General Foremen
Job ID: 15543
Business Unit: Long Island Rail Road
Location: Queens, NY, United States
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Department: MU Car Shop
Date Posted: Apr 28, 2026
Description
Job Title: General Foreman
Department: Maintenance of Equipment
MTA Agency: LIRR
Primary Location(s): Various
100% Hourly Rate of Pay: $ 60.885 * (See Wage Progression Chart)
Safety Sensitive: Position is Safety Sensitive
Union Affiliation: Transportation Communications Union (TCU)
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
About your agency:
Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles - from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.
Please note that this position has been designated as a "Policy Maker," pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law and the MTA Code of Ethics. As such, you will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement that will be provided to you by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics.
Please be advised that this position can report into various locations throughout the M of E department.
JOB SUMMARY :
Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
Manage daily activities of subordinate craft personnel in jurisdiction. Provide technical and administrative support as well as appropriate resources to subordinates to accomplish work. Ensure appropriate level of staff to accomplish goals, prioritize work of staff and ensure labor rules and company policy are adhered to and enforced. Develop budgetary needs to accomplish goals, establish goals for areas under jurisdiction.
Manage, monitor work production to ensure department goals are met, within budget and applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Schedule, arrange, and assign daily work assignments consistent with programmed objectives for car overhaul, running repair, inspection and/or car cleaning to ensure appropriate level of staffing resources are provided within budgetary restraints.
Manage and process labor union issues. Enforce disciplinary actions as necessary and assist with preparation for trials. Acts as a charging official in disciplinary situations.
Initiates disciplinary charges and is responsible for enforcing the carrier's policies and procedures. Participate in the formulation of grievance responses.
Handle all personnel requests such as sick leave, personal leave, and all other related administrative duties.
Provide appropriate analysis and evaluation and recommendation of solutions for problems concerning material shortages, tools and equipment effecting production and address any necessary changes/recommendations to improve/progress.
Select, develop and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling.
Enforce discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review direct reports and approve performance appraisals. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example.
Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
Perform track maintenance and construction work, which includes:
Using heavy tools for spiking, drilling & installing Track Components
Heavy digging in large stone (ballast) and using heavy duty jacks
Lifting & carrying rails and ties using various hand tools (i.e. picks, ballast forks)
Carrying heavy hand tools for spiking, drilling and install Track Components
Working with and around heavy machinery in various environments, tunnels and bridges
General clean-up work on the Right of Way, which entails lifting and moving various materials with hand & equipment.
Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management.
Performs other duties as assigned
Complies with all policies and standards
May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable
Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable
Reviews invoices and approves them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable
Addresses performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable
Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :
Bachelor's degree in a technologically generic field, such as, but not limited to: Industrial Management, Engineering, Business or related field. In lieu of a Bachelor's degree, a candidate can be chosen if (s)he possesses a minimum of seven years demonstrated technical experience in an industrial or related field, three of which must be demonstrated managerial or frontline supervisory experience in an industrial or related field.
Must possess progressively responsible related technical and frontline supervisory experience.
Must possess strong, related, proven technical and practical experience with MU and dieselhauled cars and locomotive repair and maintenance (or industrial field equivalent).
Must possess working knowledge of engineering principles as applied to mechanical and electrical aspects (or demonstrated equivalent).
Must possess effective administrative, planning, management/supervisory and computer skills/abilities.
Must possess working knowledge of shop craft collective bargaining agreements.
Must possess experience managing a budget.
Must possess the ability to demonstrate effective interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills.
Must possess demonstrated, effective leadership, problem solving, decision making and judgment skills.
Must possess professional integrity and judgment.
PREFERRED/DESIRABLE SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS :
Preferred candidates will have managerial experience in manufacturing or maintenance environments in the railcar and/or transportation industry. Also acceptable is management experience including but not limited to the following fields: automotive repair, automotive body repair and rebuilding, welding fabrication, marine repair services, fiberglass and custom painting, machine shop operations or related fields.
Experience in process planning, process design, process documentation, process test and validation, balancing work load and capacity planning, manufacturing BOM preparation and other technical work will be a plus.
Experience managing or supervising a unionized workforce in a large, complex organization.
Wage Progression:
Employees Hired Prior to 9/25/2014:
1st 365 Calendar Days 80%
2nd 365 Calendar Days 85%
3rd 365 Calendar Days 90%
4th 365 Calendar Days 95%
After 1,460 Calendar Days 100%
Employees Hired On or After 9/25/2014:
1st 365 Calendar Days 80%
2nd 365 Calendar Days 80%
3rd 365 Calendar Days 85%
4th 365 Calendar Days 90%
5th 365 Calendar Days 90%
6th 365 Calendar Days 95%
After 2,190 Calendar Days 100%
BENEFITS :
Commuting Assistance - based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA's jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)
Low Premium - High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)
Pension plans and retirement savings accounts for eligible employees
Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided.
Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees
Employee Assistance Programs
MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs
Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit
Employee Resource Groups
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OTHER INFORMATION :
Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").
Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company's discretion.
Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
Current employees should be in their current position 12 months prior to starting a new role and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record.
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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER :
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.
If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.
