Mechanical Department General Foreman

South Shore Line•Michigan City, IN

4d•$110,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), operator of the South Shore Line Railroad, is seeking a proactive and safety-focused General Foreman to oversee our Passenger Railroad Shop operations. This role is critical for maintaining the integrity, safety, and reliability of our fleet of passenger cars. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in railroad maintenance, excellent leadership skills, and a commitment to fostering a culture of safety.

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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.