Labor Economist 2

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.

Labor Relations is charged with the negotiation and administration of 17 collective bargaining agreements between Metra and its employees represented by 14 unions. These responsibilities include representing Metra in arbitration with respect to minor disputes and the ongoing negotiations meant to reach amicable settlements and thus avoid a major dispute as defined by the Railway Labor Act with each of these unions.

Reporting to the Director, Labor Relations, the Labor Economist 2 will perform financial and operational analyses; collect, analyze, and manage data on labor related and financial obligation trends; forecast and create financial cost models; and prepare reports on findings including recommendations to increase operational and cost efficiencies.

The primary duties include: Support the full cycle of labor negotiations including preparation, economic analysis, and implementation. Obtain internal data on work rules costs and collect data from transit peers, perform complex financial, statistical, and comparative analysis of current costs and potential costs of rule changes. Collect, analyze, and report on data related to labor and railroad market activity; research and maintain benchmarks of both on-property or industry-specific concerns; and analyze data using mathematical models and statistical techniques. Identify material exceptions and noncompliance with applicable collective bargaining agreements, procedures, and laws; assess validity and determine root cause; and report findings including recommendations to prevent future occurrences. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. 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 Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business, or related fields.
2. In addition to #1 above, must have a minimum of three years of experience performing financial analysis, economic impact reporting, and/or operations audits and compliance.
3. Considerable knowledge of financial concepts, principles and techniques.
4. Good knowledge of labor expenses.
5. Good knowledge of investigative and quantitative analysis techniques.
6. Good analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills.
7. Strong statistics and math skills.
8. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
9. Skill conducting research.
10. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, and Power Point) or audit software programs to access data, perform data manipulations and analytics, and develop project worksheets and reports.
11. Skill in presenting research and analysis in reports, tables, and charts.
12. Ability to interpret audit procedures, techniques, and analytical materials.
13. Ability to interpret and explain complex collective bargaining agreement language and related policies, and to assist managers and supervisors with compliance, grievance resolutions, and contract administration.
14. Ability to work in a detailed-oriented environment, using care when compiling and examining documentation and information.
15. Ability to complete independent research.
16. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
17. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, 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 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.