Manager, Bus Maintenance

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.
We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and prior to COVID provided more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.
Metro Transit's Bus Maintenance Division is responsible for providing safe, clean and dependable buses to meet peak system requirements of approximately 900 buses plus the maintenance of all support vehicles (Pool cars, Supervisors cars/vans, tow trucks, Facilities Dept. trucks, Rail support vehicles, etc.) and equipment (powered sweepers, scrubbers, forklifts, small engines, etc.).
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

NOTE: This position location will be determined at time of hire. The location could be at any of the six locations: Heywood Garage, Nicollet Garage, South Garage, North Loop Garage, East Metro Garage, or Overhaul Base.1. Bus Maintenance Garage and Overhaul Base Operations Management:

• Identify problem areas, making timely corrections where possible, or recommendation to upper management for solutions. Ensure all council policies, local, state and nation laws and requirements are met and adhered to. Much of this involves communication with employees.
• Manages diverse work groups.
• Develops supervisor's skills and understanding of policies and procedures.
• Works with supervisors in developing staff schedules and manages employee attendance in accordance with Human Resources protocol.

2. Bus Maintenance Work Unit Supervision Management:

• Provide direction/coordination of training for overhaul base garage personnel.
• Assign and inspect work of supervisors and mechanical personnel.
• Participates in the hiring process by scheduling and conducting interviews and making hiring recommendations.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates maintenance policies and procedures. Ensures that Maintenance policies and procedures comply with Metropolitan Council standards and practices and all applicable state and national regulations.

3. Interdepartmental coordination and communications:

• Maintain a close working relationship with the Transportation, Finance/Stores, Engineering and Facilities, Risk Management, Payroll Departments and the Division.
• Manage EEO and harassment free workplace policies.
• Coordinates with other garages.
• Manage division-wide projects as assigned

4. Labor Relations Management:

• Manages and evaluates employee performance recognition and handles required disciplinary action for all reporting personnel in accordance with the grievance process. Hears first step grievances, writes clear and complete first step responses, and represents management at subsequent grievance and arbitration hearings.
• Evaluate and conduct performance review for reporting staff.

5. Budget Management:

• Adhere to department budget including controlling expenses and tailoring department activities to budget requirements.

6. Operations Reporting and Recordkeeping Systems:

• Coordinate and maintain all records and reports, including opt outs.
• Compiles operational and personnel records, such as time and production records, inventory data, repair and maintenance statistics, test results, and maintenance records for contract service. Identifies problem areas, making timely corrections where possible or recommending solutions to upper management.

7. Other Duties:

• Perform other duties/training as assigned by the Director or Assistant Directors of Maintenance.

Any of the following combinations of progressively responsible maintenance experience in mechanical operations, mechanical maintenance or other heavy-duty vehicle maintenance; completed education degree in Business Administration, Transportation, Engineering, Management , or related field; and three (3) years of verifiable leadership experience providing work direction and coaching/developing employees:

• High school diploma/GED with ten (10) years of experience and three (3) years of verifiable leadership experience providing work direction and coaching/developing employees.
• Associate's degree with eight (8) years of experience and three (3) years of verifiable leadership experience providing work direction and coaching/developing employees.
• Bachelor's degree or higher with six (6) years of experience and three (3) years of verifiable leadership experience providing work direction and coaching/developing employees.

*Metropolitan Council Employees Only: Successful completion of any one of the following four Metropolitan Council Leadership/Supervisory training programs will substitute for lead/supervisory experience. You must attach your certificate(s) as proof of completion of the program to your application. Only completion of one of the four programs listed below will substitute credit (6 months or 1 year) for lead/supervisory experience.
Metro Transit Leadership Academy = 1 year
Project Management Development Program (12-month session) = 1 year
Project Management Development Program (6-month session) = 6 months
Four Learning Institute Certificates - You must obtain all four certificates listed below to receive credit for 6 months supervisory experience.

• Leading Self-Personal Effectiveness Certificate
• Leading Self-Communication Certificate
• Leading Self-Business Skills Certificate
• Leading Others-Preparing for Supervisor Certificate

License Requirement:

• Valid driver's license and good driving record for frequent travel using company vehicles.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Five years of leadership experience providing work direction and coaching/developing employees.
• Experience interpreting and applying bargaining unit contracts.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (listening, verbal and written).
• Experience and ability to promote an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values diversity among all employees.

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Good knowledge of diesel engines, automatic transmissions control systems, HVAC, hydraulics and DC electricity.
• Basic knowledge of AC/DC electrical systems, principles of analog and digital electronics, electronic control circuitry and associated mechanical, HVAC, pneumatic, hydraulic systems, testing and inspections methods/tools, basic welding skills.
• Knowledge of company union contracts.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Strong problem analysis and resolution skills.
• Computer literacy skills such PC skills, Windows NT, Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships and work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities/priorities simultaneously and achieved desired results.
• Ability to identify problem area, making corrections where possible, or recommendations to upper management for solutions.
• Demonstrated good work record.
• On-call, weekend / holiday work required when necessary.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!Union/Grade: Transit Managers and Supervisors Association (TMSA)/Grade J
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes. Subject to random DOT drug tests.
What your work environment would be:
Work is regularly performed in a normal office environment but may require occasional outdoor work with exposure to outdoor weather conditions. Work requires occasional local in-state travel by car to visit different facilities. May occasionally travel by air out of state for training and conferences. Work is occasionally performed near moving parts or equipment, in high, precarious places and wet, humid conditions. Position is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and occasionally to toxic or caustic chemicals. There is occasional exposure to vibrations and risk of electrical shock. Position is regularly exposed to moderate noise.
What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We request your Work Record Evaluation (ATU employees only).
3. We rate your education and experience.
4. We conduct a structured panel interview.
5. We conduct a selection interview which may including a writing exercise.

Employment Type: Full-Time