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

Infusing Inclusion into our DNA

At Metra, our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and accessible transportation for all riders across the region. We achieve this through the dedication of our diverse team—professionals from all backgrounds who bring unique perspectives and innovative solutions to our service.

To reinforce our commitment to inclusion and belonging, we have developed a comprehensive inclusion strategy that integrates diversity into the core of our business. This strategy includes:

• Cultural awareness and civility training for all employees
• Accountability for managers to foster an inclusive workforce
• A commitment to respect, collaboration, and equity at every level of our organization

Building a workplace where everyone thrives requires the “best” from us, and inclusion demands “all” of us. At Metra, we celebrate our differences, embrace our commonalities, and create a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered.

“This is a top priority for Metra and our Board of Directors, and we are fully committed to this initiative,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “We recognize the importance of fostering an environment where everyone can contribute their talents. The result will be a stronger, more dynamic, and more productive agency.”

We are proud to demonstrate our commitment to inclusion and belonging by actively participating in APTA’s Opportunity, Engagement, and Accessibility Commitment (OEAC) Program—a roadmap that helps organizations drive meaningful change and build more inclusive workplaces.

Our Workforce

Align Workforce Diversity with Available Labor Force (Gender)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates
The U.S. Census Bureau defines the labor force as the total number of employed or unemployed people actively seeking work. 
The most updated Employment and Labor Force data available is through 2023.
The chart above reflects Metra’s six-county workforce: Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County, and Will County. 

Align Workforce Diversity with Available Labor Force (Race)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates
The U.S. Census Bureau defines the labor force as the total number of employed or unemployed people actively seeking work. 
The most updated Employment and Labor Force data is through 2023, and the most updated Metra data is through 2024. 
The chart above reflects Metra’s six-county workforce: Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County, and Will County. 
All Other includes American Indian, Native Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander (not Hispanic or Latino), two or more races, and not identified. 
 

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