$15,000 Sign-On Bonus (Installment Schedule)Paid as $5 K at hire, $5 K after training, and $5 K at one year. Fully earned after two years. Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and Mc. Henry counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable and efficient service. The Transportation Department is responsible for providing safe, efficient and dependable transportation to commuters on all Metra-operated lines: Milwaukee North and West, Rock Island, Metra Electric, Southwest Service, North Central Service and Heritage Corridor. This posting is specifically for Conductors on the Union Pacific North, Northwest, and West lines. You must possess a current conductor license to qualify for this role. The primary duties include:You must be available to work seven (7) days per week. You may not have any regularly scheduled days off (including weekends and holidays) unless holding a regular assignment. Your work hours may vary from day to day based on your seniority. While marked to the Extra Board, you may be called to protect assignments in one of our Yard Facilities, where you will be working outside for long periods of time and in all types of weather conditions. Employees must be able to work outside, and you will be exposed to all weather conditions (heat, rain, ice, snow, cold). Employees called to work assignments in one of Metra’s yard facilities. Our yard(s) are a system of tracks within defined limits where:Trains may be rearranged, (adding and/or removing cars from a train consist);A location for the storage of train cars;Throwing switches and lining trains onto designated tracks. Employees on the Extra Board may be called to protect assignments in Commuter Service working as an Assistant Conductor, Conductor or Collector. Conductors are tasked with the safe performance of switching operations ensuring on-time performance, switch alignment(s), correct car routing, delivery and pickup. All applicants must complete an intensive seven-to-ten-week training session comprised of intensive classroom training and on-the-job training/territory familiarization. Applicants must pass exams and quizzes with 85% or better. The following are descriptions of the various job functions a Train Service employee (Conductor) must be able to perform:Train Operation and Movement:Perform your duties while assuring you and your Crew are operating safely and being mindful of on-time performance. Take appropriate action when conditions threaten the safety of a Crew and/or Passengers. Verbally communicate information in-person or by using radio(s), telephone(s), Public Announcement System;Physically communicate by using of hand signals;Receive, relay to others and act upon directives given to you by Transportation Officials, Train Dispatchers and Customer Service Personnel;Communicate with Police and Emergency Response Personnel. Switching Operations:Detrain and board stationary and/or moving equipment. Couple and uncouple air hoses. Ride on moving equipment by holding onto grab irons, standing on platforms, and standing on ladder steps in all types of weather. Adjust and align knuckles for coupling. Read and align switches for train movement. Understand track numbers and locations. Operate various track switches and derails in order to change the routing of trains or cars. Apply and release hand brakes. Conduct Train Inspections:Inspect condition(s) of a train and/or equipment by performing radio tests, brake tests, operating doors. Ensure you have proper job tools and necessary inventory onboard and/or with you (uniform, company provided material (i.e. iPad, iPhone, Ticket Punch, Keys), radio, flagging kit, fire extinguisher, first aid kits.). Must also inspect exterior of the train by walking the entire length of the train consist in inclement weather. Communicate and Report Information:Communicate information in-person and/or using radios, telephone, hand signals. Must receive, relay and act upon directives given to you by Transportation Officials, Train Dispatchers and Customer Service personnel. Communicate with police and emergency response personnel. Communicate with passengers delays, fare information, and travel questions using Metra System, along with the ability deescalate disputes which may arise onboard. Cash Fare Collection:Responsible for the auditing of tickets; and collecting and remitting ticket sale monies from fare purchasing passengers. All individuals in train service are subject to random drug testing as required by the Federal government. These are conducted during your duty hours when your name is selected by computer. This is a Union position. Actual earnings are governed by the collective bargaining agreement, including a monthly guarantee and daily rates, which may result in higher total compensation than the hourly range shown.