Gang Foreman Trainee- ONLY OPEN TO INTERNAL CANDIDATES

Hourly rate: $59.314642 (effective 6/16/2025). Union: Independent Railway Supervisors Association (IRSA). Location: Various (100%). Safety-sensitive position. Closing date: Open until filled.

About the agency

Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles – from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.

Job summary

Responsible to supervise the inspection, repair, support shop and cleaning gangs within the Maintenance of Equipment Department.

Training program

The Gang Foreman training program is approximately nine (9) months with both classroom and field-based training. Trainees are required to demonstrate competency in a variety of shop and yard locations on various shifts. Satisfactory completion of the training program will result in the trainee becoming a qualified Gang Foreman and will be able to exercise seniority rights as provided by agreement.

Responsibilities

• Plans work tasks, monitoring work progress, and ensuring work performed meets predetermined standards.
• Responsible for the safety of work gangs under their supervision and providing technical guidance to work gangs.
• Maintains all records relevant to work performed, accidents, discipline, payroll, and attendance.
• Enforces all LIRR, MTA and FRA regulations, policies and procedures.
• Responsible for ensuring employees are working at their assigned locations throughout their entire shift and ensure work is being performed as assigned in a safe and efficient manner.
• Conduct visual audits throughout the workday to ensure employees are at their assigned locations.

Requirements

• Must be a current employee of the MTA.
• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent (GED or TASC) approved by a State's Department of Education or recognized accredited organization.
• Must have passed all QMP, Code of Federal Regulations 238 (CFR 238) modules and be Qualified Maintenance Person - A (QMP-A) qualified, or equivalent governmental regulations and/or qualification.
• Successful completion of a pre-screener questionnaire to assess supervisory experience, management and administrative skills and technological knowledge (to be administered by Human Resources).
• Demonstrated ability to manage a work gang and equipment.
• Must possess the ability to demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills and supervisory and leadership skills/capabilities.
• Three years related rail car maintenance experience or demonstrated equivalent and/or prior work experience in various maintenance shops and yards (as of the posting date of this bulletin).
• Must be available to work various locations and various hours.
• PC TEST: Demonstrated competency in using a personal computer and Microsoft Windows Operating System. Test will be given at the Hillside Support Facility 93-59 183rd Street, Hollis. Test scores are valid for 12 months. The PC test will be administered to those applicants who have met all of the minimum requirements.
• The above prerequisite training courses and tests must be attended on employees' own non-compensated time, not company time.

Wage progression

For employees hired before 9/25/2014:

• 85% – 1st 365 calendar days
• 87% – 2nd 365 calendar days
• 90% – 3rd 365 calendar days
• 93% – 4th 365 calendar days
• 100% – after 1,460 calendar days

For employees hired on or after 9/25/2014:

• 85% – 1st 365 calendar days
• 85% – 2nd 365 calendar days
• 87% – 3rd 365 calendar days
• 90% – 4th 365 calendar days
• 90% – 5th 365 calendar days
• 93% – 6th 365 calendar days
• 100% – after 2,190 calendar days

LIRR employees who are promoted to Gang Foreman shall be placed into the same wage progression step. Entry into the IRSA wage progression shall be effective the date that the employee commences service as a Gang Foreman and progression to succeeding wage progression steps shall continue to be based on 365 calendar days. Employees hired under the IBEW's Journeyman Wage Progression who transfer to IRSA Gang Foreman will be placed in the appropriate wage progression based on prior company service.

Gang Foreman shall be subject to a two (2)-year lock-in requirement, inclusive of any Gang Foreman Training. During this lock-in period, new Gang Foreman may not voluntarily demote and exercise seniority to their underlying craft. However, the Carrier retains the discretion to disqualify a Gang Foreman or determine that the Gang Foreman is unable to satisfactorily pass the required training program.

Other information

• Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government.
• Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company's discretion.
• Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
• Current employees should be in their current position 12 months prior to starting a new role and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record.