Having an ATR rating is definitely going to help but unfortunately you'd have to begin as a S/O on the 727. The normal progression has been S/O 727 then F/O on either the ATR or the HS748 (if you have enough hours maybe even the Dash-7 or the Herc).
As of right now there are still some pilots to be called back to either S/O or F/O positions. This is slow in the process but there has been talk of some initial ground schools in the new year (whether it happens is another thing).
Good Luck to All.
