Labor Economist 1

Metra • Chicago, IL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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. This role will assist with the development of research methodologies and economic forecasting models to inform data-driven decision-making. 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 Labor Relations department is responsible for 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 ongoing negotiations to reach amicable settlements and avoid major disputes as defined by the Railway Labor Act.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, public policy or related fields.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Previous internships in government agencies, research firms, or think tanks focusing on labor markets are highly desired.
• Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

• Collect, analyze, manage and report data from various sources related to labor expenses, wages, and financial obligations.
• 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.

Benefits

• Full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level