Labor Compliance Specialist

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.

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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.

The Office of Diversity and Business Enterprise is responsible for the administration of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Title VI programs in accordance with the mandates and regulations of the FTA and other federal, state, and local government statutes. DBE ensures managers and staff understand the importance of diversity and ensuring nondiscrimination in the award and administration of Metra contracts and makes certain that all individuals have access to Metra's transit services, regardless of race, color, gender or national origin.

Reporting to the Director DBE, the Labor Compliance Specialist will monitor contractor and subcontractor activity on construction projects to ensure compliance with state and federal labor laws including Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA); ensure bid and contract documents contain required provisions and applicable prevailing wage rates; and conduct investigations of wage and compliance violations.

The primary duties include: Review and monitor contractor reported information for accuracy and compliance with state and federal regulations; ensure contractors are aware of prevailing wage requirements and timely submission of payroll support documentation. Prepare notices and restitution calculation for prevailing wage violations; initiate enforcement actions; ensure noncompliance issues are resolved and restitution payments. Participate in pre-construction meetings; provide customized instruction and technical assistance to contractors, agency user departments, and contracting agents on their respective roles and responsibilities in complying with prevailing wage requirements. Review purchase requisitions for appropriate NAICS codes; ensure invitation for bids (IFBs) and contract documents contain applicable labor provisions, prevailing wages and other requirements. Track and interpret labor compliance regulations and prevailing wage requirements for public funded work; identify legislative changes or updates; notify legal and procurement representatives of changes that may impact contracts, policies, and procedures; and recommend edits as needed. Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. Work at construction sites requiring PPE. 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.

1. Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or Accounting OR in lieu of a specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in contract management, regulatory compliance, or procurement.
2. In addition to #1, must have four (4) years' experience in regulatory compliance that includes labor laws, certified payroll reporting, contract management, or procurement.
3. Comprehensive knowledge of employment and labor laws governed by the state and federal Departments of Labor (e.g. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Affirmative Action (AA), Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, Davis-Bacon Act, and Copeland Act).
4. Significant knowledge of construction types, worker classifications, and prevailing wage requirements.
5. Working knowledge of labor and procurement practices and techniques.
6. Familiar with principles and practices of accounting
7. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) with familiarity with LCPtracker or other certified payroll reporting software.
8. Strong interpersonal skills in dealing with all levels of employees, including management, within the agency and external organizations, with the ability to build collaborative relationships.
9. Strong written and oral communication skills needed to prepare and present effective and comprehensive reports.
10. Detail oriented with strong organization and planning skills.
11. Ability to work as part of a team or independently on complex assignments with minimal supervision.
12. Ability to maintain confidentiality and use independent judgment and discretion as to aspects of the job that are confidential in nature.
13. Ability to conduct research, use analytical and statistical methods.
14. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
15. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
16. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
17. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
18. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
19. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon,
20. evenings, or weekends.

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. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or 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 RAC@Metrarr.com.

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.