Operations Supervisor

About the role

The Operations Supervisor reports to the Transportation Manager and is responsible for overseeing and coordinating fixed route and shuttle operations to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient transit service. This role combines on-road supervision and control center dispatching responsibilities, including monitoring service, supporting drivers, responding to incidents, and maintaining effective communication across departments. The Operations Supervisor must exercise sound judgment under pressure, enforce company policies and safety regulations, and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local transit requirements.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and coordinate daily transit operations using Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems.
• Track vehicles in real-time to ensure on-time performance and efficient route coverage.
• Communicate effectively with drivers, supervisors, and law enforcement as needed.
• Adjust schedules and routes as necessary to address service disruptions.
• Conduct on-road observations to evaluate driver performance, safety compliance, and customer service for all CARTA transit services.
• Provide coaching and feedback to operators, addressing performance concerns as needed.
• Assist drivers in resolving operational issues such as scheduling conflicts, passenger concerns, or route adherence.
• Support new driver training and ongoing safety/service education.
• Respond to accidents, breakdowns, and emergencies, coordinating with emergency personnel when necessary.
• Perform investigations into incidents or customer complaints and recommend corrective actions.
• Conduct reasonable suspicion assessments for substance abuse in compliance with policy.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, including pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
• Maintain accurate records of driver performance, incidents, dispatch logs, and service reports.
• Interpret and enforce CARTA work rules, policies, and procedures.
• Report operational and maintenance issues to appropriate departments.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local transportation regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory authority

This position oversees bus operators.

Compliance

• Recognize and follow ADA rules and regulations related to passenger transit services.
• Complete all mandatory training classes.
• Review and comply with all CARTA policies, procedures, and directives.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must possess a Commercial Driver License (CDL), Class B with passenger endorsement.
• Additional training or certifications in transportation management, safety, or operations preferred.
• A minimum of five years’ experience as a transit operator and/or supervisory role within public transportation required.
• Familiarity with CARTA routes, schedules, and operational procedures preferred.

Skills

• Strong leadership and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and make effective decisions in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Proficiency in CAD systems, radio communications, and basic computer applications.
• Professionalism and composure when handling stressful or sensitive situations.

Physical demands

• Standing for prolonged periods.
• Sitting for prolonged periods.
• Perform repetitive motion.

Safety requirements

The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is a public transit service provider governed by requirements of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Department of Transportation (DOT). Due to the nature of some work performed at CARTA, some jobs are classified as “Safety Sensitive” and are subject to random testing for drug and alcohol use. All offers for employment are required to undergo pre-employment and possible random drug testing. If a test shows a positive result, the application for employment will be rejected, or if hired, employment may be terminated.

Work environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Pay

$59,000 – $72,000 annually.

Department: Transportation | Job Category: Administrative | Employee Type: Full-Time – Exempt | Location: 1617 Wilcox Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37406 | Revision Date: October 22, 2026