Career Opportunities

Metra’s recruitment process may include the following:

• HR staff who screens applications for completeness and minimum acceptable qualifications.
• Written and/or skills assessments.
• Completion of a medical examination, drug screening, and background investigation with results that meet Metra Standards.

Some of Metra’s benefits are listed below:

• Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time off
• Medical/dental/vision/life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Railroad retirement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Free transportation on Metra, CTA, and Pace
• Transit Benefit Program

DEI Mission Statement

At Metra, our mission is to provide reliable and safe transportation to all riders in the region. We achieve this through an outstanding team of colleagues who come from all walks of life and offer valuable ideas and perspectives — creating an inclusive environment and resulting in innovative solutions for our service.

To foster this, we have developed a comprehensive diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy to guide our efforts and to weave DEI into the very fabric of how we conduct and run our business. This involves, but is not limited to, training every Metra employee on DEI awareness, developing a DEI scorecard, and holding managers accountable for establishing and maintaining a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment.

Diversity and equity require the “best” from us and inclusion requires “all” of us. It is a forum in which we celebrate our differences and embrace our similarities. At Metra, we are demonstrating our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by actively participating in APTA’s Racial Equity Commitment Pilot Program. Click here to learn about the program.

Our Workforce

Align Workforce Diversity with Available Labor Force (Gender)

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Align Workforce Diversity with Available Labor Force Q2 2023 (Race)*

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*Labor market defined by the Chicago six-county region. Availability weighted by job category prevalence as a share of Metra’s workforce. All Other includes American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islanders, and those having two or more races.

Employee Training

Our goal is for all Metra employees to gain an awareness of basic DEI principles and objectives by participating in our DEI Awareness Workshop and to continue their DEI education with additional workshops in 2024 and beyond. These workshops provide employees with the knowledge and skills to help Metra build a more inclusive culture.

We are using a consultant that specializes in DEI to guide us through all aspects of creating an inclusive culture, including training for staff- and management-level employees, determining KPIs to measure our progress, and creating communications around the initiative.

Putting DEI in our DNA

As a part of its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Metra is implementing an initiative to build a sustainable and inclusive agency.

“This is a very high priority for Metra and our Board of Directors, and we are fully committed to this initiative, “ said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “We understand the importance of fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and may contribute their talents. The outcomes will make us a better and more productive agency.”

Metra is following a two-year pilot program developed by the American Public Transportations Association that provides APTA members with a tangible roadmap for advancing racial equity within their organization as part of a comprehensive framework for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The roadmap includes:

• Making the initiative a strategic priority and business imperative.
• Performing a cultural assessment.
• Analyzing demographic transactional data to inform our strategy.
• Testing existing policies, programs, and practices.
• Providing dedicated resources and engagement.

Metra’s DEI initiative, being conducted in conjunction with consultant R.J. Harris & Associates, aligns with APTA’s roadmap. It will include training for almost 3,000 employees; ongoing communication, holding leaders accountable for changing how we function; and tracking our progress in support of the mission. Already, more than 2,000 employees have participated in the first phase of training.

The Building and Bridges (B&B) Mechanic Assistants ensure proper construction and maintenance of culverts, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, water lines, fences and retaining walls, buildings, station platforms, highway grade crossings, general masonry, and carpentry to guarantee the safe and efficient operation of trains. Incumbents work under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. They perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or General Educational Development certificate
• Construction/maintenance experience
• Must be able to lift, carry, and move equipment and materials weighing up to 70 lbs.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s six-county region
• Preferences:
  • Carpentry experience
  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Duties include digging, installing wire/cable, and working outside in different weather conditions. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Job Requirements:

• Have the ability to bend, crouch, lift, carry, and move weight up to 75 lbs.
• Must be able to distinguish colors (red, blue, green, and yellow)
• Be available to work different shifts, holidays, and weekends and travel to different work locations within Metra’s six-county regions
• Preferences:
  • Experience with operating equipment, e.g., backhoes and trenchers
  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  • Computer skills

Electrician DC Apprentice is responsible for assisting electricians with construction, testing, inspection, installation, maintenance, removal, and operation of the 1500-volt DC overhead catenary system and underground electrical feeders in manholes. This is a three-year apprentice training program that includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training with an experienced Journeyman Electrician.

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or General Educational Development certificate.
• Must have a certificate/degree in an electrical discipline or equivalent training/work experience.
• Must:
  • Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within 60 days of hire
  • Pass Maintenance of Way (M.O.W.) rules exam within 90 days of hire
  • Pass Roadway Worker rules within 30 days of hire
  • Be able to lift 150 lbs. with assistance
  • Be able to perform heavy physical labor for long periods of time; must be able to climb ladders, structures and poles, and work from an elevated position
  • Be able to work all shifts scheduled (days, nights and/or weekends) and emergency overtime at night, and/or on weekends, and holidays
  • Be willing to be available on-call 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays
• Preference: Military, trade school, or college experience.

Responsible for the maintenance, testing, inspection, installation, removal and operation of substation high voltage conversion and distribution equipment.  This includes but is not limited to 12kv ac switchgear, 4kv ac light and power switchgear, 2.3kv ac signal switchgear, 1500v dc rectifiers, 1500v dc switchgear, high voltage transformers, motor operated overhead disconnect switches, vacuum contactors and computer based “Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition” equipment.  Also responsible for the paperwork, inventory, vehicle and tool maintenance related to the position. Must perform other related duties as necessary to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must be a Journeyman Electrician with a minimum of four years of experience in conversion substation or utility substation maintenance
• Proficient in interpreting substation one line and switchgear schematic diagrams
• A strong background in troubleshooting
• Must have computer hardware and software background
• Able to lift, carry, and move equipment and materials weighing up to 75 lbs.; up to 150 lbs. with assistance
• Able to pass Metra’s Roadway Worker rules within 30 days of hire
• Must have a valid driver’s license

This position uses the lottery process for selection. Metra uses a lottery process to assign a unique number to external applicants who pass the prescreen. The lottery process allows Metra to select candidates in an impartial manner and aids in detecting duplicate applications. Internal applicants are added to the pool, but not assigned a number.

Trackmen maintain, construct, and dismantle all track and roadway facilities. Trackmen replace and renew defective cross ties, tracks, and switches in accordance with Metra safety rules and standards. They maintain roadways including the removal of snow and ice from switches and platforms, remove brushes from Right of Way, and mow station grounds. In addition, they load and unload track materials from company vehicles using a truck crane when necessary. They also perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Able to lift, carry, and move equipment and materials weighing up to 60-70 lbs.
• Able to withstand all kinds of inclement weather, which includes extreme cold and heat, rain, snow, humidity
• Flexibility to work at any location. Must have dependable transportation to work at any of the several yards and work locations in the six-county region
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Class D License (Commercial Driver’s License - CDL) is preferred
• Able and willing to work weekends

This position uses the lottery process for selection. Metra uses a lottery process to assign a unique number to external applicants who pass the pre-screen. The lottery process allows Metra to select candidates in an impartial manner and aids in detecting duplicate applications. Internal applicants are added to the pool, but not assigned a number.

This position also requires that successful candidates pass an online/written assessment to evaluate, measure, and document the candidate’s knowledge and experience. The assessment showcases the candidate’s abilities.
Carman apprentices learn how to inspect, repair, and maintain air brake systems and the interiors/exteriors of passenger railcars. Training includes formal classroom instruction and on-the-job training with an experienced Journeyman Carman.

Job Requirements:

• Candidates must be at least 18 years of age
• Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED
• Candidates must complete the minimum qualifications on-line questionnaire within the application posting period
• Candidates must be able to bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Candidates must be able to work different shifts

This position uses the lottery process for selection. Metra uses a lottery process to assign a unique number to external applicants who pass the prescreen. The lottery process allows Metra to select candidates in an impartial manner and aids in detecting duplicate applications. Internal applicants are added to the pool, but not assigned a number.

Coach cleaners are responsible for cleaning and maintaining passenger cars and equipment.

Job Requirements:

• Must have experience in manual-type labor that includes functions such as climbing, reaching, bending, pushing, and pulling
• Able to lift and carry up to 30 lbs. of water to mop floors
• Preference: Experience using shop and highway vehicles, brooms, mops, and hoses

This position uses the lottery process for selection. Metra uses a lottery process to assign a unique number to external applicants who pass the prescreen. The lottery process allows Metra to select candidates in an impartial manner and aids in detecting duplicate applications. Internal applicants are added to the pool, but not assigned a number.

This position also requires that successful candidates pass an online/written assessment to evaluate, measure, and document the candidate’s knowledge and experience. The assessment showcases the candidate’s abilities.
Electrician apprentices learn how to read and interpret electrical schematics and inspect, repair, and maintain electrical components/systems of passenger railcars and locomotives. Training includes formal classroom instruction and on-the-job training with an experienced Journeyman Electrician.

Job Requirements:

• Candidates must be at least 18 years of age
• Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED
• Candidates must be able to bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Candidates must be able to work different shifts

This position uses the lottery process for selection. Metra uses a lottery process to assign a unique number to external applicants who pass the pre-screen. The lottery process allows Metra to select candidates in an impartial manner and aids in detecting duplicate applications. Internal applicants are added to the pool, but not assigned a number.

This position also requires that successful candidates pass a computer-based typing test.

Extra List Clerks serve in numerous capacities and may be called upon to work as a Tower Operator, Office Clerk, Ticket Agent, Janitor, and/or other duties and functions outlined by Metra. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and programs of the organization, ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. Performs other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization Positions are subject to 24/7 on-call status including nights, weekends, and holidays. Must be available to work any shift at any location.

Job Requirements:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Must be able to type 25 wpm and possess basic data entry skills
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must possess good verbal, written, and basic arithmetic skills
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s six-county region

For more information contact: HireVets@metrarr.com