Laborer Foreperson

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Laborer Foreperson will assign, oversee, direct, plan, and assist work crews under their jurisdiction, ensuring that the maintenance, repair, and construction of Authority physical plants and facilities are maintained in an efficient, effective, and safe manner.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Inspect work crew maintenance/repair activities to ensure that assignments are completed safely and according to established schedules and operating standards.
• Enforce Authority safety standards to ensure the safety of workers and customers, ensuring that all inventory levels, equipment, and facilities under their control are protected in a safe operating condition.
• Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or co-worker, in a courteous and professional manner consistent with the Authority’s customer service quality standard.
• Assume the responsibilities of their supervisor as needed.
• Document, maintain, and prepare required maintenance and personnel records on manual and computerized tracking systems.
• Navigate, query, update, assign, and close out maintenance and light construction requests on the company asset management system.
• Ensure budgetary goals are met and that all work is performed in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Provide technical instruction when necessary.
• Compile, plan, and set targets for performance of the crew and individuals in this area in conjunction with the Supervisor and Superintendent. Monitor employees against established criteria and create and implement corrective action plans for those not meeting them. Provide coaching to help employees meet the requirements.
• Work any and all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and/or transport crews or equipment as needed.
• Perform special tasks and special duties as assigned.
• Use a cell phone or other hand-held communication device to receive, respond to, or relay information or instructions.
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees; assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the Authority, including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Anti-Retaliation policies.
• Perform related duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) from an accredited institution.
• Three (3) years of experience in general construction and maintenance as a building laborer, where the primary duties were digging trenches, moving materials, and maintenance and repair of facilities.
• Effective organizational and analytical skills.
• A valid driver's license
• Have the ability to use Word, Excel, or Database applications.
• Have excellent customer service skills.
• Have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed.
• Have the ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
• Successful applicants must have the English language skills required for the effective performance of the position.

Substitutions Include

None

Preferred Experience And Skills

• A technical degree; related training from a technical institute or related technical certificates
• Related experience in a supervisory capacity.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
• Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
• Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
• On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or [email protected] .
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer . For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions .
• Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.