Deputy Chief Safety & Regulatory Compliance Officer

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.

Metra's Safety & Regulatory Compliance Department oversees all safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental compliance requirements and matters across the agency, including but not limited to, developing and implementing safety directives, policies, and procedures; overseeing and coordinating Metra's participation and involvement in regulatory committees and engagements with regulators, ensuring Operating Department policies & procedures are compliant with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards; ensuring safe operating environments for our passengers and safe work environments for employees, conducting and participating in safety audits (internal and external), provides FRA and State Agencies immediate notification and monthly reporting of Accident/Incident/Investigation data per Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations, determines the need for Executive and Board briefings, and provides strategic direction and updates to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) regarding all regulatory compliance matters. The department's environmental compliance function includes inspection and testing for environmental safety (air quality, hazardous materials storage, etc.) at Metra-controlled facilities. The department also oversees environmental mitigation, employee training, and the agency's hazardous waste disposal program.

Reporting to the Chief Safety & Regulatory Compliance Officer, the Deputy Chief, Safety & Regulatory Compliance Officer will serve as an advisor and consultant to the Chief by providing insights and advice on the department, its programs, and its priorities; assist in the oversight and management of operational regulatory compliance including safety and environmental; and is responsible for the centralized coordination of rules in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations and agency policies and procedures.

The primary duties include: Create, and oversee the implementation and maintenance of, compliance programs, policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure relevant laws and regulations are followed; and identify and resolve noncompliance issues. Analyze complex data; prepare comprehensive clear and concise compliance reports detailing operational and environmental conditions; and oversee the facilitation of information sharing, problem solving across the agency, and the implementation of corrective action to address issues of noncompliance. Provide leadership, direction and guidance to assigned staff responsible for overseeing activities related to safety, environmental, and rules compliance including the safe disposal of hazardous waste materials; and assume responsibility as Chief Safety & Regulatory Compliance Officer in their absence. Lead internal meetings with department leaders; represent the agency at various external meetings concerning operational compliance, industry standards, and best practices and other forums, conferences, seminars, etc. Participate in risk assessments and workplace hazard identification exercises; conduct audits to assess adherence to protocols; facilitate routine and unannounced on-site visits, audits, and field inspections from local, state, and federal regulators; and review and respond to findings including payment and tracking of penalties and fines. 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. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. 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 or Public Administration, Transportation, Safety Management, Environmental Science or Studies, Occupational Safety & Health 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 regulatory oversight, safety, or environmental compliance preferably in transportation operations or the public sector.
2. In addition to #1, you must have twelve (12) years of progressively responsible experience in regulatory oversight, safety, or environmental compliance or similar regulatory-related functions, preferably in transportation operations or the railroad industry.
3. 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.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of transportation safety principles, practices and procedures.
5. Comprehensive knowledge of methodologies, best practices, evaluation models, and investigation or audit work.
6. Considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing public transit, railroad, and safety systems.
7. Comprehensive knowledge of planning, organizing, implementing, managing, and administering programs and projects.
8. Considerable knowledge of maintenance of way, safety and roadway worker protection rules and special instruction, and Illinois Commerce Commission and American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way standards.
9. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
10. Knowledge of database applications for recording and tracking compliance related projects.
11. Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to interact with senior leadership, present briefings, and build relationships to achieve goals.
12. Strong organizational and analytical skills to assess departmental needs and lead projects.
13. Strong leadership, planning, and decision-making skills.
14. Ability to understand, interpret, and apply rules and regulations to work activities.
15. Ability to analyze situations, identify and resolve problems, perform root cause analyses, evaluate outcomes, and recommend and implement change.
16. Ability to report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and other information to allow for effective and expedited decision making.
17. Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships and networks to advocate for and support various functions.
18. Ability to identify and use accessible technology to evaluate, develop, and deliver on strategic initiatives.
19. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
20. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
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.

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.