METRA employment questions

[techguy57]

Okay, I'm probably just having a bad day but I don't want to be here any more today and I'm really fed up so I've been thinking about other options. Getting a job with a railroad would be an interesting change, though I don't have any background except as a railfan. I don't want to move so I was thinking I'd check out Chicago's METRA. I know some of the guys on here have either worked for METRA or are doing so currently so I was hoping that maybe you can answer a few questions for me.

1) Where can I find out about any openings they might have? I checked the website but found absolutely no leads.

2) What kind of work would they consider me for, especially since I don't have a RR background? I'm assuming possibly conductor, but I don't know.

3) What can I do/should I do if I eventually want to be an engineer? I have a college degree and managerial experience, and like to think that I have a solid amount of common sense. I'm sure more schooling would be in order but I'm not sure where to look.

4) Are there any other lines besides METRA that I could find work for in the Chicago area that would keep me near, like maybe EJ&E or IHB or something.
Any thoughts on this?

I know that it may not be the best place to go but its just a thought for now. I appreciate any help and comments you may have. Thanks in advance.

Mike

[Anonymous]

Mike--

Check the Union Pacific web site from time to time, specifically the "Jobs--Operating Department" page. UP hires new employees for train service at a variety of Chicagoland locations, and assigns people to METRA train service from them. Don't just limit yourself to Illinois cities--UP assigns employees to METRA from Janesville, WI, among other locations.

--John

[techguy57]

five rings -Thanks![:)] I'll keep an eye out.

If anyone else has info its appreciated.