PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Supervises, monitors and reviews the activities of field personnel to ensure compliance with the Authority’s standards, procedures, preventive maintenance schedules, applicable government regulations and established safe work methods.
• Investigates electrical problems to determine cause of malfunctions and failures. Develops, engineers and applies solutions to reduce or prevent future problems.
• Reads, interprets and modifies specifications, electrical schematics and construction drawings to ensure compliance to the Authority’s standards and methods.
• Designs and modifies various electrical circuits by applying engineering methods and principles.
• Receives and analyzes requests for traction power distribution, electrical equipment installations and modifications. Prepares, reviews, analyzes and estimates cost to perform requested work.
• Develops, proposes and implements maintenance procedures for all traction and ancillary power equipment.
• Coordinates training for all Power Maintenance linemen and lineman helpers.
• Directs department personnel and the Control Center during rail service emergencies.
• Assists in the development of budgets and maintains adherence to them.
• Trains, develops, monitors, and evaluates performance of staff. Reviews and recommends personnel actions for approval.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to this position are the following jobs:
Job Title
• Third Rail Foreman
• Cable Foreman
• ROW Electrical Maintenance Foreman
• Subway Electrical Maintenance Foremen
• Substation Foremen
• Material & Assignment Dispatcher
CHALLENGES
• Responding, either by phone or in person, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to the Authority’s emergencies.
• Maintaining the second largest rail system (272 miles), much of it is beyond its useful life.
• Making decisions on a daily basis, often without ample time to thoroughly research the possible solutions.
• Scheduling and planning maintenance and construction on a rail system which is in service 24/7.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, or a combination of education and approximately 8 years of experience relating to this position.
• Required to submit and pass drug and alcohol testing as mandated by the FTA for safety sensitive positions.
• Must possess a valid Illinois Driver’s License.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Must be able to walk the right-of-way (structure, ballast, and subway) for extended distances in all weather conditions.
• Climbs ladders.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Must have extensive knowledge and experience in the design, operation, and maintenance of electrical and traction power equipment.
• Must have a thorough knowledge of CTA’s rail cars and rail transit system.
• Must write, speak and express oneself in a clear, logical and comprehensive manner.
• Required to possess a temperament suitable for maintaining effective working relationships with Authority personnel and external agencies during normal and adverse situations.
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Usual office working conditions.
• Regularly exposed to electrically energized conductors, moving trains, and other hazardous conditions.
• Required walking the right-of-way on structure, ballast, and in the subways.
• Subject to 24-hour calls and carry a company phone at all times.
• Travels within the Chicago Metropolitan area when conducting field inspections and meetings.
• Occasionally required to travel out of the Chicago Metropolitan area to meet with suppliers, manufacturers, other transit agencies, etc.
EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED
• Computers – including programs, i.e. Word, Excel, WordPerfect, Lotus, Power Point, Database, Scheduling and Maintenance Software, calculators, electrical test equipment, engineering and maintenance reference manuals, local/national codes, CTA and national standards.
• Standard office equipment.
• Various maintenance tools and equipment.