NORTHERN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS UNIT CHIEF (TECHNICIAL MANAGER V)
Chicago, IL, US, 60603
Job Requisition ID: 56300 IPR#26-01449
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
Closing Date: 06/10/2026
Agency: Department of Transportation
Position Title: Technical Manager V
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $6,519 Monthly; Full Range: $6,519 - $10,831 Monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: NR916 Pro Tech Teamsters
This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position. All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.
Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.
Why Work for Illinois?
Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.
Position Overview
This position is responsible for the supervision and coordination of safety event investigation activities primarily related to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) rail fixed guideway public transportation system for the Illinois State Safety Oversight (IL-SSO) program and secondarily related to the Bi-State Metrolink light rail system operating between St. Louis, Missouri and southern Illinois.
Essential Functions
- Oversees the inspections, and investigations involving rail transit safety events, hazards as well as reviews of policies, procedures related to accidents, and hazards for the transit agencies covered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
- Assists the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Safety Program Section Manager with major, and more complex inspections, investigations, allegations of non-compliance to agency safety plans, or other proceedings in connection with transit safety oversight, enforcement of both federal and state regulations.
- Assists the CTA Safety Program Manager in the preparation, review of reports and studies on safety inspections, investigations related to accidents, hazards as well as assists with the development of safety standards, and performance of safety audits.
- Assists, and arranges accident, corrective action plans (CAP), hazard reporting resources for audits, assessment of rail transit agencies’ safety plans, security, emergency preparedness plans, and other rail transit agency reference documents.
- Conducts the entire lifecycle of the safety event investigation oversight process, including the sufficiency and thoroughness of safety event investigation oversight conducted by the State Safety Oversight (SSO).
- Conducts, documents non-risk-based inspections, risk-based inspections, and field verification activities as directed.
- Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree majoring in public administration, industrial safety, transportation system planning, or legal studies PLUS three years of experience with planning and directing compliance initiatives, performing inspections and investigations, working with engineering concepts, or a combination thereof; OR Eleven years of experience with planning and directing compliance initiatives, performing inspecting and investigations, working with engineering concepts, or a combination thereof.
Preferred Qualifications
- Supervisory experience.
- Experience conducting and documenting investigations and inspections of rail fixed guideway infrastructure, systems, and practices.
- Experience verifying safety compliance of rail fixed guideway infrastructure, systems, and practices.
- Knowledge of engineering and construction management concepts and practices of safety systems.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Conditions of Employment
- Requires a valid driver’s license.
- Requires 24-hour call availability for rail transit emergencies.
- Requires Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Transit Safety and Security Program certification at the time of hire, or ability to obtain certification within a 24-month period, with ability to complete future required training to maintain FTA certification as the State Safety Oversight Agency (SSOA) in Illinois.
- Requires ability to climb embankments, steep terrain, and ladders; walk on uneven surfaces and long distances; and navigate safely on active railroad rights-of-way, construction project sites, and all of rail fixed guideway infrastructure assets (e.g. maintenance yards and shops, rail grade crossings, footwalks, etc.).
- Requires occasional in-state and out-of-state travel.
- Requires successful completion of a background screening.
- Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
- The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.
About the Agency
The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking to hire a Northern Accident Investigation Unit Chief.
The IDOT team works diligently to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and protect our environment. We are problem solvers and leaders, constantly searching for innovations and improvements in support of our commitment to providing the best multimodal transportation system for Illinois. Our team fosters a culture of inclusivity. We value diversity and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as we work together for a common purpose. Team members frequently collaborate with colleagues and others outside the department to best meet customer needs.
The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. Employees also receive a robust benefit package including:
- Monday-Friday work schedule
- Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time, hybrid scheduling)
- Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
- Pension Plan
- (12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
- Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually
- New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually
- Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually
- (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
We invite qualified applicants to apply to become part of our team. We are confident that you will take pride in serving Illinois and its residents and visitors.
Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday
Work Location: 115 S Lasalle St, Chicago, Illinois, 60603
Work Office: Office of Highways and Intermodal Project Implementation / Bureau of Transit
Agency Contact: DOT.CONTACTHR@ILLINOIS.GOV
Posting Group: Transportation; Leadership & Management; Legal, Audit & Compliance; Public Safety; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.
If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.
State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.
Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.
If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:
State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid
Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.
Seasonal and temporary workers should use a personal e-mail address when applying for jobs.
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
- donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
- systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
Nearest Major Market: Chicago