Mechanical Department: General Foreman

Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), operator of the South Shore Line, is seeking a proactive and safety-focused General Foreman to oversee Passenger Railroad Shop operations.

Responsibilities

• Safety Leadership
  • Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive safety program, ensuring all shop personnel adhere to established safety procedures and regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct regular safety audits, inspections, and drills; promptly address any safety concerns or incidents.
  • Organize and facilitate ongoing safety training sessions and workshops to educate staff about best practices, hazard recognition, and emergency response.
• Maintenance Oversight
  • Develop, implement, and manage a detailed maintenance schedule for passenger cars, ensuring compliance with maintenance standards and minimizing service interruptions.
  • Coordinate and prioritize repairs, overhauls, and inspections of rolling stock, ensuring timely and efficient maintenance operations.
  • Review and approve maintenance work orders, ensuring that tasks are completed to specifications and quality standards.
• Team Management
  • Supervise, train, and mentor a team of skilled mechanics, technicians, and support staff to ensure high-quality workmanship and productivity.
  • Conduct performance evaluations, set goals, and provide feedback to team members to foster professional growth and improve overall team performance.
  • Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among team members and with other departments (e.g., scheduling, operations).
• Regulatory Compliance
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing railroad operations and maintenance practices.
  • Ensure that all paperwork and documentation related to maintenance, inspections, and repairs are completed and filed appropriately for compliance audits.
• Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting
  • Identify recurring maintenance issues and develop strategies to minimize their occurrence through root cause analysis and process improvements.
  • Support emergency repairs and fault diagnosis as needed, working alongside team members to quickly restore service.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting
  • Analyze maintenance data and performance indicators to identify trends, areas for improvement, and cost-saving opportunities.
  • Prepare and present regular reports to upper management on maintenance activities, safety performance, and resource allocation.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging innovative ideas from team members on enhancing maintenance processes and shop efficiency.
  • Stay informed of industry best practices and emerging technologies to improve shop operations and passenger service reliability.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training or an associate degree in mechanical, electrical, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 7 to 10 years of experience in railroad maintenance or a closely related field, with at least 7 to 10 years in a supervisory or leadership position.
• Strong knowledge of railroad machinery, systems, and safety regulations (e.g., FRA regulations).
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Proficient in using maintenance management software and Microsoft Office Suite.

Pay

The annual salary is $110,000.

Benefits

• Credit for time served in other railroad employment, including military leaves, applied in determining vacation day entitlements.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Health club stipend.
• Comp time.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Health savings account.
• Railroad Retirement benefits.
• Professional development and executive leadership opportunities.
• Supplemental pension.
• Other competitive employee benefits.