Labor Economist 1

Job Description

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.

Click here to learn more about our benefits!

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 Supervisor Labor Economics the Labor Economist 1 is an entry level position that will perform financial and operational analyses focusing on workforce trends and labor expenses in support of the department; and assist with the development of research methodologies and economic forecasting models to inform data-driven decision-making.

The primary duties include: Collect, analyze, manage and report data from various sources related to labor expenses, wages, and financial obligations; and perform financial and operational statistical and comparative analyses on work rule changes, labor markets, and railroad workforce trends and activities. Build and maintain forecasting models in support of department activities including collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations through implementation of changes by applicable departments. Conduct research on labor markets, wages, and other employment trends and provide findings and summarized reports to senior management that may be used to inform data-driven public policy or business strategy decision-making. Monitor CBA compliance; identify and track deficiencies; recommend solutions for improvement; and assist in the preparation of required reporting. Maintain up-to-date knowledge on economic developments that impact labor markets, specifically the railroad industry. 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.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, public policy or related fields.
• Previous internships in government agencies, research firms, or think tanks focusing on labor markets are highly desired.
• Knowledge of financial and statistical concepts, methodologies, and techniques.
• Understanding of labor costs that businesses incur to maintain their workforce including direct and indirect financial expenses associated with employees.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills to create and analyze reports, tables, and charts for presentations.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiar with data manipulation and modeling tools to verify report accuracy.
• Good written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills needed to present research and explain findings in clear a concise manner.
• Good analytical, statistical and mathematical skills to dissect labor issues and identify patterns needed to draw logical conclusions.
• Good organizational and critical thinking skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to learn new tools, strategies, and methodologies quickly to complete tasks.
• Ability to perform research and understand and interpret findings.
• Ability to work in a detail-oriented environment using care when compiling and examining documentation and information.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment on assigned tasks.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree.

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. For general assistance, please contact [email protected] . 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 the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at [email protected] .

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.