Gang Foreman Trainee

Maintenance Jamaica, NY


Description

Position at Long Island Rail Road

Job Title: Gang Foreman Trainee 
Department: Maintenance of Equipment 
MTA Agency: LIRR
Primary Location(s): Various
100% Hourly Rate of Pay: $59.314642  (Rate Effective 6/16/2025) (See Wage Progression Below)
Safety Sensitive
Union Affiliation: Independent Railway Supervisors Association (IRSA) 
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.
 
 
JOB SUMMARY:
 
Responsible to supervise the inspection, repair, support shop and cleaning gangs within the Maintenance of Equipment Department. 
 
Training Program:

The Gang Foreman training program is approximately nine (9) months with both classroom and field-based training.  Trainees are required to demonstrate competency in a variety of shop and yard locations on various shifts.  Satisfactory completion of the training program will result in the trainee becoming a qualified Gang Foreman and will be able to exercise seniority rights as provided by agreement.  
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DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
 
Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
  • Plans work tasks, monitoring work progress, and ensuring work performed meets predetermined standards.
  • Responsible for the safety of work gangs under their supervision and providing technical guidance to work gangs.
  • Maintains all records relevant to work performed, accidents, discipline, payroll, and attendance.    
  • Enforces all LIRR, MTA and FRA regulations, policies and procedures. 
 
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Must be a current employee of the MTA. 
  • A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent (GED or TASC) approved by a State's Department of Education or recognized accredited organization.
  • Must have passed all QMP, Code of Federal Regulations 238 (CFR 238) modules and be Qualified Maintenance Person - A (QMP-A) qualified, or equivalent governmental regulations and/or qualification.
  • Successful completion of a pre-screener questionnaire to assess supervisory experience, management and administrative skills and technological knowledge (to be administered by Human Resources).
  • Demonstrated ability to manage a work gang and equipment.
  • Must possess the ability to demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills and supervisory and leadership skills/capabilities.
  • Three years related rail car maintenance experience or demonstrated equivalent and/or prior work experience in various maintenance shops and yards (as of the posting date of this bulletin).
  • Must be available to work various locations and various hours.
  • PC TEST: Demonstrated competency in using a personal computer and Microsoft Windows Operating System.  Test will be given at the Hillside Support Facility 93-59 183rd Street, Hollis.  Test scores are valid for 12 months. The PC test will be administered to those applicants who have met all of the minimum requirements.
*The above prerequisite training courses and tests must be attended on employees' own non-compensated time, not company time. 
 
Wage Progression for employees hired before 9/25/2014 :   
85%   -   1st 365 Calendar Days  
87%   -   2nd  365 Calendar Days  
90%   -   3rd  365 Calendar Days  
93%   -   4th  365 Calendar Days  
100%   - After 1,460 Calendar Days  
 
Wage progression for new employees hired on or after 9/25/2014:   
85%   -   1st  365 Calendar Days  
85%   -   2nd  365 Calendar Days  
87%   -   3rd   365 Calendar Days  
90%   -   4th  365 Calendar Days  
90%   -   5th  365 Calendar Days  
93%   -   6th  365 Calendar Days  
100%   - After 2,190 Calendar Days 
 
LIRR employees who are promoted to Gang Foreman shall be placed into the same wage progression step…”Entry into the IRSA wage progression shall be effective the date that the employee commences service as a Gang Foreman and progression to succeeding wage progression steps shall continue to be based on 365 calendar days.
Employees hired under the IBEW’s Journeyman Wage Progression who transfer to IRSA Gang Foreman will be placed in the appropriate wage progression based on prior company service.”   
 
Gang Foreman shall be subject to a two (2)-year lock in requirement, inclusive of any Gang Foreman Training. During this lock-in period, new Gang Foreman may not voluntarily demote and exercise seniority to their underlying craft. However, the Carrier retains the discretion to disqualify a Gang Foreman or determine that the Gang Foreman is unable to satisfactorily pass the required training program.
 
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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  • Layout 1 (mta.info)
 
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.
  • #TapYourCareers
  • #MTACareers
 
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.