Computer-Aided Disp. (CAD) Mgr

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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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 Dispatching Office and Crew Management Center.

Reporting to the CAD PTC Project Manager, the CAD Manager will ensure the uninterrupted connectivity, security, quality, and integrity of the data resources for public safety systems that are required to be operational 24 hours per day, 7 days per week; and ensure the CAD and positive train control (PTC) systems operate appropriately and efficiently on a real time basis for all scheduled trains.

The primary duties include: Responsible for monitoring the CAD and PTC systems, dispatcher workstations, and consist maintenance related activities (e.g. build, verify, and validate consist data streams to ensure the build is correct); align data streams from the Mechanical department and yards to ensure accurate consist capture; and ensure data is sent to trains via appropriate electronic data interchanges (EDI). Provide functional direction and guidance to dispatchers and train crews on the use of train dispatching, PTC, and the integrated Engineering Servicing and Ticketing systems; collaborate with Chief Dispatchers to ensure CAD and PTC system data, bulletins, consists, and other critical information is transmitted to trains timely. Serve as a point of contact for system support; respond to technical inquiries and requests; resolve system issues; document reported issues and resolutions pertaining to system deficiencies; and conduct audits to mitigate data loss. Assess, propose, and implement solutions to hardware and software issues and system modifications, enhancements, and replacements; coordinate data transmissions with other systems; and ensure proper configuration and implementation of CAD system modules, safety and security protocols, tables, work flows, and mapping. Assist with formulating procedures to implement updated or new technologies using agency defined methodologies and standards; and ensure compliance with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety rules, regulations, and standards. Document system parameters used within host computers and software; work with foreign railroad data systems, assist with the development of logic and the establishment of protocols necessary for the exchange of data; and ensure dispatcher data is entered and transmitted accurately. 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. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. 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 Transportation or Electrical/Electronics or Engineering or, in lieu of the specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in the railroad/transportation industry.
2. In addition to #1, two (2) years of experience working in the railroad/transportation industry is required.
3. One (1) year of experience as a team lead or supervisor is required.
4. Knowledge of computer aided dispatch systems with a familiarity with user needs assessment procedures and techniques.
5. Understand the basic operational functions of a train dispatching console to ensure safe and efficient data management.
6. Working knowledge of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety rules and requirements.
7. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access) programs and computing systems.
8. Excellent written and verbal communications, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
9. Skill in interacting with users to analyze their needs and to detect, define, and resolve problems.
10. Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills.
11. Ability to identify and resolve complex problems.
12. Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with a customer focus with persons at all levels of the agency.
13. Ability to rapidly learn on-board issues related to the interface between train dispatchers and operating crews.
14. Must be qualified for General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR) within 60 days of hire date.
15. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
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. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
19. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
20. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

1. Experience with dispatching, Interoperable Electronic Train Management System (I-ETMS), CAD, and PTC systems is strongly preferred.

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.