Contract Administrator 1

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

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.

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.

Engineering is responsible for building and maintaining the majority of Metra's fixed assets, such as buildings, stations, bridges, track, electrical, telecommunications and signal systems. The Engineering Department also monitors the condition of and assists in building and maintaining the fixed assets on the freight lines where Metra trains operate. The Engineering Department is divided into two major groups: Capital Projects, and Communications and Maintenance.

Reporting to the Manager, Engineering Budgets & Administration, the position will perform contract administration duties that support core engineering maintenance and construction purchasing functions including: drafting bid documents, processing purchase requisitions, researching and interpreting contracts, producing various analyses, and performing general administrative duties.

The Primary Duties include: Collaborate with department staff on drafting scopes of work and detailed specifications to support various solicitations including Invitation for Bids, Request for Proposals, and Sole Source documentation. Research existing contracts for comparable services, equipment, or material to identify components and language needed in new contracts; ensure contract documents are complete, accurate, and conform to Metra's procurement standards and Federal Transit Administration's requirements. Conduct detailed audits of contracts and identify spending patterns to make informed renewal decisions; assist with creating independent cost estimates. Upload new purchase requisitions and contract modification requests into Metra's Enterprise Resource Planning system. Utilize purchase agreement report to monitor expiration dates, spend-downs, and determine if contracts are spending according to schedule; and initiate extensions or the replacement process to ensure contracts are in place for purchases. 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 specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years of contract administration or procurement services.
2. Basic knowledge of contract administration principles.
3. Ability to understand and interpret contract agreements.
4. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Outlook, Word, and Excel
5. Good organizational and analytical skills.
6. Good verbal and written communication skills.
7. Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
8. Ability to work individually or in a team environment.
9. Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment and handle confidential information.

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.