Superintendent of Cars - Silvis

IAIS•Silvis, IL

46d•$95,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Superintendent of Cars directs and coordinates employees responsible for car inspections and maintenance, ensuring work is performed safely, efficiently, and economically. The role provides leadership for Mechanical Department activities and supervises mechanical employees, including Composite Mechanics - Carmen. It ensures compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Association of American Railroads (AAR), and company rules and procedures through employee direction and training. The Superintendent manages emergency responses, including derailment cleanup, conducts safety and efficiency tests and meetings, collaborates with Transportation and other internal customers, and controls costs and inventory. The role also purchases materials and consumables, oversees shop-area building and grounds maintenance, maintains required records, and supports the Chief Mechanical Officer, Assistant Chief Mechanical Officer, and other internal departments. The incumbent must be available for emergency response and scheduled work hours, including weekends, holidays, and overtime. Occasional travel is required. The position is based in Silvis, Illinois, and Blue Island, Illinois. Work may take place indoors or outdoors and involves exposure to weather, noise, vibration, dust, seasonal pollen, irritants or chemicals, moving equipment, heights, and extreme temperatures. Work interruptions may make the role stressful. The employee must follow safety procedures and use protective clothing and equipment as needed.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
Previous railroad experience, with at least five years of experience in locomotive and/or railcar repair.
Previous supervisory experience.
Proficiency using computers, including Microsoft products and PC-based office equipment.
Current valid driver’s license and insurability under IAIS’s commercial auto policy.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of the General Code of Operating Rules, IAIS Rules, and FRA and AAR regulations.
Ability to direct a workforce and communicate direction, decisions, and ideas clearly and professionally, verbally and in writing; listen carefully; and keep others informed.
Ability to inspire others, demonstrate initiative and decisiveness, and provide direct, constructive feedback.
Ability to work under pressure, control emotions, and take responsibility for actions.
Ability to maintain records and complete material documents and work train reports, and attend railroad-required training courses.
Ability to use a computer to access, enter, and retrieve spreadsheet, word-processing, email, and database information.
Ability to exercise common sense and maintain safety awareness in the work environment.
Ability to make effective decisions in response to changes, interruptions, and obstructions in work processes.
Flexibility to accept change and respond willingly, appropriately, and promptly.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with coworkers, management, direct reports, and internal and external customers.
Ability to perform heavy work, including lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally and frequently lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds.
Eye-hand coordination and ability to grasp; ability to climb without fear of heights.
At least 20/40 distance visual acuity in each eye, with or without glasses.
Ability to distinguish color with no more than four errors in a sixteen-plate isochromatic test.
Average hearing threshold of 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz in the better ear, aided or unaided.
Ability to follow safety procedures and take precautions when working on irregular ground, around moving equipment, at heights, and in extreme cold or heat, and when exposed to irritants or chemicals.

Responsibilities

Lead activities across the Mechanical Department.
Supervise mechanical employees to ensure safe and successful performance of their duties.
Ensure employee compliance with FRA and AAR regulations and company policies and procedures; provide training to direct reports.
Manage emergency responses, including derailment cleanup.
Conduct efficiency tests to assess safety, compliance, and consistency with departmental expectations.
Conduct operations and efficiency tests and regular safety meetings.
Collaborate with the Transportation department and other internal IAIS customers to meet expectations.
Control costs to meet budget goals, including inventory and other expenditures.
Purchase materials needed by the department, including electrical and car components, fuel, and other freight-transportation consumables.
Oversee building and grounds maintenance for the shop area.
Maintain records required by the company and AAR and Federal regulations.
Support the Chief Mechanical Officer, Assistant Chief Mechanical Officer, and other IAIS internal departments.
Respond to emergencies and investigate and develop facts concerning personal injuries, derailments, and mechanical employee rule violations.
Work scheduled hours, including holidays, weekends, and overtime.
Demonstrate behavior consistent with Iowa Interstate Railroad Purpose and Values.
Perform other assigned duties and occasional travel.