Supervisor, Telecommunications

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.

Engineering is responsible for building and maintaining the majority of Metra's fixed assets, such as buildings, stations, bridges, track, electrical, telecommunications and signal systems. The Engineering Department also monitors the condition of and assists in building and maintaining the fixed assets on the freight lines where Metra trains operate. The Engineering Department is divided into two major groups: Capital Projects, and Communications and Maintenance.

Reporting to the Manager, Telecommunications Operations, the Supervisor, Telecommunications oversees communications maintenance personnel in the installation, maintenance, and repair of Metra's communication network and equipment throughout the six (6) county area.

The primary duties include: Assign, supervisor, and evaluate repair and maintenance work performed by staff and vendors working on Metra's communications systems including equipment on trains, Metra's private branch exchange telephone network, fiber optic and Microwave connectivity, public address and access systems, GPS and video surveillance, dispatching and radio towers, and network connectivity. Conduct testing, inspections, and training to ensure maintenance and repairs on communications equipment are performed safely and in accordance with quality standards. Function as designated point of contact for all communication issues within assigned districts. Assist in determining operational needs and prioritize call-outs for emergency work on systems outages. Interface with contractors, other railroads, and municipalities to plan and coordinate the implementation of communications systems and equipment in the field. Respond to public concerns or issues regarding the Voice of Metra or other communication systems. Assist in monitoring systems operation within FCC, FRA, and other federal laws and mandates. 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. May require Climbing, Balancing, Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, Crawling, Reaching, Standing, Walking, Pushing, Pulling, Lifting, Fingering, Grasping, Feeling, and Verbal Communication. 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 Electrical or Electronic Engineering or related discipline OR in lieu of degree, an equivalent combination of education and experience in Telecommunications that equals four (4) years.
2. Must have five (5) years of communications experience in electronics including analog and digital circuits, microprocessors, telephony, two-way radio principles, microwave systems, fiber optics systems, computers and computer networking, and technical writing.
3. Good knowledge of communication systems including: private branch exchange telephone networks, fiber optic and microwave, alarm and card access, GPS tracking, video surveillance, radio towers, computer networking, and information technology.
4. Good knowledge of the principles, processes, and procedures used in the installation, repair, and maintenance of telecommunication equipment.
5. Good knowledge of telecommunications resources, trends, software applications, and acquisition.
6. Good technical and analytical skills.
7. Good planning and organizational skills.
8. Good verbal and written communication skills for interfacing with various departments, railroads, vendors, and governmental agencies.
9. Proficient in the use of communication testing equipment, hand tools, and various communication devices.
10. Proficient in MS-OS, Windows, and Office.
11. Ability to supervisor field personnel and respond to shifting priorities, demands, and time lines in a prompt and efficient manner.
12. Ability to interpret and enforce work rules and procedures.
13. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
14. Must be Rules qualified within 60 days.
15. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
16. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
17. Ability to lift and move up to 10 pounds.
18. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
19. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
20. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
21. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

1. Experience in the transportation industry.
2. Manufacturer specific Certification. Manufacturers include (but not limited to): Cisco, Microsoft, HP, Brocade, Ericsson, Junglemux, Pivot3.
3. FCC License

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.