Mechanical Department General Foreman

Mechanical Department: General Foreman

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.

Essential Duties and 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.

Minimum Position 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.

Salary and Benefits: The annual salary is $110,000. Credit for time served in other railroad employment, including military leaves, will be applied in determining vacation day entitlements. Benefits include paid vacation, paid holidays, health club stipend, comp time, medical benefits, dental and vision benefits, health savings account, Railroad Retirement benefits, professional development and executive leadership opportunities, supplemental pension, and other competitive employee benefits.

How to Apply: Complete the application and submit a written resume outlining education, training, experience, and work history. A cover letter outlining the reasons why you are interested and why you believe you are best qualified is encouraged but not required.

Apply early for the best chance for consideration; the District reserves the option to close this position at any time.

This posting is scheduled to close on Wednesday, August 19, 2026

NICTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer

NICTD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class, assuming the individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

NICTD's complete EEO Policy Statement is available upon request to the District's EEO Officer, Ms. Melissa Jones, at (219) 874-4221, ext. 289; e-mail: melissa.jones@nictd.com.

Applicant Note: This application form is intended for use in evaluating your qualifications for employment. It is not an employment contract. Please answer all questions completely and to the best of your ability. False or misleading statements are grounds for refusal or termination of employment and benefits.

Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law in all employment decisions.