Transit Maintenance Supervisor

Nigel Wright Consultancy Ltd (UK); Madison (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Madison’s Metro Transit Maintenance Team is seeking a hands-on supervisor to lead a diverse group of maintenance professionals. You’ll troubleshoot mechanical and electronic issues, plan daily maintenance, and ensure safe, reliable buses in a dynamic system.

The role emphasizes strong leadership, proactive planning, and the ability to work evenings or weekends as required, with a focus on inclusion and community impact.

Qualifications

• Three years combined experience in maintenance, including at least one year in leadership.
• At least one year of technical experience with heavy equipment or automotive repair.
• One year computer experience related to the duties of the position.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and supervise repairs and maintenance of Metro owned vehicles.
• Assign employees to road calls and monitor servicing of buses.
• Plan, supervise and coordinate maintenance activities and training.
• Investigate grievances and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Prepare reports and maintain records on vehicle usage and maintenance.

Skills

Leadership

Team motivation

Troubleshooting

Mechanical know-how

Electronic diagnostics

Planning & scheduling

Tools

Diagnostics software

Job description

Join the Metro Transit Maintenance Team!

We’re looking for a hands‑on leader who’s ready to make a difference in keeping our community moving. As part of our maintenance supervisory team, you’ll guide a talented crew that keeps our buses — diesel, hybrid, electric, and articulated — safe, reliable, and ready to roll.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead, support, and inspire a diverse team of maintenance professionals
• Troubleshoot and solve tough mechanical and electronic problems, including computer-based diagnostics
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate daily maintenance work to keep operations running smoothly
• Promote an inclusive, respectful workplace where everyone can do their best work
• Work independently, stay organized, and keep priorities on track

What We’re Looking For:

• A commitment to building an inclusive, equity-focused workplace
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Technical know-how to assist with complex vehicle issues
• The ability to think ahead, stay flexible, and solve problems under pressure

Why Metro Transit?

You’ll be part of a team that keeps our city connected — supporting sustainable transportation and serving the community every day. You’ll have opportunities to make a real impact in a dynamic and evolving transit system.

NOTE: Work in this position can include shifts with evening, weekend and holiday hours.

Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.

Supervision

• Schedule and supervise all repairs and maintenance of Metro owned vehicles.
• Assign employees to all road calls.
• Monitor and direct the servicing of buses and direct special assignments.
• Monitor and answer the Maintenance radio.
• Plan, supervise, schedule, direct and control the activities of employees engaged in the maintenance, cleaning, servicing, and repair of transit vehicles.
• Set up and train apprentice mechanics and evaluate progress. Instruct new personnel in operating policies and procedures.
• Investigate and resolve grievances, conduct misconduct hearings, determine and assess disciplinary actions.
• Investigate complaints and recommend solutions.

Operation Oversight

• Review all vehicle problems identified during inspection and direct their correction. Log and write repair orders.
• Assist in mechanical trouble shooting as needed. Assist with requisition of parts.
• Provide advice and specific direction for repair of the more difficult aspects of the work, especially the overhaul, or replacement of the more technical mechanical or electrical systems.
• Manage the Maintenance Office, including answering phones and assigning emergency and scheduled overtime.
• Prepare reports. Participate in the keeping of ongoing records on vehicle usage, preventive maintenance, warranties, and related activities.
• Perform building security functions. Monitor and ensure proper building security regularly.
• Monitor building heating and ventilation.
• Supervise snow removal.
• Supervise emergency building equipment repairs and report non-emergency building and equipment defects to the Building & Grounds Unit.

Perform related work as required.

• Three (3) years combined experience in the following, including at least:
  • One (1) year of technical experience with heavy equipment, automotive repair/maintenance or scheduler, service writing, or other large equipment/parts or other similar technical experience; and
  • One (1) year of leadership or training experience involving the monitoring, guiding, coaching or scheduling of a group;

AND

• One (1) year computer experience related to the duties of the position

-OR-

• Two (2) years education in heavy equipment, automotive, engineering or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of technical experience.

The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. Therefore, successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to effectively work with multicultural communities.

For the complete list of the knowledge, skills, and abilities, please reference the classification specification.

Possession of a valid Wisconsin Driver's License

Physical Requirements:

Employees in this classification must be able to stand/sit and use a computer for long periods of time, and physically access the bus garage and maintenance areas of multiple locations, including going up and down stairs and walking long distances through the building. Employees must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. with equipment assistance. Employees are expected to respond to emergency situations to ensure that the maintenance/garage areas are clear. Must be able to work nights and weekends as needed.

Employees in this position must work on site.