Foreman, Mechanical

Description

ABOUT US

Genesis Rail Company is a full-service railroad services provider equipped to handle any task — from engineering services to emergency response. With over 25 years of experience, we have grown from a track inspection and maintenance company into a multi-faceted provider offering a wide variety of track, mechanical, and vegetation management services across three brands. Our knowledgeable employees and specialized equipment allow us to tackle any task, no matter the size. Our experience and patented designs make us an industry leader in railroad technology.

Position Overview

The Foreman, Mechanical is a working field leader responsible for the hands-on execution and immediate oversight of mechanical crew operations. Reporting to the Supervisor, Mechanical, this position leads a small crew at the task level — ensuring work is performed safely, correctly, and efficiently in accordance with Genesis Rail standards. The Foreman works alongside the crew while simultaneously directing daily tasks, enforcing safety requirements, and maintaining communication with the Supervisor. This is an on-call, physically demanding role that requires strong technical knowledge, a safety-first mindset, and the ability to lead by example in challenging field conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Working Field Leadership — Lead assigned crew members at the task level during mechanical response and mechanical operations. Direct daily work assignments, set the pace, and work alongside the crew to ensure tasks are completed safely and to standard.
• Safety Enforcement — Enforce all Genesis Rail and railroad safety requirements at the worksite. Conduct pre-task safety briefings, verify PPE usage by all crew members, inspect rigging prior to each use, and immediately remove any damaged or non-compliant rigging from service.
• On-Call Availability — Remain available on an on-call basis to respond to mechanical events and emergency callouts as directed by the Supervisor, Mechanical.
• Task Execution & Quality Control — Oversee the step-by-step execution of re-railing, rigging, and mechanical tasks. Monitor work quality in real time and make immediate corrections to keep the job progressing safely and on schedule.
• Equipment Pre-Use Inspection — Perform and document daily pre-trip and pre-use inspections of assigned vehicles, tools, and equipment. Report deficiencies to the Supervisor promptly and ensure nothing unsafe is placed into service.
• Crew Guidance & On-the-Job Training — Provide hands-on instruction and guidance to less experienced crew members. Reinforce proper techniques, safe work practices, and company procedures through daily interaction and example.
• Communication & Status Reporting — Keep the Supervisor, Mechanical informed of job progress, crew concerns, equipment issues, and any safety incidents or near-misses in a timely and accurate manner.
• Site & Material Organization — Maintain an organized and safe worksite. Ensure tools, rigging, and materials are properly staged, stored, and accounted for throughout the job.
• Incident Awareness & Response — Recognize and respond to unsafe conditions immediately. Secure the work area, protect crew members, and notify the Supervisor of any incident, injury, or near-miss without delay.
• Crew Conduct — Monitor crew behavior and professionalism on the job site. Address minor conduct issues directly and escalate persistent or serious concerns to the Supervisor in accordance with company policy.
  
  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has direct working oversight of an assigned mechanical crew. The Foreman leads crew members at the task level and serves as the first point of accountability for daily field execution, with escalation to the Supervisor as needed.

Qualifications

Technical Knowledge

• Hands-on experience in railroad mechanical operations, or equivalent construction/heavy equipment field experience.
• Working knowledge of rigging equipment, inspection procedures, and safe rigging practices.
• Familiarity with PPE requirements and rail safety protocols applicable to field operations.
  
  

Skills

• Ability to lead a small crew by example in a physically demanding, safety-critical environment.
• Strong situational awareness; ability to identify hazards and act decisively.
• Clear verbal communication skills; ability to give and receive direction effectively.
• Basic proficiency with mobile devices or apps for reporting and communication.
• Ability to read and follow work orders, safety procedures, and multi-step instructions.
  
  

Other Requirements

• Must be able to work irregular hours, respond to emergency callouts, and travel to job sites as needed.
• Valid driver's license required; CDL preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Must maintain a professional, safety-first attitude and lead crew by personal example at all times.
  
  

Required

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of one (1) year of hands-on experience in railroad mechanical operations, or related heavy construction/equipment operations.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the physical requirements of the role, including rigging, climbing, and extended outdoor fieldwork.
  
  

Preferred

• Prior experience in a crew lead or foreman capacity in a field operations environment.
• Experience with railroad re-railing procedures, heavy rigging, or derailment equipment operation.
• CDL (Commercial Driver's License) or equivalent equipment operator certification.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to remain awake and alert for extended periods during emergency response situations.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and work on uneven terrain and active railroad right-of-way for extended periods.
• Ability to regularly lift, carry, and manipulate rigging equipment, tools, and materials — up to 50 lbs. or more as required by operations.
• Ability to climb and mount railroad equipment and vehicles as required.
• Ability to drive company vehicles to and between job sites.
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Primary work environment is outdoors on active railroad right-of-way and derailment sites; exposure to uneven terrain, inclement weather, loud noise, moving equipment, and seasonal temperature extremes.
• Derailment sites may present hazardous conditions including damaged rail equipment, unstable ground, and time-sensitive emergency response demands.
• Vehicle and equipment cab environment during travel between sites.
  
  

WHY GENESIS RAIL

• Industry Leader — Join a company with over 25 years of railroad services expertise and a national reputation for safety, skill, and reliability.
• Meaningful Work — Be part of a crew that responds when it matters most — mechanical response and railroad safety work that makes a direct impact.
• Growth & Advancement — Genesis Rail develops its people from the ground up. The Foreman role is a proven pathway to Supervisor and management opportunities.
• Team Culture — Work with experienced crews who look out for each other, take pride in the work, and show up ready every day.
  
  

Genesis Rail Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Requirements

Preferred

• Prior experience in a crew lead or foreman capacity in a field operations environment.
• Experience with railroad re-railing procedures, heavy rigging, or derailment equipment operation.
• CDL (Commercial Driver's License) or equivalent equipment operator certification.