Commander

The final salary will depend on the candidates 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 Metra Police Department serves and protects commuters using the Metra system and Metras property. The mission of the Metra Police is to safeguard the lives and property of the people they serve to reduce the incidence and fear of crime and enhance public safety. Metra Police work to expedite issues with the commuting public and handle vehicle accidents and trespasser incidents on Metra railroad and property. Metra Police actively engage and work with first responders as well as local state and federal agencies during service disruptions and partner with these agencies on security planning. Their work ensures the safety of Metras passengers and employees and reduces train delays.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Police the Commander directs police operations spanning 24 hours a 7 days a week within Metras six-county region; oversees the development and implementation of critical rules policies procedures and related initiatives meant to protect ridership and employees; ensures compliance with agency policies and governmental policing regulations; and provide leadership during major incidents.

The primary duties include: Develop and direct the implementation of goals objectives policies procedures and work standards to ensure safety of commuters and employees and continued efficient and effective police services. Participate in the development and implementation of long-range plans and strategies for providing a safe travel environment that aligns with the vision of the organization. Assign manage and evaluate the work of sworn and civilian staff; provide coaching and training for professional development and to correct deficiencies; and initiate and implement disciplinary procedures. Lead operations during critical incidents supervise investigations and respond to sensitive inquiries and complaints. Provide collateral command in the absence of the Deputy Chief. Develop and maintain good working relationships with law enforcement agencies in order to foster an atmosphere of mutual cooperation. Assists in the preparation of the departments annual budget. Approve purchases. Monitor operational budget allocations approved by the board. 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. 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. Perform lifesaving procedures. Ability to climb aboard train locomotives rail cars and related railroad equipment while wearing uniformed police equipment. Ability to climb over obstacles such as fences shrubs and ditches while wearing uniformed police equipment. Drive a police vehicle under emergency and non-emergency conditions. Fire a weapon on duty. 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. Bachelors Degree in Business Administration Criminal Justice Law or Political Science or in lieu of specified degree any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four years of experience law enforcement.
2. In addition to #1 must have at least ten years experience as a sworn police officer in federal state or local service with a multi-jurisdictional agency of 100 personnel or more including a minimum of five years of senior-level police command experience (permanent rank of Lieutenant equivalent or higher).
3. Command level experience is defined as direct supervisory experience that includes tasks such as unit management complex project management day-to-day employee management (both sworn and civilian) assigning tasks providing guidance and training monitoring performance employee disciplinary action and budgeting.
4. Completion of an advanced law enforcement management program such as FBI National Academy Southern Police Institute Northwestern University SPSC or similar is preferred.
5. Must successfully complete and pass a comprehensive background check including fingerprints.
6. Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of police administration.
7. Considerable knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and the ability to apply this knowledge in the work environment.
8. Considerable knowledge of emergency management and counter-terrorism operations.
9. Considerable knowledge of applicable local state and federal laws codes ordinances and case law.
10. Demonstrated understanding of department policies rules regulations and orders and understanding of the organizational structure of both the department and agency.
11. Strong interpersonal skills.
12. Strong verbal and written communications skills.
13. Skill analyzing complex problems evaluating alternatives and developing effective solutions and alternatives.
14. Skill commanding and directing emergency operations in a calm and efficient manner.
15. Ability to plan and implement policing strategies at the command level in a multi-jurisdictional environment.
16. Ability to analyze complex problems evaluate alternatives and develop appropriate and effective solutions and alternatives.
17. Ability to take command and direct emergency operations in a calm and efficient manner.
18. Must be certified as a Police Officer in the State of Illinois.
19. Certified or able to attain CPR certification within ninety (90) days of hire.
20. Must be able to meet the annual minimum firearms qualifications as required by Illinois State law within fifteen (15) days of hire.
21. Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license.
22. Ability to stand walk and/or sit for extended periods of time.
23. Hearing/Visual acuity far/near depth perception field of vision color vision.
24. Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
25. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
26. Travel within and outside of Metras 6-county region.
27. Out of state travel as required to attend meetings conferences training.
28. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day 7 days/week 365 days/year including weekends and holidays.
29. Represent the Metra Police Department at public & private events community groups school programs crime prevention events and/or other events & activities as required by the Chief of Police.

Preferred:

1. Completion of an advanced law enforcement management program such as FBI National Academy Southern Police Institute Northwestern University SPSC or similar

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

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.