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.

The Contracts Department performs the day-to-day management and periodic renegotiation of various operating contracts with other railroads, while acting as a resource within the agency regarding our contractual rights and responsibilities.

The core mission of the Real Estate and Contract Management Department is to maximize Metra's non-fare revenue and minimize its liability exposure through effective negotiation, pricing and contract administration of Metra property and real estate assets. The department's activities support the agency's core mission by participating in real estate/ property acquisition for station and parking areas, managing station and vendor facilities and ensuring that utility easements placed on Metra property are in compliance with Metra's engineering standards for safe travel.

Reporting to the Manager, Real Estate, the Real Estate Administrator will provide entry level support for day-to-day real estate activities; update geographic information system (GIS) mapping data; and maintain and update real estate related information and documents.

The primary duties include: Review and modify the division's layer of the geographic information system (GIS) mapping; and ensure agreement changes are appropriately reflected in the mapping data. Serve as recordkeeper; maintain real estate parcel inventory, deeds, right-of-way and property maps; ensure property records are digitized; and all related documents are complete and content is accurate. Create and update real estate related forms, documents, and information, including station summary documents; upload data as appropriate to the intranet and internet web pages for shared viewing and use; and prepare written correspondence and reports on real estate matters. Research property tax history, exemptions, permits, notices, and ownership information; and assist in the resolution of property record issues. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the department.

Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree OR in lieu of degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in real estate, planning, project management, public administration, or a related field.
2. Familiar with aerials, surveys, property maps, and property identification numbers (PINs).
3. Familiar with real estate related contract language, legal descriptions, land rights, and permits.
4. Intermediate skills in Microsoft 365 (Word and Excel).
5. Good analytical skills and detail oriented.
6. Good written and verbal communication skills to communicate and present information effectively.
7. Good organizational, planning, and record keeping skills.
8. Ability to assess information and situations, identify problems, and recommend solutions.
9. Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple projects and tasks at all stages and manage numerous documents and processes.
10. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
11. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
12. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.

Preferred:

1. Experience with working with GIS mapping, property deeds, and surveys.

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 pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

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.