Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Leadership
Timeline
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Amanda Foster

Oakland,CA

Summary

Experienced pathfinder with a unique leadership style that inspires and develops successful teams in the industry. Over 24 years of leadership in the U.S. Army, combined with extensive transportation and construction experience, creates a solid foundation for sustainable market leadership. Adept at Signal & Track maintenance, construction, and operations, with a strong focus on workplace safety and regulatory compliance. Exceptional skills in accident investigation, customer service, and diverse team interactions ensure delivery of results above industry standards. A valuable asset for improving Infrastructure, Safety, and Service within any organization.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Superintendent of Signals

Transit America Services Inc.
07.2024 - Current
  • Manage & oversee 26 Signal employees in the maintenance & construction of 52 miles of electrified railroad
  • Respond to trouble calls and emergencies as needed
  • Offer 24/7 On Call response to the Signal Team, Operations, MOW, DGM & Sr. Superintendent of Signals
  • Assist in the development & compliance of Signal 246 Program
  • Responsible for managing manpower, vacation schedules and work plans in accordance with the BRS Collective Bargaining Agreement
  • Work at the direction of the Joint Powers Board to implement, strategize and improve testing & maintenance procedures/schedules, design changes, infrastructure upgrades, cutovers and Signal improvements
  • Work with the Federal Railroad Administration to ensure compliance of all Signal matters
  • Built a safety culture based on personal accountability, compliance and family mentality
  • Ensure On Time Performance by developing and implementing practices that shorten response times, risk and liability
  • Oversee, monitor & Manage FRA inspections, maintenance and repair of the company’s signal and communications infrastructure.
  • Provide oversight for management of material acquisition, inventory and production costs.
  • Oversee, monitor, evaluate Coordination of engineering activities with transportation operations.
  • Assisted with developing, Implementing and managing annual budgets for Signal department, including five year capital plan.
  • Supervise and direct work crews, including signal Foremen, Inspectors and signal technicians.
  • Oversee, monitor, evaluate execute action plans to achieve quality business objectives.
  • Provide oversight of coordination and daily activities with respective functional areas.
  • Oversee, monitor, evaluate work force levels to ensure all jobs are covered, including day, night, weekend, vacation, and holidays.
  • Create and implement processes including monitoring and follow up on those processes with the goal of making the system function at a higher quality level.
  • Exceptional knowledge in railroad signal/communication practices.
  • Provide direction and oversight in addressing any safety-related issue to verify a safe work environment.
  • Oversee the creation of detailed technical records of proposed and completed work.
  • Oversee, monitor, evaluate in development, training and mentoring signal employees

Non Commissioned Officer

United States Army
08.2000 - Current
  • Lead, develop and train both aviation and ground soldiers in fueling and HazMat operations.
  • Team leader for Emergency Response such as fire, CBRN, floods and other disasters
  • Plan and coordinate support and fueling operations for Counter-Drug Support
  • Provide oversight for management of material acquisition, inventory and production costs.
  • Oversee, monitor, evaluate Execute action plans to achieve quality business objectives.
  • Provide oversight of Coordination and daily activities with respective functional areas.
  • Create and implement processes including monitoring and follow up on those processes with the goal of making the system function at a higher quality level.
  • Provide direction and oversight in addressing any safety-related issue to verify a safe work environment.
  • Oversee the creation of detailed technical records of proposed and completed work.
  • Shop lead as a Heavy Construction Equipment Mechanic with an emphasis in hydraulics, Alison Transmissions, & Diesel Engines
  • Production Control
  • Heavy Vehicle Recovery team leader
  • Ammunition Specialist
  • Responsible for the health, welfare & safety of fellow soldiers

Rail Safety Manager

The Middlesex Corporation
09.2023 - 07.2024
  • Act as resident subject matter in Railroad & Transit Safety, Track, Signals, Construction & Maintenance.
  • Field oversight
  • Periodic Oversight Manager
  • Improved existing safety programs.
  • Developed Rail Safety Programs to include: 243, Periodic Oversight, On the Job Training, PPE, Hand & Power Tool, and Banner Testing
  • Responsible for scheduling and maintaining training, records, and acting as a liaison between other stakeholders.
  • Developed processes for forecasting training and safety needs.
  • Conduct accident/incident investigation & assist in claims management.
  • Work with host railroads, contractors, & clients to maintain compliance and safety in the field.
  • Partner with Operations and other departments to schedule and improve processes, risk management, and relationships.
  • Managed field oversight under aggressive project schedules

Project Engineer

McCourt Construction
06.2023 - 09.2023
  • Assistant Superintendent on $16,000,000 MassPort 5th Jet Fuel Storage Tank Project
  • Assistant Superintendent & Quality Control Manager on $53,000,000 Rehabilitation of Runway 15R-33L project at Boston Logan Airport
  • Field Engineer on MBTA Commuter Rail Fiber Optic Resiliency Project
  • Worked under aggressive schedules to coordinate & execute on time completion.
  • Responsible for employee payroll, extra work orders and punch list paperwork

Deputy Director of Engineering

MBTA Commuter Rail, Railroad Operations
01.2021 - 06.2023
  • Assisted the Director of Engineering and Chief Railroad Officer
  • Supervised the Operations & Maintenance Contractor involved in the inspection, maintenance, design & construction activities to include track, bridges, culverts, structures, facilities, communications & signals.
  • Supervised a small professional staff.
  • Responded & spearheaded emergencies, extreme weather conditions, or any other abnormal conditions that impair service or the safety of service, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
  • Visited and inspected work sites and to assist at emergencies and/or events as needed.
  • Developed, implement, and manage programs, procedures, and standards for the Commuter Rail, interfacing with agency staff, contractors, vendors, and Federal and State agencies related to the maintenance of way activities including but not limited to bridge engineering, track, communications, signals, facilities, construction, and operations and safety issues on MBTA/MassDOT owned property, or other railroads which handle MBTA trains.
  • Supervised contractors and vendors to ensure that work performed meets contract specifications, Authority standards and established deadlines and take corrective action when necessary.
  • Developed work schedules for projects including preventative maintenance, inspections, design, construction, repairs, and upgrades to the systems and right of way.
  • Developed independent cost estimates for projects and programs.
  • Acted as the main point of contact for engineering efforts with the MBTA, federal, state, and local agencies, consultants, freight railroads, and Amtrak.
  • Defined, upheld and directed maintenance of way standards (e.g. AREMA, FRA, etc.) for engineering, design, construction and maintenance activities that impact the Authority’s property.
  • Assisted 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 and Anti- Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.

Safety Lead Investigator-Track

MBTA
07.2020 - 01.2021
  • Provided 24/7 response to all Safety concerns, questions and emergency situations.
  • Transit Rail System Safety Qualified
  • Responsible for conducting thorough investigations for all incidents to include derailments, injuries/fatalities, & signal violations and provide root cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Built working relationships and trust within and between MBTA Departments, stakeholders, and the Department of Public Utilities
  • Working knowledge and skills in Heavy Rail Operations developed by working closely with Instructors and Transportation to broaden craft skillset and investigation skills while building trust, credibility and relationships.
  • Responsible for accurate oversight and reporting to the Department of Public Utilities and Federal Transit Authority
  • Instrumental in driving a positive safety and work culture change within the E&M department.
  • Implemented a plan to provide air quality monitoring to specified locations and projects to provide a safer work environment and implement best working practices.
  • Instrumental in the development, implementation and training of SMS, Hot Work, Fall Protection, HazCom, Trenching and Shoring, and Confined Space programs and JHA’s.
  • Provided safety oversight: namely monitoring and assuring the safe operation of the transportation system, including all modes (commuter rail, heavy rail, light rail, bus, ferry, and paratransit).
  • Partnered with departments throughout the Authority to mitigate hazards and enhance safety for employees, customers, and capital projects, and infrastructure.
  • Responsible for investigating all incidents with track components and assist with other investigations in Heavy Rail, Light Rail and Bus Operations
  • Responded to incidents, gather documentation and information, report to the appropriate parties, determined root causes, and collaborated with E&M, Maintenance of Way and Training Departments to recommend feasible corrective action plans to improve safety programs, policies, and procedures.
  • Worked closely with and supports Maintenance of Way and all E&M departments to track and implement safety recommendations and/or corrective actions.
  • Assisted the Chief of Occupational Health and Safety with implementation of the MBTA Safety Programs consistent with applicable OSHA Standards.
  • Assisted with safety assurance activities including regular audits.
  • Responsible for staying abreast of new laws and regulations regarding safety and recommended appropriate changes to MBTA Safety management.
  • Conducted scheduled and unscheduled inspections of Maintenance of Way, infrastructure, vehicles, equipment, and/or other applicable locations to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local codes, regulations, and guidelines.
  • Provided professional safety support including developing, updating, and interpreting MBTA policies and practices, codes and industry standards as needed to advance the application of safety programs in Maintenance of Way Operations.

Signal Maintainer

BNSF Railway
11.2014 - 07.2020
  • Division Maintenance and PTC Construction
  • Maintenance of multiple mainline tracks, interlockings, sidings & HGCS
  • Ability to step into multiple roles as needed to continue safe & efficient operation of trains & signal systems.
  • Experience as Flagman/Form B Operator
  • Extensive Knowledge of Maintenance of Way Rules, Class A CDL holder, and print reading.
  • Craft emphasis on relay logic, AC theory, DC theory, track circuits, road grade crossings, Power Operated & ICS Switches, Hand Throw Switches, wiring, VHLC and engineering.
  • Excellent crane and rigging knowledge.
  • Certified and experienced in Construction Site Safety, Trenching and Shoring
  • FRA 213.7 Tier I & II Qualified
  • NFPA 70E High/Low Voltage Qualified
  • CWR/Track Stability Qualified
  • Experience in design build & overseeing the installation, testing & commissioning of PTC.
  • Excellent ability to build quality working relationships with all crafts & personality types.
  • Maintainer on both Pole Line & upgraded PTC territories on BN & Santa Fe equipment.
  • Class A CDL holder
  • Extensive working knowledge of Railroad & FRA Operating, Safety, Track, Signal & Training Rules

Safety Assistant-Signal

BNSF Railway, Montana Division
03.2018 - 01.2020
  • Certified and experienced in Site Safety, Trenching & Shoring, Confined Space/Rescue, Tower/Tower Rescue, Fall Protection, CPR/First Aid/AED, & Bucket Evacuation Instructor
  • Certified in Track Stability
  • Responsible for the development, instruction & compliance of all Regulatory training, Maintenance of Way Operating & Safety Rules, Engineering Instructions, Signal Instructions & Test Procedures
  • Responsible for ensuring the best Division Specific rules & best practices were developed & implemented.
  • Built a solid culture structured fundamentally around ownership, integrity, relationships, cross craft interaction/training, & behavior-based improvement.
  • Championed Confined Space Program for Montana Engineering
  • Driven an improved Trenching & Shoring Program
  • Influential part of Fall Protection Committee
  • Took a team from 6 reportable/non reportable injuries to zero in less than a year.
  • Built solid working relationships with management & supervisors.
  • FRA Tier 1 & Tier 2 Qualified
  • NFPA 70E High/Low Voltage Qualified
  • CWR/Track Stability Qualified
  • Drove & influenced continued improvements in rules revisions & interpretation for all crafts.
  • Aided in the design, approval & implementation of existing & new equipment, appliances, rules, procedures & best practices.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Emergency Management

Purdue Global
West Lafayette, IN
05.2027

Associate of Science - Signal & Track Engineering

Johnson County Community College, National Academy of Railroad Science
Overland Park, KS
05.2016

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science

University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ
05-2027

Skills

  • Rail & Heavy Civil Safety
  • Derailment Investigation
  • Leadership
  • Rail & Civil Engineering
  • Railroad Signaling & Track
  • Signal & Track Maintenance
  • Railroad Operations
  • Emergency Management
  • TSSP
  • Incident Investigation
  • Design & Submittal Review
  • Training
  • Periodic Oversight
  • Planning/Scheduling
  • Project Management
  • Client & Community Engagement
  • Continuous Welded Rail/Track Stability
  • Procore
  • Heavy Job
  • Heavy Equipment Maintenance/Operation Qualified
  • HazMat Certified
  • Ensco Track Inspection

Leadership

Lead a team of 150 to 5 years injury free on the Northern Transcontinental Railroad. Lead and oversaw over 70 Capital Projects in concert with leading the railroad maintenance team to streamline work with safe and efficient movement of passenger trains over 650 railroad miles. 20 years of experience as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Army.

Timeline

Superintendent of Signals

Transit America Services Inc.
07.2024 - Current

Rail Safety Manager

The Middlesex Corporation
09.2023 - 07.2024

Project Engineer

McCourt Construction
06.2023 - 09.2023

Deputy Director of Engineering

MBTA Commuter Rail, Railroad Operations
01.2021 - 06.2023

Safety Lead Investigator-Track

MBTA
07.2020 - 01.2021

Safety Assistant-Signal

BNSF Railway, Montana Division
03.2018 - 01.2020

Signal Maintainer

BNSF Railway
11.2014 - 07.2020

Non Commissioned Officer

United States Army
08.2000 - Current

Bachelor of Science - Emergency Management

Purdue Global

Associate of Science - Signal & Track Engineering

Johnson County Community College, National Academy of Railroad Science

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science

University of Phoenix

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Amanda Foster