Internship Trainee Elevator Mechanic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $74,879.48 - $80,277.86 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations, Madison, WI
Job Type: PERMANENT FULL TIME
Job Number: 2026-00224
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Closing Date: 9/29/2026 11:59 PM Central
Comp. Group/Range: 16/17 or 16/19
General Description
This is skilled work within the Fire Prevention Division of the Madison Fire Department that involves technical field inspection work in the enforcement of safety laws and codes pertaining to elevators, escalators, and lifts. This work also involves issuance and follow through on violation notices and citations, and related plan review work. Work is normally performed with a high degree of independence in the field, under the general supervision of the Fire Marshal.
Note: This position may be filled in a trainee capacity in which the employee would be required to obtain the required certification and licensure by the end of their initial probationary period. The designation of Elevator Inspector Trainee (starting annual salary is $74,879.48) will be given to an employee who does not possess required certification and licensure. An employee with Certification as an Elevator Inspector (QEI-1 Certification) and licensure as a State of Wisconsin Licensed Elevator Inspector will be hired as an Elevator Inspector (starting annual salary is $80,277.86); to be determined at the time of hire.
The City of Madison offers a competitive benefits package, including a generous leave package, a variety of insurance options at a low cost to employees, and non-traditional benefits such as a free bus pass, and flexible work schedules. View a complete listing of benefits. Consider joining our team!
Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the
Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn't match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
Research the Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, the Wisconsin Administrative Code of the Department of Safety & Professional Services, and other relevant laws/ordinances for determining compliance.
Perform periodic inspections of elevators, escalators and lifts to ensure compliance with applicable codes. Document inspection results.
Conduct on-site inspections of elevators and identify faulty or inadequate construction methods or code violations. Conduct accident investigations.
Witness safety, load, and speed tests on passenger and freight elevators when required.
Supervise drop tests of safety devices on all elevators as required by the State Elevator Code.
Draft and send to owners legally enforceable orders to correct conditions in cases of non-compliance. Issue violation notices, recommend the issuance of citations and referrals to the City Attorney.
Meet with contractors, business owners, design professionals and others to provide technical guidance. Process complaints and referrals.
Review plans for compliance with applicable codes and standards, and approve permit applications for new elevators or modifications to existing elevators.
Enter data on computer inspection program and maintain accurate records of inspections. Complete detailed reports on complaints and rejections.
Prepare and testify in municipal court against owners of buildings for failure to correct violations of the code.
Prepare and testify at the Building and Fire Code Review, Licensing, and Appeals Board meetings for orders that are appealed.
Train other department staff and city employees in elevator safety and inspection practices.
Perform related work as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Elevator Inspector
Certification as an Elevator Inspector (QEI-1 Certification)
Elevator Inspector Trainee
Four (4) years of experience in the mechanical and/or electrical aspects in the elevator industry and is a person deemed to meet the A17.1 Code definition of "elevator personnel" and has documented training AND at least one (1) year of experience performing inspections and performing or witnessing tests as specified in A17.1 Sections 8.10 or 8.11 and A18.1. This year may be concurrent with the four (4) years of experience.
OR
Two (2) years of college courses in an elevator industry related engineering field (Documentation of education is required.) AND at least one (1) year of experience performing inspections and performing or witnessing tests as specified in A17.1 Sections 8.10 or 8.11 and A18.1.
OR
Meet the definition of "elevator personnel" and have documented training AND at least one (1) year of experience performing inspections and performing or witnessing tests as specified in A17.1 and A18.1 as one of the following:
a) an Elevator Inspector performing inspections for an enforcing authority, or
b) an Elevator Inspector trainee working under the direct supervision of an Elevator Inspector performing inspections for an enforcing authority, or
c) an Elevator Inspector performing inspections and licensed by or under the jurisdiction of an enforcing authority, or
d) an Elevator Inspector trainee licensed by or working under the direct supervision of a licensed Elevator Inspector performing inspections and working under the jurisdiction of an enforcing authority.
The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. Therefore, successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to work effectively with multicultural communities.
For a list of the knowledge, skills and abilities, please view the
Special Requirements
Certification as an Elevator Inspector (QEI-1 Certification) and licensure as a State of Wisconsin Licensed Elevator Inspector will be required within six months of hire and must be maintained during the course of employment. Failure to obtain these within the probation/trial period will result in the employee not passing probation/trial period, absent extenuating circumstances.
Possession of a valid driver's license.
Employees in this classification are required to provide their own reliable vehicle to conduct inspections. Mileage and parking will be reimbursed as provided by the employee handbook.
Physical Requirements
The employee will be expected to physically access and inspect elevators and elevator shafts in a variety of buildings throughout the City of Madison. Must have the physical ability and strength necessary to climb, stoop, and access confined spaces in order to conduct inspections. Ability to work in inclement weather.
* The payroll title is Elevator Code Enforcement Officer 1 or Community Paramedic 2.
The City of Madison offers excellent pay and benefits for employees. City Ordinances, handbooks, and labor contracts provide specifics; the description here is not to be considered a binding statement but offers an informal summary.
Compensation
The City of Madison strives to pay competitive wages. View the current for pay for all classifications. Employees receive increases based on tenure with the City.
Benefits
The City offers a competitive benefits package, including a generous leave package, a variety of insurance options, and non-traditional benefits such as optional pet insurance, a bus pass for all employees, and the possibility of flexible work schedules. A brief summary of benefits is listed below. Please visit our for more information.
Leave
Vacation is earned upon starting employment and can be used after completion of probation. The general vacation schedule is below.
0-3 years 10 work days of vacation
After 3 years 12-1/2 days
After 7 years 15 days
After 11 years 17-1/2 days
After 15 years 20 days
After 19 years 25 days
After 27 years 27 days
Employees earn 3.5 personal days in addition to vacation.
Employees receive eight official paid holidays (New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day), as well as 3 paid leave days (the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve).
Employees also earn 13 sick days annually that may accrue to a total of 150 days.
Retirement
The City of Madison participates in the Wisconsin Retirement System through the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds.
Insurance
The City of Madison offers a variety of optional insurance programs including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Income Continuation Insurance (for short and long-term disability)
• Long Term Care Insurance

Other Benefits
The City offers numerous other benefits and programs for employees, including:
• 457(b) deferred compensation plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Bus Pass on Madison Metro
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Employer-paid Training
01
Do you possess Certification as an Elevator Inspector (QEI-1 Certification)?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you possess State of Wisconsin Licensed Elevator Inspector license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question