Job Description

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 and Environmental Compliance Department is responsible for the implementation, oversight and coordination of the agency’s passenger and employee safety programs. In addition to safety programs, the department oversees rail safety education and outreach programs and emergency evacuation training for first responders. The department is also responsible for reporting railroad incident and accident data to federal and state regulatory agencies. 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 Senior Director, Safety, Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Compliance, the Project Manager Industrial Hygiene will coordinate staff and contractors to manage industrial hygiene projects; ensure compliance for federal, state, and local requirements; lead and manage efforts to anticipate, recognize, evaluate and control chemical, physical and biological hazards; develop assessment strategies; implement monitoring evaluations; analyze work place exposure potentials, evaluate data, and recommend actions to reduce hazardous air and material exposures and other potential work place hazards. The primary duties include provide complex administrative support for industrial hygiene service contracts; develop cost estimates, contract specifications, and establish scope of services for Request for Proposals (RFPs); oversee vendor activities; review proposals, approve invoices, and ensure entry into TRAX system to track work orders; manage project within approved budget; monitor efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and recommend improvements. Manage and perform projects to evaluate and control employee and passenger exposures to hazardous chemicals, physical or biological agents. Conduct field inspections and audits to assess regulatory compliance; identify and report issues; and advise engineering and construction staff of any industrial hygiene related deficiencies. Manage and coordinate agency procedures for chemical, physical, and biological hazards and controls, includes maintaining and updating the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) system. Review construction plans for new agency projects to assess and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and industrial hygiene best practices; and recommend changes as needed. Coordinate team’s day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor. 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 issued and be able to wear a half face respirator and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). 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.

Job Requirements

Must have Bachelor's degree in Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Health, or Chemical Engineering or a related field, an advanced degree is preferred, OR in lieu of specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the specified degree that equals four (4) years in industrial hygiene or environmental compliance.
In addition to #1, five (5) years of experience as a project manager in occupational health or industrial hygiene.
Working knowledge of industrial hygiene practices and regulations.
Working knowledge of principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
Familiar with transportation terms and procedures and local, state, and federal rules and regulations governing occupational health and industrial hygiene.
Considerable knowledge of industrial hygiene practices, procedures, and policies that impact workers, preferably in the railroad industry.
Working knowledge of Microsoft 365, specifically, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Project management software use is a plus.
Strong written and verbal communication, customer service, and organization skills, as well as detail oriented.
Excellent skills in analyzing complex situations and problems and exercising sound judgment.
Excellent project development and management as well as planning and scheduling skills with a clear understanding of methods and techniques.
Ability to manage time, multiple projects, and work in a fast paced environment independently and maintain a high degree of accuracy, quality, and thoroughness.
Ability to set priorities, develop work schedules, monitor progress towards goals, meet deadlines, track and document all project activities.
Ability to train others on various job related functions.
Ability to foster teamwork by working collaboratively with others to establish goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance programs.
Ability to work independently on multiple tasks with a sense of urgency.
Ability to interpret a variety of engineering drawings, maps, specifications, and other documents and materials; and prepare clear and concise reports.
Ability to interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, laws, and regulations to project plans.
Haz-Mat 40 hour training and 8 hour refresher as needed or obtain within 12 months of hire.
HMT-30 DOT Certification or obtain within 12 months of hire .
Class B/C UST Operation Certification or obtain within 12 months of hire.
FRA Roadway Worker Certification or obtain within 12 months of hire.
State of Illinois Asbestos Building Inspection, Lead Risk Assessor, and Air Sampling Professional within 12 months of hire.
Certified Hazardous Material Manager (CHMM) or obtain within 12 months of hire.
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
Must be able to operate a vehicle.
Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra’s 6-county region.
Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferences:

State of Illinois Licensed Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or Professional Engineer (PE)

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 pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

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.

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 jobs

Project Mgr Industrial Hygiene