Automotive Foreperson

Automotive Foreperson

Salary

$60.32 Hourly

Location

21 Arlington Avenue, Charlestown

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-20378

Department

MBTA - Bus Maintenance

Area

449-Charlestown Maintenance

Opening Date

10/29/2026

Closing Date

11/12/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Bargaining Unit

MBTA ALL Alliance

Licenses / Certifications

A valid Drivers License is required.

Class B Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)

Safety Sensitive

Yes; this is a Safety Sensitive position. Employees in this role will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.

Essential Classification (Emergency Staff)

Yes; this position is classified as essential. Employees in this role are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by supervisory personnel during declared States of Emergency.

On-Call or 24/7

Yes; this position is classified as on-call or 24/7. Employees in this role must be available to respond to page/text/call and report to work as directed by supervisor personnel.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA's core values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, culture, and accessibility, and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Automotive Foreperson will supervise and oversee the inspection, maintenance, repair, and servicing of Bus Operations fleet vehicles and related equipment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assign, oversee, direct, and plan the activities of work crews within the assigned area of responsibility..
• Inspect work crew maintenance/repair activities to ensure that assignments are completed safely and according to established schedules and operating standards.
• Enforce the Authoritys safety standards to ensure the safety of workers and customers.
• Ensure appropriate inventory levels are maintained and that equipment and facilities under their control are kept in a safe operating condition.
• Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or co-worker in a professional and courteous manner consistent with the Authoritys customer service quality standard.
• Assume supervisory responsibilities as assigned or in the absence of the Supervisor, as needed.
• Document, maintain, and prepare required maintenance and personnel records on manual and computerized tracking systems.
• Ensure budgetary goals are met and that all work is performed in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Provide technical guidance and instruction to assigned employees as necessary.
• Drive an Authority vehicle to visit work sites and/or transport crews, materials, or equipment as required.
• Work any and all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed.
• Respond directly or through assigned personnel to emergencies and operational needs outside regularly assigned hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required.
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Assist 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.
• Remain familiar with and comply with the MBTA Safety Plan and all safety responsibilities associated with the position.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned

Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions.

Supervision

• Supervises assigned Automotive Repairers, maintenance personnel, and work crews and directs daily maintenance and repair activities within the assigned facility or functional area.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) from an accredited institution.
• Three (3) years of experience in transit bus, automotive, or heavy-duty vehicle maintenance involving hydraulic, electrical, mechanical, diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), or related propulsion systems.
• Related experience in a lead, foreperson, or supervisory capacity.
• Effective organizational and analytical skills.
• The ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, database applications, computerized maintenance systems, and other related applications.
• Ability to pass the MBTAs Machinist test.
• Have excellent customer service skills.
• A valid driver's license in accordance with MBTA policy.
• A valid Class B Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) with general knowledge, air brakes, and passenger endorsements.
• Must obtain a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with general knowledge, air brakes, and passenger endorsements, within 120 days of hire, independently or through the MBTA's sponsored training program.
• Have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed.
• Be available to respond outside regularly assigned hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, emergencies, and service disruptions, as required.
• Have the ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
• Successful applicants must have the English language skills required for the effective performance of the position.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Four (4) additional years of experience in diesel or compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle maintenance with hydraulic, electrical and/or mechanical skills.
• A technical degree from an accredited institution.
• Maintenance training from a technical institute or related technical certificates.
• Progressively responsible supervisory experience in a transit bus or heavy-duty vehicle maintenance environment.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
• Application Completion: It is each applicant's responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
• Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
• On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTAs ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.
• Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.

Employment Benefits at the MBTA

Full-Time Employees:

The MBTA offers comprehensive benefits packages. Types of benefits offered at the MBTA are subject to the union affiliation / Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of the position to which you apply. Benefits that may apply to your position include the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life (basic and supplemental), and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Retirement: Pension or deferred compensation 401(a), plus MBTA contributions
• Complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail)
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for student loans
• Commuter Choice Parking Program: Pre-tax benefits for parking
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax benefits for healthcare-related expenses
• Discounted tickets for concerts, movies, travel / vacation, etc. via TicketsAtWork.com
• Shopping discounts via GovX.com
• Verizon and AT&T service discounts
• And more...

Disclaimer:

The above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the MBTA, which may or may not apply to a specific position. This summary is not a contract and is not meant to change the provisions of union contracts or Authority policies and does not establish a binding practice. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email hrstaffing@mbta.com for more information.

The MBTA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

01

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree
• Did not obtain a High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)

02

Do you have three (3) years of experience in transit bus, automotive, or heavy-duty vehicle maintenance involving hydraulic, electrical, mechanical, diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), or related propulsion systems?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a valid driver's license in accordance with MBTA policy?

• Yes
• No

04

Please describe your related experience in a lead, foreperson, or supervisory capacity.

05

Do you have a valid Class B Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) with general knowledge, air brakes, and passenger endorsements OR have the ability to obtain a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with general knowledge, air brakes, and passenger endorsements, within 120 days of hire, independently or through the MBTA's sponsored training program?

• Yes
• No

06

Please rate your proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, database applications, computerized maintenance systems, and other related applications.

• No experience
• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• Expert

07

Do you have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed and be available to respond outside regularly assigned hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, emergencies, and service disruptions, as required?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have any of the preferred skills? Please check all that apply.

• Four (4) additional years of experience in diesel or compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle maintenance with hydraulic, electrical and/or mechanical skills.
• A technical degree from an accredited institution.
• Maintenance training from a technical institute or related technical certificates.
• Progressively responsible supervisory experience in a transit bus or heavy-duty vehicle maintenance environment.

09

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

10

Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States (e.g. H-1B visa status)?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Address 10 Park Plaza

Boston, Massachusetts, 02116

Phone (617) 222-3200

Website https://www.mbta.com