Rail Safety Program Administrator

Position Description

Subject to administrative approval, assists in determining and achieving the Illinois Commerce Commission’s (ICC) goals and objectives. This includes developing and implementing policy proposals, some of which may be confidential, controversial, or sensitive in nature, that address current and future aspects of the Hazardous Materials, Track Safety, Signal, Operating Practices, Operation Lifesaver and Crossing Safety Programs and issues. Determines an action plan to deliver policy messages to the Bureau Chief, Executive Director, Commissioners, State and Federal level. Functions as the State of Illinois Coordinator with the Federal Railroad Administration personnel.

Essential Functions

• Sets the substantive agenda for the Railroad Safety Program by developing policy recommendations, generating and/or reviewing project proposals of staff and recommending their adoption to the Bureau Chief, Executive Director, the ICC, and the State and Federal level, as appropriate, some of which may be confidential, controversial, or sensitive in nature. This includes the review and recommendation of associated budgets. Allocates staff and resources to the various projects and programs. Provides expert testimony at committee budgetary appropriation hearings, as directed.
• Monitors ongoing projects withing the Railroad Safety Program to ensure that project schedules and budgets are met project products are consistent with both the established goals of the project and the policies and objectives of the Bureau Chief, Executive Director, and the ICC, and finally, that products meet established quality standards.
• Coordinates the activities of the Railroad Safety Program with other Sections, Bureaus, and ICC programs. Coordinates activities with other State and Federal agencies and private enterprise, involving railroad safety matters regarding emergency or disaster responses. Functions as the State of Illinois Coordinator with the Federal Railroad Administration personnel.
• Interfaces with other Sections and bureaus within the ICC on matters of concern to the Program area, subject to the review and approval of the Bureau Chief and the Executive Director. Develops and maintains contacts and working relationships with various Illinois County Highway Superintendents, the Illinois Municipal League, Township officials, railroad union members and officials; represents the ICC at various meetings throughout the State of Illinois and at National Committees on rail safety issues, and assists with media inquiries.

Essential Functions Cont.

• Monitors open dockets, staff testimony and draft ICC orders, some of which may be controversial or sensitive in nature. Analyzes the consistency of these with present policy and policy in the developmental stage. Interprets ICC administrative policies, rules and code pertaining to rail carrier operations the State. Provides expert testimony in House and Senate sub-committees and committee meetings regarding railroad safety issues. Provides expert testimony and represents the ICC at Legislative hearings pertaining to railraod issues. Assumes responsibility for overseeing the completion of special projects, bill reviews, and studies requested by the ICC or the Legislature.
• Assists the Bureau Chief, Executive Director and the ICC in the formulation and implementation of policy and administrative matters pertinent to the Division and the ICC, some of which may be confidential, controversial, or sensitive in nature. Establishes policies for the enforcement and compliance of the Agencies’ administrative codes, rules and regulations. Interprets the policies for the use of staff in resolving issues and disputes.
• Directs the activities of program unit specialist performing duties in the Hazardous Materials, Track Safety, Signal, Operating Practices, Operation Lifesaver and Crossing Safety Programs. Reviews and approves alternative work schedules. Ensures time worked, time off, overtime, and leave time are accurately reported by their employees and submitted to timekeepers according to approved procedures. Evaluates the performance of staff assigned to the Program on an annual or as needed basis.
• Works with Human Resources staff to develop postings and advertisements related to the recruitment of new program staff, to establish hiring criteria and develop interview questionnaires, to serve as a member of interview panels, and to make recommendations to the Bureau Chief on candidate selection.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, or related technical field.
• Requires a minimum of 8 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the railroad safety field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers a master’s degree
• Prefers certification as a Registered Professional Engineer
• Prefers two years supervisory experience   
• Prefers a working knowledge of media coverage
• Prefers a working knowledge of the legislative process
• Prefers extensive knowledge of State and Federal statutes and regulations as they apply to Railroad safety
• Prefers extensive knowledge of the Illinois Commercial Transportation Law
• Prefers superior oral and written English communication skills.
• Prefers extensive knowledge of the personal computer and its related software programs and applications. 

Employment Conditions

• This position requires the applicant to pass a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires ability to report to either the Springfield or Chicago office within two hours from their residence.    
• Requires current and valid driver’s license.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.