General Foreman

Metra•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The General Foreman supervises assigned day-to-day mechanical operations and/or capital project activities within Metra’s inspection and repair facilities, coach yards, and depots. This role involves supervising Mechanical Foremen and contract employees, monitoring performance, reviewing time sheets and work orders, and coordinating maintenance schedules and repairs. The position also requires entering and maintaining mechanical records in the asset management database (Maximo), conducting accident and injury investigations, and ensuring the safety and operational readiness of support equipment and facilities. The General Foreman is responsible for approving time off, coordinating schedules, filling vacancies, ensuring policy compliance, and making recommendations for hiring and disciplinary actions. A strong emphasis is placed on promoting safe work practices and ensuring compliance with all applicable safety rules and regulations. The role operates under various environmental conditions and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing. Metra is a railroad employer subject to the Railroad Retirement Tax Act.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Maintenance Management, or related field OR in lieu of degree, a combination of education and experience in railroad or railroad manufacturing that equals four years OR must be a qualified mechanic/journeyman.
Five years of transportation, operations, maintenance, or mechanical manufacturing experience.
Two years of direct or indirect supervisory experience that includes day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, disciplinary, and/or termination.
Considerable knowledge of the tools, materials, and techniques used in the repair, maintenance, and overhauling of mechanical equipment.
Considerable knowledge of safety rules and procedures.
Good knowledge of passenger rail car operation and design.
Good knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration regulations and Federal Transit Administration Quality Management System guidelines.
Good planning, analytical, and problem solving skills.
Good supervisory skills.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Skill using Microsoft Office Suite with emphasis in Word, Access, and Excel.
Ability to understand and apply provisions of labor agreements.
Ability to teach and direct others.
Ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines.
Ability to interpret and apply federal regulations to operational situations.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
Ability to exercise discretion with sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality.
Must be FRA 229, 238, and 218 certified or be able to become certified within 90 days.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
Must be able to operate a vehicle.
Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.
Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Responsibilities

Supervise Mechanical Foremen and other contract employees.
Monitor and evaluate employee performance.
Review time sheets and work orders for accuracy and completeness, and oversee adjustments and corrections as needed.
Coordinate maintenance schedules, inspections, and equipment repairs.
Adjust staffing levels to meet operational requirements.
Enter, update, and maintain mechanical inspection, repair and overhaul records at the district level and in the department's asset management database (Maximo).
Conduct accident and injury investigations to determine cause and prepare findings for reporting to the FRA.
Responsible for the operation and safety of all support equipment and building maintenance.
Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives.
Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures.
Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.
Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations.
Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.