Wayfinding & Signs Project Mgr

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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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 Capital Delivery Department is divided into seven sections: Stations and Parking Design, Civil/Structural Design, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Construction, NEPA, Project Management, and Project Controls. The Station and Parking Design manages the design of Metra's station and parking capital projects. The Wayfinding and Signs team is a subgroup of Stations and Parking Design that manages wayfinding and sign projects related to Metra stations. The Civil/Structural Design manages the design of capital infrastructure projects including tracks, bridges, and yard facilities. Electrical/Mechanical manages traction power and mechanical capital projects. Construction manages the construction of capital projects. The NEPA team manages the environmental review and historic resources review processes for capital projects. The Project Management team leads various capital projects across the Capital Program. The Project Controls team continually improves the processes and systems that are used to manage capital projects.

The Wayfinding and Signs, Project Manager is a newly created position that comes at an exciting time of growth for the Wayfinding & Signs team at Metra. Applicants will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact by contributing to new station design projects and our Systemwide Signage Program. Over the next several years, we are redeveloping and implementing new sign standards across all 243 stations, enhancing wayfinding and overall passenger experience. Reporting to the Manager - Wayfinding and Signs, the Wayfinding and Signs Project Manager will have the opportunity to touch all facets of signage projects from planning and design management of vendors to fabrication, installation, and maintenance. We've introduced new technological solutions, and you'll play a key role in shaping how the team leverages them to enhance the Metra passenger experience and improve navigation throughout the system.

The primary duties include: Participating in developing, updating, and implementing system-wide graphic designs and specifications for Metra's Station Sign Program. Develop and manage scopes, budgets, and contract documents for moderately complex design and construction projects, including ADA-required sign projects. Assist in the effort to replace all station and parking signs throughout the Metra system and develop and roll out new types of signs and maps. Audit and approve payment invoices for assigned projects ensuring accuracy, completeness of charges and supporting documentation, and ensuring compliance with contracts and budgets. Manage the activities of consultants and contractors engaged in providing signage and wayfinding services, monitor and review in-house staff and consultant work to ensure adherence to Metra's Station Sign Program, participate in project review sessions, and monitor and report the progress of consultant/contractor activities on projects. Works under both inside and outside environment conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. 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 in Graphic Design, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Transportation Planning, or a related discipline.
2. In addition to #1, must have two years of progressively responsible environmental graphic design or related work experience.
3. Must have experience managing projects, including fiscal responsibilities.
4. Some knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign.
5. Some knowledge of Bentley MicroStation or Autodesk Revit is preferred.
6. Good analytical and organization skills with attention to detail.
7. Skill in preparing clear and effective graphics and drawings.
8. Good verbal and written communication skills.
9. Project management skills.
10. Ability to manage design and construction projects, including creating contract documents.
11. Ability to multi-task, prioritize multiple objectives, and bring projects to completion within a deadline-sensitive environment.
12. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
13. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
14. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near. depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
15. Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds.
16. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
17. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
18. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evening or weekends.

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 pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

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.

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.