Director IH & Environmental Compliance

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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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

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.

The Safety Department is responsible for the implementation, oversight and coordination of the agency's passenger and employee OSHA and FRA related safety programs, initiatives, and policies. The department is also responsible for reporting railroad incident and accident data to federal and state regulatory agencies. The department uses internal and external safety data to develop corrective actions, audits, and prevent accidents/injuries from occurring. The department assists in investigates injuries and incidents to determine root causes and recommends / implements corrective actions. The department's environmental compliance function includes inspection, auditing, and testing for regulatory environmental compliance (air / water quality, hazardous/non-hazardous waste materials storage, remediation, fuel storage etc.) at Metra-controlled and operated facilities including contract operator facilities and third-party construction sites. In addition, the department's industrial hygiene area also oversees activities and projects at the agency related to: respiratory fit testing, air quality testing, confined space, OSHA fall protection, safety data sheet review, SDS management, chemical reviews, job hazard analysis, ect.. The department's training function also conducts CPR, First Aid, AED, and other OSHA related safety training to Metra employees and PSA partners. The department's sustainability function also manages the implementation of the agency's Sustainability and Climate Action Plans and associated initiatives relating to sustainability including greenhouse gas emissions tracking and reporting.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Safety & Regulatory Compliance Officer, the Director, Industrial Hygiene & Environmental Compliance will oversee the formulation and implementation of comprehensive policies, strategies, and governance frameworks for environmental and industrial hygiene initiatives, action plans, programs, and procedures meant to identify and proactively mitigate agency impact on the environment, protect employees from health and safety risks, and provide a safe and healthy work environment; champion sustainability initiatives that reduce environmental impact of agency operations; and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations associated with operations, maintenance, planning, rehabilitation, or expansion activities.

The primary duties include: Provide direction and guidance to assigned staff and contractors; approve work calculations and activities performed by, or on behalf of, the agency; leadership in the allocation of resources, staffing, and budget planning to optimize department performance; establish department goals aligned with the agency's mission and strategic priorities; and ensure projects and reports are completed timely. Oversee the construction of capital and operating environmental and industrial hygiene activities involving contractors and consultants; research, analyze, plan, and evaluate the quantity, quality, and accuracy of their work; monitor and approve expenditures and implement project adjustments to ensure resources are effectively managed; and ensure all testing is conducted in accordance with established project scope, safety rules, and local, state, and federal environmental regulations. Serve as liaison between various agency departments on all elements of industrial hygiene and environmental compliance functions; act as the agency's representative during inspections by external authorities or governing bodies; provide comprehensive updates and recommendations on operations, risk, safety, and environmental issues to senior leadership. Act on behalf of the agency, providing leadership and guidance when responding to and investigating environmental and safety incidents including accidents, injuries, hazardous material releases, spills, and derailments. Review and approve reports and documentary evidence; make recommendations on mitigation efforts; and ensure investigative findings are reported to appropriate governing bodies in accordance with regulatory requirements. $40,000 signing authority for department expenditures. Management of contracts valued at up to $5M. 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. May be required to perform field activities that may include (but, not limited to) accessing the operating right-of-way, climbing on and off rail equipment, climbing ladders, walking on uneven surfaces, visiting construction sites, and operating a motor vehicle. 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 occupational safety, health science, civil, chemical, or environmental engineering, environmental science, industrial hygiene, public health, or a related field OR in lieu of 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, or industrial hygiene. Advanced degree is preferred.
2. In addition to #1, must have ten (10) years of experience in environmental compliance and industrial hygiene management. Experience with rail safety operations and compliance is preferred.
3. Must include five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience that includes day-to-day employee management, assignment of tasks, provision of guidance and training, performance monitoring, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, and disciplinary or termination processes.
4. Considerable knowledge of concepts, principles, practices, methodologies, and techniques of environmental health and safety (EHS), industrial hygiene management, and sustainability.
5. Working knowledge of railroad operating rules and federal safety regulations, including freight and inter-city rail safety, as detailed in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
6. Familiar with agency specific operating rules and regulations and safety related rules and regulations governed by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), FRA, EPA, OSHA, and other local, state, and federal oversight authorities.
7. Familiar with the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) standards is desirable.
8. Intermediate skills with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
9. Strong written and verbal communication skills to prepare reports and effectively present to management, the Board of Directors, outside agencies and the public as a department and agency representative.
10. Strong employee development and performance management skills.
11. Strong analytical skills to review and resolve complex situations and problems.
12. Ability to use sound judgement and exercise discretion.
13. Ability to develop and implement new programs and initiatives.
14. Ability to manage time and multiple projects efficiently, effectively, and work in a fast-paced environment.
15. Ability to set priorities and goals, monitor goal progress, meet deadlines, and track details, data, and varying activities.
16. Ability to foster teamwork, work collaboratively and effectively to resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance programs while promoting a positive safety culture.
17. HazMat 40 hour training and 8 hour refresher as needed or obtain within 12 months of hire date.
18. Roadway Worker Certification or obtain within 12 months of hire date.
19. Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) licensed Asbestos Building Inspector.
20. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
21. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
22. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
23. Ability to lift and move up to 40 pounds.
24. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
25. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
26. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
27. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

1. Advanced degree.
2. Experience with rail safety operations and compliance.

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.