Assistant Director Division Maintenance Operations
Job Description Marketing Statement We are seeking a dynamic operational leader who excels at attracting, developing, and empowering top maintenance talent while fostering a culture of excellence across all technical teams. This individual will be recognized for building robust talent pipelines, strengthening workforce capability, and creating an environment where skilled professionals can perform at their best. The role blends strategic workforce planning with hands-on operational leadership to ensure teams are fully staffed, highly trained, and consistently motivated to deliver exceptional levels of reliability, safety, and performance. A strong advocate for employee engagement, professional development, and modern maintenance practices, this leader will help position the organization as an employer of choice for industry-leading talent. WMATA offers a rich benefit package to include health, dental, group life insurance, paid holidays, annual and sick leave, retirement plan as well as tuition reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, and free transportation on Metrobus and rail. Minimum Qualifications Education Bachelor's Degree in Automotive or Mechanical Engineering or a related field + In lieu of a Bachelor's Degree, a high school diploma or GED and four (4) years of vehicular mechanical maintenance or similar experience may be considered Experience A minimum of eight (8) years of experience in rapid transit maintenance to include supervisory and/or management experience in the inspection and repair of a large inter/intra city bus fleet and responsibility for planning, coordinating and/or directing major bus, vehicle fleet maintenance functions Certification/Licensure Possession of a valid driver's license issued from jurisdiction of residence is required prior to appointment Preferred N/A Medical Group Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations. Mission Essential Designation: In accordance with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) this job has been identified as critical to mission essential functions. Incumbents in this role may be required to report to or continue to work in the event of authorized office closings or service suspensions due to severe weather, natural disaster, fire, operational emergencies or related events. Job Summary The Assistant Director of Division Maintenance Operations supports the leadership and management of all Bus Maintenance Division functions, ensuring effective organization, staffing, and operational performance across assigned divisions. The role advises senior maintenance leadership on operations, policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives. Responsibilities include assisting in oversight of preventive and corrective maintenance, daily service lane activities, HVAC, ADA, and DC inspections, as well as interior and exterior bus cleaning. The Assistant Director helps plan, manage, and standardize programs that enhance efficiency, reliability, and safety. This position develops and implements field operating procedures to align with best transit maintenance practices and regulatory standards. The incumbent may also lead independent projects, collaborate across departments, and represent the Authority in coordination with external agencies. Essential Functions Adjusts bus assignments to accommodate operational needs. Oversees the management of all bus garages and assists in managing all Bus Maintenance resources. Conducts special studies and investigations to improve efficiency, validate complaints and/or solve other garage operations related issues. Coaches superintendents on proper techniques and how to deal with operational situations. Ensures that staff are properly trained, and the appropriate equipment is readily available. Develops and manages the office's maintenance, repair, and inspection programs. Evaluates the operating schedule to ensure appropriate staffing. Establishes and maintains relationships with individuals and organizations across the Authority to ensure representation of Bus Maintenance concerns. Establishes and promulgates operating rules and regulations. Participates in the design for the construction of bus facilities, incorporating input from garage managers and staff pertaining to operational needs and efficiencies. Ensures bus maintenance employees are properly trained and have appropriate equipment to respond to, rectify problem(s) and restore normal operations in a timely manner; ensures operation of bus systems are maintained to the highest standards and in accordance with all applicable codes/polices. Monitors division performance. Visits bus garages to ensure adherence to quality standards with maintenance and repair work. Oversees inspection and testing of newly purchased equipment prior to acceptance. Prepares and presents oral and/or written reports/recommendations regarding problems, trends and other concerns to identify and facilitate corrective action plans. Performs special assignments for Bus Maintenance/Engineering and Bus Services leadership. Works with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO)'s Office of Budgets to prepare annual and long-range forecasts of the Office of Bus Maintenance (BMNT) Division operational and capital activities. Other Functions Investigates employee grievances. Meets and negotiates with the unions to resolve or settle conflicts between employees and supervisors and other issues and provides counseling and guidance to staff members. Acts as a trouble-shooter or special projects officer as directed. Implements and enforces emergency contingency plans in the event of an emergency. Maintains a high level of technical knowledge and understanding of state-of-the-art technology. Requests additional resources to resolve maintenance issues. Reviews consumer complaints and provides input on best resolutions. Serves as a member and advisor of the union negotiation team. Supports and acts in the absence of the managing director necessary. The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision. Evaluation Criteria Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience. Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following: Skills and/or behavioral assessment Personal interview Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses) Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment) Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions) * Review of a current motor vehicle report Closing WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law. This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.