Maintenance Foreman

Connect Transit; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 5,846,534 - 121,607,640; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid job training

Medical insurance with substantial employer contribution

Paid time off

Retirement plans with employer contribution

Free bus pass for employees and family

Job summary

A public transit organization in Bloomington-Normal seeks a Maintenance Foreman to lead mechanics in the repair and maintenance of a large fleet of vehicles including buses and vans. Responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, training staff, ensuring quality control of repairs, and maintaining compliance with safety regulations. Candidates should have a strong technical background and experience in a leadership role. This position offers competitive wages and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of progressively responsible heavy-duty vehicle or facility maintenance experience.
• Experience in a lead or mentorship capacity is desired.
• ASE Certifications (T-Series or equivalent) are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead Maintenance employees in repair and upkeep of fleet vehicles.
• Provide training and feedback to Mechanics.
• Oversee maintenance and repair of facility infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols.

Skills

Advanced technical knowledge in transit fleet and facility maintenance

Demonstrated ability to train, lead, and influence others

Proficiency with diagnostic tools

Strong communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or technical certificate in diesel technology

Tools

Computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)

Diagnostic tools

Job description

Connect Transit is celebrating over 50 years of service as the primary public transit system for the Bloomington-Normal area, providing quality transportation to residents. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable transportation and access to opportunity to strengthen and enrich individual lives, our community, the economy, and the environment. All our employees are vital in supporting this mission, read on to see how you can be part of it too!

Job Description:

As a Connect Transit Maintenance Foreman you will lead our team of Maintenance employees in the repair and upkeep of our fleet of 90+ vehicles, which includes electric, diesel, hybrid, and gasoline medium and heavy-duty buses, mini-buses, vans, and cars. This position is responsible for overseeing day-to-day Maintenance operations, providing training and feedback to Mechanics, reviewing completed work for quality and safety, and performing complex diagnostics and repairs. The Maintenance Foreman ensures that our fleet remains reliable and ready to transport our community safely and on time.

Wages:

• $42.44 an hour ($88,275 a year)

What We Offer:

• Paid on the job training, including paying for your CDL permit and license.
• Medical insurance: Connect Transit will pay 90% of employee premium and 65% of dependent premiums.
• Dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Paid birthday
• Retirement plans, employer contribution of 5%
• Uniform provided
• Yearly tool/shoe allocation ($625)
• Free bus pass for employees and immediate family members
• A collaborative team environment where coworkers are committed to your success

Responsibilities and Duties:

Maintenance Leadership & Support:

• Serve as a lead technician, assisting Maintenance Supervisors with scheduling, prioritizing, and coordinating daily maintenance work.
• Provide real-time guidance, coaching, and training to maintenance personnel to enhance team capabilities.
• Support quality control of repairs and ensure work is performed according to agency standards and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in onboarding new technicians by sharing knowledge of transit fleet and facility systems.

Fleet & Facility Maintenance:

• Perform complex diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repairs on diesel, hybrid, CNG, paratransit, and/or electric transit vehicles.
• Oversee maintenance and repair of facility infrastructure including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, lighting, and shop equipment.
• Conduct road calls and field diagnostics as required to return vehicles to revenue service safely and efficiently.
• Verify the effectiveness of repairs through testing and inspection before vehicles/facilities are released back to operation.

Technical Documentation & Reporting:

• Input labor, parts, and repair information accurately into computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Generate daily work status reports and communicate progress to Maintenance Supervisors and management.
• Interpret and apply OEM service diagrams, industry standards, and regulatory guidelines.

Safety & Compliance:

• Promote and enforce safety protocols, including lockout/tagout, PPE use, and hazardous material handling.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, EPA, ADA, FTA, and other applicable transit standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional work environment.

Job Requirements:

Pre-Employment:

• Successful completion of federal background check.
• Successful completion of Department of Transportation Physical and pre-employment drug test, and willingness to comply with federal drug and alcohol testing requirements.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or technical certificate in diesel technology, automotive technology, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of progressively responsible heavy‑duty vehicle or facility maintenance experience, including diagnostics.
• Experience serving in a lead or mentorship capacity desired.

Licensing & Certifications:

• ASE Certifications (T-Series or equivalent) are desirable.
• CDL Class B with Passenger and Air Brake Endorsements, or ability to obtain within six months.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Advanced technical knowledge in transit fleet and facility maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to train, lead, and influence others.
• Proficiency with diagnostic tools, electrical schematics, and maintenance software.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal relations skills.
• Ability to perform physical work, including lifting 50+ lbs and working in tight spaces.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in a maintenance garage with exposure to noise, heat, fumes, and hazards.
• May require shift flexibility, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or on‑call assignments.
• Occasional outdoor work during road calls or facility maintenance tasks.

*Connect Transit provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.