Railroad Industry Opportunity: Track Roadmaster

NICTD owns, operates and maintains a high-speed main line railroad between Chicago, Illinois, and South Bend, Indiana.  This opportunity for full time service as a roadmaster is an entry level full-time management position with opportunity for advancement within the Engineering Department.  Because NICTD is a regional railroad with a small staff, roadmasters play a critical role in ensuring that the right of way is maintained in a safe and delay-free condition to support high-speed passenger rail and heavy-haul freight railroad services.  The successful candidate must enjoy the challenge of teamwork, varying assignments, outdoor work, irregular work hours, and working with unionized work forces.
Position Requirements:   

• Applicants must meet at least one of the following four education/experience options:

1. a bachelor or higher degree in civil engineering, civil engineering technology, or building construction technology; or
2. an associate or higher degree in civil engineering, civil engineering technology, or building construction technology and two (2) or more years of railroad track construction, maintenance, and related supervision; or
3. five (5) or more years of railroad track construction, maintenance with at least one (1) year of related supervisory experience; or
4. a combination of two (2) or more years of college education in civil engineering, civil engineering technology, or building construction technology without a degree and two (2) or more years of railroad track construction, maintenance, and related supervision.

• Proficiency in knowledge and application of Microsoft Windows, and Microsoft Office Suite (including Word & Excel programs).
• Willingness to learn, working under occasionally highly stressful or uncertain conditions, excellent verbal and written communication skills, valid driver’s license, no recent drug, alcohol, or felony convictions.
• Must be in good physical health to fulfill the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.  This is an outdoor position where roadmasters frequently must be able to work and walk in difficult environmental conditions or to locations not accessible by motor vehicle.  Work is done on significantly uneven surfaces, in close proximity to high voltage electrical power, and may require work on snow or ice covered ground during winter.  Levels of activity vary from moderate to intense.  Stressful situations may occur.  Exposure to heat, humidity, cold, rain, sleet, snow, and wind is common.
• Must read, write, and communicate clearly and fluently so as to understand and follow the General Code of Operating Rules, federal and state regulations; essential operational and safety information, and pass periodic rule/safety/technical examinations.
• Flexible about unexpected changes in work assignments or priorities. 
• Reliable transportation to and from Michigan City, Indiana.  Ability to start and end daily assignments at any point between South Bend, Indiana, and Chicago, Illinois, with most assignments and duties originating at Michigan City, Indiana.

• Promote and instill a culture of safety.
• Manage employee attendance, work performance, and compliance with NICTD rules.
• Monitor and test safety compliance of assigned employees.
• Train, coach and provide feedback to employees to maximize employee potential and safety.
• Know and apply on-track safety regulations and rules.
• Perform track safety inspections based on Federal Railroad Administration standards by walking and/or riding in an on-track vehicle.
• Prepare inspection documentation reports for compliance with contract or industry standards
• Perform emergency track inspections and arrange for restoration of service.
• Perform investigations of accidents and incidents; cause, remedial action, and future recommendations.
• Assign and monitor track crew work duties; inspect work performed to ensure compliance with quality and regulatory standards.
• Review and approve employee time cards.
• Estimate material and labor costs for track construction or repair projects.
• Determine crew assignments and work plans for completing projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Salary and Benefits: The anticipated salary for this position is $89,000.00. The benefit package includes a defined benefit pension administered by the Railroad Retirement Board, generous healthcare benefits, dental program, supplemental defined contribution pension plan, and liberal paid vacation. Passes for travel for self and family (restrictions apply). Details are available during the interview process.  Credit for time served in other railroad employment will be applied in determining vacation day entitlements.

How To Apply: Complete the application and submit a written resume outlining education, training, experience, and work history. A cover letter outlining the reasons why you are interested and why you believe you are best qualified is encouraged but not required.

This opportunity is scheduled to close on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 9:00am.

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