 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.
14. Ability to drive instructor professionalism; implement modern learning strategies; strengthen partnerships with labor organizations; and support leadership development.
15. Ability to foster a customer-focused, innovative, and continuously improving training culture.
16. Ability to interpret and apply local, state, and federal regulations and agency policies and document client needs.
17. Ability to maintain the confidentiality of highly sensitive information related to employee medical and driving records.
18. Must be General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) qualified.
19. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
20. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
21. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
22. 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.