TOW LOT SUPERVISOR

Recruitment #2301-4381-001

Introduction

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed historic charm with a breathtaking art museum, top-flight cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

Purpose

The Tow Lot Supervisor sets the operational direction on all matters related to the intake, processing, storage, release, and disposal of towed vehicles by supervising staff, handling customer complaints, and monitoring financial activity.

Essential Functions

Operation and Tow Lot Management

  • In collaboration with the Tow Lot leadership team, implement and oversee the day-to-day towing, intake, inventory, disposal, and release of vehicles.
  • Assist in overseeing the recycling and auctioning of abandoned vehicles.
  • Monitor the issuance and usage of portable electronic equipment.
  • Oversee the operations of the customer service department.
  • Respond to and investigate customer complaints.
  • Assist in the integration and maintenance of related technology.
  • Order and keep inventory of all supplies.
  • Supervise daily upkeep and maintenance of buildings and vehicle storage area.
  • Monitor release of vehicles to lien holders, auction agencies, insurance companies, and private tow companies.
  • Assist with the oversight of operations and partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT), as the Tow Lot provides service as a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) service center.

Personnel Supervision

  • Assist with personnel management, including coaching and counseling employees and recommending candidates for hire; asses employee performance and recommend disciplinary action, when necessary.
  • Schedule and facilitate overtime for Tow Lot Attendant staff.
  • Assist staff with customer interactions and training; serve as a resource for staff and customers for complex towing situations.
  • Oversee Tow Lot Functions to ensure completion in an efficient and timely manner by staff.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

Please be advised that new employees are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to their employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to their employment start date. You can find further information relative to the City’s Covid-19 Vaccination Policy here.

The Tow Lot Supervisor must be willing and able to do the following:

  • Be available on call 24/7 to address operational and snow-related needs.
  • Respond to emergency events, providing management direction and oversight.
  • Rotate as duty manager with Tow Lot Management for weekends and holidays.
  • Work in all types of weather conditions.
  • Be physically able to lift and move up to 10 pounds unassisted on occasion.

Minimum Requirements

  1. Four years of progressively responsible experience in governmental (or similar) public works field operations, including significant responsibility for complaint-handling. For example, increasingly responsible field experience in towing, parking enforcement, recycling and sanitation, transportation, or waterworks is acceptable. 
  2. Valid State of Wisconsin Driver’s License at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Desirable Qualifications

  • A bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, transportation, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
  • Experience in municipal towing, parking, vehicle recycling or disposal, snow and ice control, or other emergency response operations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

  • Ability to learn and implement current practices and procedures and emerging trends related to the vehicle towing industry and vehicle recycling markets.
  • Ability to learn and apply related federal, state, and municipal laws.
  • Ability to learn and apply related safety regulations and safe worker practices.
  • Knowledge of continuous process improvement techniques. 
  • Ability to supervise towing operations with a dynamic, customer-oriented approach.
  • Ability to learn City of Milwaukee streets, neighborhoods, boundaries, and special conditions and locations important to daily and emergency operations.
  • Ability to read and interpret work-related documents.  
  • Ability to monitor related financial activity and contracts.
  • Proficiency using standard computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, and database.
  • Ability to learn and use job-related enterprise computer applications.

Supervisory

  • Ability to assign duties, set performance standards, monitor work in progress, evaluate performance, and make hiring recommendations.
  • Ability to provide guidance and training and coach team members to success.
  • Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all employees are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.

Communication and Interpersonal

  • Verbal communication skills in order to positively represent the department.
  • Written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise correspondence and reports.
  • Customer focus and a dedication to exceptional service delivery; ability to interact with customers in a courteous, tactful, and concerned manner.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with other City managers, elected officials, fellow staff, direct reports, and outside parties.
  • Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one's own.

Critical Thinking and Professionalism

  • Analytical skills to be able to analyze and interpret data.
  • Problem-solving skills to effectively address complex challenges.
  • Decision-making skills and sound judgment.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work to achieve objectives within deadlines.
  • Detail orientation.
  • Dedication to participating in departmental emergency response efforts.
  • Ability to remain calm when working in stressful and often emotionally charged situations.
  • Ability to represent the department with professionalism, honesty, and integrity.
  • Commitment to professional development and staying abreast of best practices in municipal towing and vehicle recycling.

Current Salary

The current salary range (1AX) is $50,636-$65,989 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $52,155-$67,969. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following: 

  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Comprehensive Wellness Program
  • Onsite Clinic Services
  • Onsite Employee Assistance Program
  • Alternative Work Schedules
  • Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Tuition Benefits
  • Paid Vacation
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave and other paid leave 
  • Flexible Spending Arrangement
  • Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations and the Department of Public Works reserve the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral and performance examinations. Oral examinations may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FLING DATE- The examination will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

Applications and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobaps.com/MIL.

  • If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
  • The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Conclusion

EEO Code = 103

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.