General Foreman

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Mechanical coordinates and oversees the repair, inspection, cleaning, rebuilding, replacing and maintenance of 1,180 pieces of rolling stock used in commuter service. The department's goal is to provide safe, clean and reliable service while maintaining the fleet to the standards of the Federal Railroad Administration, Association of American Railroads, American Public Transit Association and the original equipment manufacturers.

Reporting to the Director or his/her designee, 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.

The primary duties include: Supervise Mechanical Foremen and other contract employees, monitor and evaluates 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; and adjust staffing levels to meet operational requirements. Enter, update, and maintains 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. Incumbents work under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. 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. 
2. In addition to #1 above must have five years of of transportation, operations, maintenance, or mechanical manufacturing experience.
3. Must have 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.
4. Considerable knowledge of the tools, materials, and techniques used in the repair,  maintenance, and overhauling of mechanical equipment. 
5. Considerable knowledge of safety rules and procedures.
6. Good knowledge of passenger rail car operation and design.
7. Good knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration regulations and Federal Transit Administration Quality Management System guidelines. 
8. Good planning, analytical, and problem solving skills.
9. Good supervisory skills.
10. Good verbal and written communication skills.
11. Skill using Microsoft Office Suite with emphasis in Word, Access, and Excel.
12. Ability to understand and apply provisions of  labor agreements.
13. Ability to teach and direct others.
14. Ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines.
15. Ability to interpret and apply federal regulations to operational situations.
16. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
17. Ability to exercise discretion with sensitive information and maintain strict confidentiality.
18. Must be FRA 229, 238, and 218 certified or be able to become certified within 90 days.
19. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.   
20. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
21. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
22. Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
23. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
24. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
25. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
26. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, 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.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. For general assistance, please contact  If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at 

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.