Certified Conductor - $15,000 Bonus! Waukegan, Harvard, Crystal Lake and Kenosha

About the role

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 service.

The Transportation Department 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 and Union Pacific.

Responsibilities

• Be available to work seven (7) days per week with no regularly scheduled days off (including weekends and holidays) unless holding a regular assignment
• Work hours may vary from day to day based on seniority
• While marked to the Extra Board, be called to protect assignments in yard facilities, working outside for long periods of time in all types of weather conditions (heat, rain, ice, snow, cold)
• Protect assignments in Commuter Service working as an Assistant Conductor, Conductor or Collector
• Perform switching operations including adding/removing cars from train consists, storage of train cars, throwing switches and lining trains onto designated tracks
• Ensure safe performance of switching operations ensuring on-time performance, switch alignment(s), correct car routing, delivery and pickup
• Perform train operation and movement duties while assuring crew safety and on-time performance
• Take appropriate action when conditions threaten the safety of a crew and/or passengers
• Verbally communicate information in-person or using radio(s), telephone(s), Public Announcement System
• Physically communicate using hand signals
• Receive, relay to others and act upon directives from Transportation Officials, Train Dispatchers and Customer Service Personnel
• Communicate with Police and Emergency Response Personnel
• Detrain and board stationary and/or moving equipment
• Couple and uncouple air hoses
• Ride on moving equipment by holding onto grab irons, standing on platforms, and standing on ladder steps in all types of weather
• Adjust and align knuckles for coupling
• Read and align switches for train movement
• Understand track numbers and locations
• Operate various track switches and derails to change routing of trains or cars
• Apply and release hand brakes
• Inspect condition(s) of trains and/or equipment by performing radio tests, brake tests, and operating doors
• Ensure proper job tools and necessary inventory onboard (uniform, company provided material including iPad, iPhone, Ticket Punch, Keys, radio, flagging kit, fire extinguisher, first aid kits)
• Inspect exterior of train by walking the entire length of the train consist in inclement weather
• Communicate with passengers regarding delays, fare information, and travel questions using Metra System
• De-escalate disputes which may arise onboard
• Audit tickets; collect and remit ticket sale monies from fare purchasing passengers

Requirements

• High school degree or GED or railroad experience
• Ability to submit work reports using electronic device(s)
• Ability to read and understand all instructions including operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to deliver information to coworkers, supervisors, railroad employees, and customers
• Ability to push, pull, lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 lbs
• Normal color vision, able to detect and interpret different visual color signals and displays, and determine the speed of moving objects at near or far distances
• Capacity to walk, climb, and maintain balance on railcars, locomotives, stairs, ladders, uneven terrain, moving equipment, rails and ballast in a safe manner (occasionally work at heights of twelve (12) feet or more)
• Able to perform physical work while occasionally bending, stooping, and/or kneeling
• Normal depth perception to judge the speed and distance of locomotives being moved in the service area
• 18 years of age or older
• Agree to wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection where the company requires
• Agree to wear a company issued uniform while working in Commuter Service
• Typically required to report to your assigned work location within a 2-hour timeframe
• Willingness to practice safe work habits

Preferred qualifications

• Experience working with, on, and around moving heavy equipment
• Experience working outdoors in variable weather conditions
• Completed a Railroad Conductor Training Course or Program

Pay

Conductor positions are paid on a semi-monthly guaranteed basis. The monthly salary minimum is between $8,128.80 and $10,838.40. The exact amount is dependent on years of service as a Conductor at a previous railroad. There is opportunity to earn more than the monthly salary minimum once training is completed, but that is dependent on assignments worked. Starting pay rates may vary based on entry rates in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Additional information

• All individuals in train service are subject to random drug testing as required by the Federal government during duty hours when selected by computer
• This is a Union position
• Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration
• 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

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