Safety & Environmental Training 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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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.

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 Sr. Director, Safety, Industrial Hygiene, and Environmental Compliance, the Safety and Environmental Training Officer will manage and develop a variety of safety and environmental training programs in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, Metra's safety and environmental rules, and industry health and safety standards; and review and analyze safety performance data to identify training needs and develop recommendations for performance improvement.

The primary duties include: Prepare, schedule, coordinate, and conduct employee training sessions for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques and Automated External Defibrillator AED use, blood borne pathogens (BBP), ergonomics, behavior based safety (BBS), first aid, defensive driving, the hearing conservation program, and various required Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and Federal Rail Administration (FRA) safety training, as well as develop and deliver additional internal safety programs topics; and update and maintain safety and AED training databases. Administer the system-wide AED program; oversee the overall supply and distribution of AED devices and accessories for facilities, police vehicles, and on trains; and provide technical assistance to trouble-shoot device issues to ensure appropriate operability, and perform diagnostic downloads for use by health care providers. Collaborate with other departments and outside agencies on the development and implementation of emergency response actions and recovery efforts; and assist trainers as needed to ensure compliance with all safety rules, regulations, and procedures. Analyze and review government regulations pertaining to transportation operations and employee health and safety, to develop and prepare programs and procedures that ensure compliance of relevant government regulations and industry standards. Identify and prioritize existing training needs and potential training based on legislative or specific needs updates; evaluate, analyze and document the effectiveness and appropriateness of training programs pursuing continued improvements. 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. This position uses a department pool vehicle, Laptop, remote printer, projector, CPR training mannequins and AED training machine. 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 OR in lieu of degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years of experience in industrial hygiene, occupational health, safety, adult learning, education, health care, or as a first responder.
2. In addition to #1, must have at least five (5) years of experience in developing safety related instructional materials, training programs, including the performance of CPR techniques and AED operation, and delivering in person training for the adult learners.
3. Some experience as a health care professional (such as emergency medical technician (EMT) or nurse) or first responder with CPR, AED use, reading of audiometric and respiratory fit test results, is highly desired.
4. Knowledge of OSHA, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Transportation Administration (FTA), and other local, state and federal requirements.
5. Knowledge of Health and Safety Institute (HSI) and American Red Cross training and development standards.
6. Knowledge of general safety principles and practices.
7. Working knowledge of tools (such as Webex, Zoom or Teams) to host on-line training, learning sessions, and meetings for remote participants.
8. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for delivering presentations and reports.
9. Ability to conduct professional presentations in various environments.
10. Ability to identify training needs; facilitate training on a variety of subjects; and investigate safety defects/hazards and accurately document findings.
11. CPR/AED Lead Instructor Certification within (60) days of hire date.
12. Pass the Roadway Worker (RWW) Rules Exams within ninety (90) days of hire date.
13. Obtain Certified Lead Instructor qualifications for Blood Borne Pathogens within the first six (6) months of hire date.
14. Obtain the OSHA 30 Hour Training certification and the OSHA-50 train-the-Trainer certification within twelve (12) months of hire date.
15. Questions Persuade Refer (QPR) certification within six (6) months of hire date.
16. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification within (60) days of hire date.
17. Must possess a current valid driver's license.
18. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
19. Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
20. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
21. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
22. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
23. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

1. Experience in the railroad industry

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.