Director Emergency Management Services

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 Metra Police Department serves and protects commuters using the Metra system and Metra's 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 Metra's passengers and employees and reduces train delays.

Reporting to the Chief of Police and Security, the Director Emergency Management Services (EMS) will oversee the operational and administrative activities of the assigned team who is engaged in planning, organizing, and conducting operations for the mitigation against, preparedness for, response to, and recovery from major emergencies and disasters within the agency and the surrounding six-county region.

The primary duties include: Provide leadership and guidance to the assigned team responsible for emergency management and preparedness activities; organize, prioritize, and assign workloads; monitor and evaluate work status, completed work, and performance; and direct and evaluate departmental in-service training. Coordinate external EMS related training programs; collaborate with organizations to develop and test emergency procedures and contingency plans; and oversee the assessment of community and organizational needs to determine public exercises and safety training programs. Oversee the development, coordination and implementation of comprehensive action plans, procedures, and systems; and identify, allocate, and manage necessary financial resources including personnel, equipment, and funding during an emergency or disaster. Ensure all operational activities comply with local, state and federal laws, regulations and meet agency and industry standards concerning emergency management, homeland security program development, and hazardous materials incidents. 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. Perform otherrelated 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 public safety, emergency management, homeland security or a related field or in lieu of a specified degree any combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four (4) years in emergency management or related field.
2. In addition to #1 above, have eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in emergency management, homeland security, public safety or recovery or a related field.
3. Must have five (5) years of team lead or supervisory experience.
4. Experience working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) or prior law enforcement, fire service, or emergency management experience in large-scale event planning and coordination is highly desired.
5. Comprehensive knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS), state and federal emergency management agencies (FEMA and IEMA), and core components of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) for organizing and coordinating emergency response efforts.
6. Considerable knowledge of emergency planning and preparedness to develop, implement, and update emergency action plans, risk and hazard assessment, and disaster recovery processes.
7. Considerable knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and procedures that govern emergency activities.
8. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and various other systems such as geographic information systems (GIS) and emergency notification software.
9. Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills for public information, inter-agency coordination, and to converse and interact government officials, and other external organizations and groups. public information and inter-agency coordination
10. Excellent organization skills organize complex, multi-agency operations
11. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to quickly assess situations, develop solutions, effectively prioritize tasks, and coordinate multiple activities with a keen eye for detail.
12. Ability to accurately perceive current situations, understand potential threats, and anticipate future developments and manage teams, resources, and budgets during crises.
13. Ability to develop and implement policies and strategic operating plans and procedures.
14. Ability to guiding, motivate, and direct teams at varying levels, especially during high-pressure situations.
15. Ability to make critical, time-sensitive decisions, adjust plans and procedures in response to unexpected changes, and recover effectively from challenges.
16. Ability to collaborate and work efficiently and effectively with various individuals, teams, and organizations to achieve common goals.
17. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
18. National Incident Management System (NIMS) - Emergency Management.
19. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
20. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
21. Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
22. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
23. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

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. For general assistance, please contact talentacquisition@metrarr.com. 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 the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at 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.