Manager, Telecommunications Operations

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.

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 Director, Telecommunication, the Manager, Telecommunications Operations is responsible for the maintenance and repair of Metra's communication network and equipment supporting critical railroad telecommunications networks and infrastructure, including radios, Metra's private branch exchange telephone network, card access, fiber optic backbones, video surveillance, public address, alarms, card access systems, and customer displays.

The primary duties include: Manage telecommunications maintenance and repair projects including preparing project budgets; overseeing the preparation of or developing project cost estimates, scope of works, staffing plans, and schedules; working with subject matter experts to review plans and designs prepared by in-house staff or consultants for efficiencies, cost-effectiveness, and feasibility. Monitor projects identifying and managing risks, and reassigning personnel and equipment resources to keep projects within scope, budget, schedule, and compliance. Assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff performing telecommunications repair and maintenance work; enforce work policies, safety procedures, standards, and protocol; ensure systems are installed within FCC, FRA, and other federal laws and mandates; and provide regular training on work processes, procedures, and equipment to maintain a skilled team. Interface with contractors, other railroads, and municipalities to plan and coordinate the implementation of communications systems and equipment. Function as primary point of contact for all construction issues, lead emergency work during system outages, coordinate repairs to minimize disruptions and ensure operation of critical communication systems is not affected, and respond to public concerns or issues. 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. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. 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 Electrical or Electronic Engineering is preferred or, in lieu of specified degree, a combination of education and experience that equals four years in telecommunications repair and maintenance, or telecom design.
2. In addition to #1, must have a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in telecommunications repair and maintenance that includes electronics, fiber optics systems, computers and computer networking, or telecom design.
3. Must have a minimum of three years of direct supervisory experience.
4. Considerable knowledge of telecommunication system operations and design principles.
5. Considerable knowledge of materials, tools, and equipment used in the maintenance, repair, and modification of telecommunication systems.
6. Considerable knowledge of OHM's law and series/parallel circuits and Computer Networking.
7. Considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and safety standards.
8. Good analytical and problem solving skills.
9. Good verbal and written communication skills.
10. Good networking skills associated with the use of wireless technologies.
11. Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications.
12. Skill reading and interpreting equipment blueprints, diagrams, manuals, and specifications.
13. Ability to ensure telecommunications systems comply with federal and agency standards, and in conjunction of applicable collective bargaining agreements.
14. Ability to produce, read, analyze, and interpret engineering and networking drawings and specifications, common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and other documents.
15. Demonstrated ability to take initiative, successfully handle and prioritize multiple competing assignments, and effectively manage deadlines.
16. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
17. Must be Rules qualified within 60 days.
18. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
19. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
20. Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
21. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
22. Travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
23. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
24. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

1. FCC Licenses

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.