Transit Operations Manager

This Transit Operations Manager performs complex technical and administrative work supervising the daily operation, regulation, compliance, and long-term planning of Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) within the Operations Division. Work is performed under limited supervision and reports to the Assistant Director of Transit Operations.

Pay

Starting salary: $94,306.90 annually. This is a full-time, exempt position.

Schedule

Anticipated work schedule: Tuesday through Saturday, 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This position is subject to emergency call-back and may require work outside of normal business hours to provide essential services to the public. The schedule is subject to change based on operational need.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday
  • Vacation and sick leave
  • Health insurance with employer contribution
  • Employer-paid life insurance
  • Gym membership reimbursement
  • Tuition assistance
  • Professional development opportunities
• Choice of retirement plan:
  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. Includes a 5-year vesting period and requires a 5% employee contribution of salary.
  • Defined Contribution 401a Plan: Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution required.
• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan
• The City manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees.

Responsibilities

• Plans, manages, monitors, schedules, and directs work performance of staff, including hiring, disciplinary actions, performance evaluations, and setting program/work objectives.
• Supervises, coaches, trains, motivates, assigns work activities, evaluates performance, and manages subordinate staff.
• Establishes professional standards for work quality, quantity, performance, and accountability.
• Monitors employee performance and compliance with safety standards using time records, GPS data, video footage, and direct observation.
• Ensures operators meet uniform, equipment, licensing, training, and certification standards.
• Manages, enforces, develops, and implements written policies and procedures.
• Ensures daily service needs are met, including re-assignment of personnel, re-routing of vehicles, and dispatching additional drivers/vehicles as needed.
• Collects, tracks, and analyzes operational data (e.g., mileage, ridership, driver/bus hours, financial reports) for performance monitoring, cost analysis, and forecasting.
• Communicates with operators, supervisors, and dispatch via two-way radio or phone regarding traffic conditions, vehicle issues, or passenger concerns.
• Develops, evaluates, recommends, and implements routes, schedules, and service plans, including adjustments for service interruptions, school closures, or emergencies.
• Monitors and addresses service challenges by reviewing schedules, route timings, and driver feedback.
• Plans and coordinates special transportation needs, such as field trips, athletic trips, and charter services.
• Resolves issues with stakeholders concerning employee performance and division operations.
• Interprets and recommends actions to implement and enforce federal, state, and city policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Assists in the preparation, control, and monitoring of the division budget and makes recommendations on budgetary needs.
• Assists subordinate supervisors in developing and conducting pre-service and in-service training.
• Identifies potential safety hazards and reviews preventable accidents/incidents to provide feedback for drivers.
• Responds to bus accidents/incidents, following established procedures and completing post-accident investigations and documentation.
• Enforces departmental safety and work procedures and provides ongoing employee training in City policies and safety procedures.
• Performs all requirements and maintains knowledge of Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration requirements for transit bus operation and VA State School Bus requirements.
• Maintains office technology by coordinating or implementing new software and updates, assisting employees with technical issues, and supporting skill development.
• Assists in setting strategic priorities and monitors attainment of goals for the assigned division.
• Supports the departmental goal to provide dependable, efficient, and safe transportation service.
• Operates a City vehicle in performance of job duties.
• Subject to being called back to work in emergencies or as needed to provide necessary services to the public.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools, and resources, including work time.
• Ensures regular and reliable attendance.
• May support ADA compliance by monitoring stops, stations, and transfer locations to ensure they meet accessibility standards.
• May coordinate with the City’s ADA Coordinator to address service delivery complaints and implement necessary changes.
• May ensure division supervisors are trained to recognize ADA-related system deficiencies and take appropriate action.
• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public, business, or transportation administration and three years of responsible supervisory or management experience in public transit operations or a closely related field.
• OR Associate’s degree in public, business, or transportation administration and five years of responsible supervisory or management experience in public transit operations or a closely related field.
• OR High School diploma or GED and seven years of responsible supervisory or management experience in public transit operations or a closely related field.
• OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check, drug screen, physical, and DMV driving record review.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia or ability to obtain one by employment start date.
• Required to possess a Class B Virginia Commercial Driver’s license with passenger, school bus, and air brake endorsement within ninety days of start date.
• Satisfactory completion of a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse Query may be required.
• Possession of or ability to acquire City of Charlottesville Basic and Advanced Supervisory Training courses within twelve months of employment.
• Subject to Federal DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations.
• May require possession of CPR and First Aid certifications or the ability to obtain within three months of employment start date.
• If assigned to the Pupil Division:
  • May require possession of a School Bus Trainer Certification or ability to obtain within six months of start date.
  • Required to successfully complete the Virginia Department of Education training curriculum.
  • Required to successfully pass the EB.001 School Bus Driver Application for Physician Certificate annually.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of traffic rules, regulations, and the geography of the service area, including federal, state, and local traffic laws applicable to transit operations.
• Thorough knowledge of Charlottesville’s transit routes and procedures to ensure efficient navigation.
• Thorough knowledge of dispatch and communication procedures, including the use of two-way radios and other equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to transit services, including DOT and DMV regulations for accident/incident investigation.
• Thorough knowledge of passenger safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and proficiency in using accessibility equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of supervisory and management theories, processes, and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of transit and/or school transportation principles, practices, and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards, potential risks, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
• General knowledge of Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration requirements for transit bus operation and VA State School Bus requirements.
• General knowledge of department-related software.
• Ability to read and interpret advanced materials related to transit operations and management.