Who We Are

The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) is a public agency with the mission to create new and better ways to move and connect people. The RTA partners with transit providers, communities, companies, and citizens to create a vision for public transit – what it can be, what it can do, and what we can achieve with it – and to bring that vision to life. By exploring new strategies to improve transit coverage and service, secure and oversee funding, and increase accessibility to transit offerings, the RTA plays a crucial role in unleashing our region’s boundless potential. See what we do for more insights about us.

Our 10-member board is appointed for three-year terms by the Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne County executives, the chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, the Mayor of Detroit, and the Governor of Michigan. The Governor's appointee serves as a non-voting chair. The RTA was established by State Public Act 387 in 2012.

Our Mission:

Creating new and better ways to move and connect people.

Our Vision:

A Southeast Michigan where advances in transit create greater prosperity for all.

RTA’s Values

Creativity – bringing innovative thinking to enhance the transit experience.

Empathy – understanding how we can help improve lives across the region.

Opportunity – leading the way to the future of transit in Southeast Michigan.

Learn more at www.rtamichigan.org. We’re The RTA. Get On Board.

Join Our Passionate Team of Professionals

You’ll join a growing public transportation organization with a unique structure – one that plans, funds, coordinates, and accelerates transit services and programs in Southeast Michigan while operating a 3-mile streetcar in Downtown Detroit.  RTA is responsible for planning regional transit, deploying new services, allocating federal and state funding to transit service providers, and securing new regional funding sources for transit.

We’re a team that works diligently and cares deeply about creating opportunities to improve the quality of life for our residents. We live what we lead, coming in to work on all modes of

transportation. RTA’s goals — from safer streets to enhanced mobility — energize and motivate us to do what we do best in delivering transit throughout our region.

About This Role

The Parts Clerk is responsible for managing inventory related to the maintenance and repair of RTA QLINE streetcars, tracks, and switch systems. This role ensures timely procurement, accurate record-keeping, and efficient distribution of essential components to support uninterrupted transit operations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain and organize inventory of parts for streetcars, track infrastructure, and switch systems.
• Track stock levels and proactively reorder parts to prevent shortages.
• Receive, inspect, and verify deliveries of streetcar and track components for accuracy and quality.
• Issue parts and supplies to maintenance technicians working on streetcars and infrastructure.
• Maintain precise records of inventory transactions, including usage, restocking, and warranty claims.
• Source and order parts from approved vendors, ensuring compliance with procurement guidelines.
• Coordinate returns and warranty claims for defective or incorrect parts.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols for handling track and streetcar-related materials.
• Work closely with the Fleet Maintenance Manager and technicians to support streetcar and track maintenance schedules.
• Utilize inventory management software to track and update stock levels.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience with office management, project management, inventory management, technology, or small‐item procurement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and strong interpersonal skills
• Strong critical and analytical thinking skills.

• Experience in project management, process improvement analysis, and software solution recommendations within an enterprise software architecture is preferred.
• Experience with fleet/asset management systems
• Experience with handheld barcoding inventory
• Familiarity with Federal procurement (FTA) guidelines.
• Strong time management skills
• Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced maintenance environment.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Experience using Microsoft 365, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint, as well as Teams, Zoom, Adobe Pro
• Experience using project management/work collaboration tools (Asana)
• Detail-oriented with high accuracy standards
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Ability to learn and adapt to new online tools

 Minimum Education and Experience 

• High school diploma or equivalent; coursework in inventory management or logistics preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in inventory control, parts management, or a related field (preferably in transit or rail operations).
• Familiarity with streetcar components, track maintenance materials, and switch systems.
• Ability to lift and move parts weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license preferred.

Pay Classification

• Hourly Position

 Benefits

• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement
• Health Insurance, including telehealth care support
• UNUM Dental and Vision Coverage
• Short-Term Disability
• Optional Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Optional Life Insurance Coverage
• Optional Critical Insurance Coverage
• Optional Pet and Legal Insurance Coverage

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in a maintenance shop and trackside inventory storeroom.
• Requires standing, bending, and lifting during routine tasks.
• Exposure to warehouse environments, mechanical equipment, and transit infrastructure.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The RTA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The RTA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Studies have shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The RTA may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

At Will Employer

Employment with the RTA is voluntary and is subject to termination by management at will, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time. Nothing in this notice shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of RTA employees. The only exception to this policy is a written employment agreement approved at the discretion of the RTA Board of Directors.