Mechanical Department Shift Supervisor

NICTD intends to hire a Mechanical Department Shift Supervisor.  This opportunity allows a highly motivated individual to use his or her well-developed skills in teamwork, communication, technical knowledge, and practical thought to meet NICTD’s requirements for safe, reliable, and cost-effective maintenance of its rail fleet.  This opportunity is presently limited to South Shore Line (NICTD) employees.  Another posting will be issued if the opportunity is expanded to include persons who are not presently employees of the South Shore Line (NICTD).

Description of Duties:

• Overall pro-active supervision of a morning, afternoon, or overnight shift and the associated shop carmen, electricians, and machinists. Ensures compliance with operating rules, safety rules, environmental regulations, and other policies, rules, and regulations.  Locations of work depend on the needs of the service and may include Michigan City, Gary, Chicago, Dune Park, and/or Hammond (starting in 2025).

• Works closely with the Chief Mechanical Officer, General Foreman, other shop supervisors, terminal supervisors, other Mechanical Department officers, and trainmasters.  Serves as the primary supervisor for terminal operations when terminal supervision is unavailable or assigned to other duties.

• Assigns work to craft personnel based on required level of skill.  Uses good judgment in prioritizing and rebalancing scheduled and unscheduled work assignments.  Rearranges work assignments and employee allocations when necessary to address unexpected service disruptions, emergent weather conditions, or unanticipated urgent repairs.

• Manages subordinates’ times on tasks and quality of work performed. Takes corrective action and instructs employees in proper duty performance.

• Manages employee attendance and work coverage.  Actively reports no-shows, unexcused absences, tardy arrivals, and unapproved early quits. 

• Provides on-site managerial response to situational emergencies and incidents.  Coordinates first aid, ensures follow-on care, notifies supervision, and fully investigates personal injury and property damage incidents.

• May serves as back-up hearing officer for disciplinary investigations.  May conduct safety meetings and training classes by self or with others.

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationship with managers and staff in all other departments as well as South Shore Freight and Metra.

• Leads by example.  Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:   The following skills will be considered in the selection of candidates for interviews:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in supervision, industrial maintenance, or vehicle fleet maintenance.  Railroad experience is preferred but supervision of heavy industry or other forms of transportation is acceptable.  Exception:  Will accept less supervisory experience if the candidate has an associate or bachelor’s degree with a major in electrical, mechanical, industrial maintenance, or similar subject matter. 

• Demonstrated record of successful project or shift management (accomplishing goals within time and budget) is essential.

• Working knowledge of mechanical, maintenance, and electrical issues that occur within a locomotive fleet, vehicle fleet, or heavy industry.

• Demonstrated on-floor interest in troubleshooting and assisting shop personnel with fleet maintenance or manufacturing system issues.

• Experience with federal regulations, union agreements, operating rules, policies and other guidance applicable to an equipment maintenance facility.

• Able to multi-task among competing short-term priorities while maintaining a pleasant disposition.

• Superior communication and listening skills; able to write objective, fact-based memos and reports.

• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.  Reliable transportation to and from work location in all types of weather.

• Willing to work indoors and outdoors; occasionally varied shift hours, occasionally varied days off, some holidays if operationally necessary and extended hours based on the needs of the service.  Participates in weekend duty supervisor rotation.

• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and computer skills is required.  Preference for candidates with experience in the application of fleet management, payroll, timekeeping, benchmarking and productivity measurement/analysis software.

• Superior safety, attendance, and work service records.

• Able to climb on and under rail cars and locomotives.

Information in NICTD personnel and attendance files may be considered as a factor in the selection process for internal candidates.  Selection is also subject to satisfactory results from a physical examination (including drug and alcohol screening tests) and a background evaluation (including criminal and trust-related criteria).

Schedule: The anticipated work schedule is presently an eight (8) hour shift with thirty minutes anticipated for a meal.  Specific hours will be discussed in the interview and are always subject to change based on the needs of the service and department.  Interested applicants should be prepared to work on any of the three shifts as well as potentially serve on a work week that includes weekend duty.  At present, on-call weekend coverage is also required and shared in scheduled rotation with the other supervisors.  Schedules and assignments are subject to change based on the needs of the service and managerial staffing for the department.  NICTD’s General Foreman works with the shift supervisors under his supervision to balance the needs of the service with appropriate amounts of time off.  The successful applicant can expect off-duty calls from other managers as well as additional issue-specific calls in response to situational emergencies. 

Supervision:  The position reports to the General Foreman and the Chief Mechanical Officer.

Salary and Benefits:  Salary ranges from $62K to $68K.  Salary will be set based on the candidate’s skills, experience, and consistent with pay structure for others in comparable assignments.  Health care, dental care, vacation, holidays, supplemental pension plan, Railroad Retirement Board benefits, and comp time are some of the benefits available.  Credit for time served in other railroad employment, including approved military leaves, will be applied in determining vacation day entitlements.

Work Environment:  The employee occasionally may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles.  The noise level ranges from quiet to moderately loud.

How To Apply:  Complete the application and upload your resume. A cover letter outlining the reasons why you are interested in working as a Mechanical Department Shift Supervisor and why you believe you are best qualified is encouraged but not required.

Apply early for best chance at consideration; the District reserves the option to close this position prior to the stated application deadline.

Questions:  Contact Melissa Jones, Human Resources Generalist, at (219) 874-4221, ext.289.                                       

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. Laura Harrington, at (219) 874-4221, ext 219; e-mail: laura.harrington@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.