Overview

$124,441 – $166,762

The Deputy Chief of Operations is a senior management position responsible for the daily delivery of transit services and operational oversight of STA’s Fixed Route Transportation, ADA Paratransit, Rideshare program, and maintenance of vehicles and facilities. Reporting to and supporting the Chief Operations Officer (COO), this is a critical leadership position in the management of the Agency’s operational departments and ensuring efficient, reliable, safe, and secure transit operations.

The position works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, providing operational input to service planning and supporting the successful implementation of capital projects once they become operational. The role oversees the maintenance and operation of a fleet of over four hundred vehicles, including buses, vans, non-revenue vehicles, and specialized equipment, along will all bus stops, shelters, stations, transit centers, and all other facility assets.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

The Deputy Chief of Operations is a key leader within the Agency, responsible for fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and collaboration across the operations divisions. This individual must lead by example, demonstrating the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and professionalism. They will inspire and motivate teams by valuing diversity and ensuring all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to contribute to the Agency’s success. Aligning with the Agency’s mission, vision, and core values, the Deputy Chief will set clear expectations, provide consistent support, and recognize exceptional performance. By cultivating an environment of trust, engagement, and shared purpose, this leader will ensure that the operations divisions work cohesively to achieve established goals and deliver outstanding service to the community.

Responsibilities

Examples of Duties:

Lead daily operations: Manage the Agency’s operational departments to ensure effective delivery of transit services, aligning departmental performance with Agency goals and objectives.

Collaborate with leadership: Work with the COO and other executives to develop and implement Agency-wide and departmental goals, evaluating opportunities to improve operational effectiveness and efficiency.

Support workforce engagement: Empower and support Directors and Managers in leading their teams effectively, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and exceptional performance.

Monitor performance: Track operational performance using key metrics, reporting results, and initiating corrective action when necessary.

Maintain assets: Oversee maintenance and repair of all vehicles, equipment, and facilities, ensuring compliance with the Agency’s Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan and integration with the Capital Improvement Plan.

Manage budgets: Assist with preparing and managing departmental budgets, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring alignment with Agency financial goals.

Support service quality: Ensure safe, reliable, and customer-focused transit services. Collaborate with other departments to address service challenges and community needs.

Oversee capital projects: Provide operational input and leadership in the planning, acquisition, and implementation of major capital projects, including vehicles, facilities, and equipment.

Promote safety: Lead efforts to maintain a safe environment for employees and customers, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and plans.

Represent the Agency: As requested, represent STA at public meetings, with community groups, and in interactions with local, state, and federal agencies.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

A degree from an accredited college, university, or technical program with major course work in transportation management, technology, vehicle maintenance, business administration, public administration, or a related field preferred. Five years of increasingly responsible work experience directly related to transportation or vehicle maintenance, including two years of supervisory and reporting responsibility. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. Zero-emission fleet and facility transition knowledge and experience highly preferred.

Additional Information

Our Benefits:

-Annual salary of $124,441 – $166,762 depending on qualifications
-PPO Medical Plans (Vision coverage included) (Employee, Employee+Family, Employee+Spouse, and Employee+Child)
-Premera Blue Cross – Your Choice 250 Heritage Plus Plan
-Kaiser Permanente CDHP PPO Plan
-HMO Medical Plans (Vision coverage included) (Employee, Employee+Family, Employee+Spouse, and Employee+Child)
-Kaiser Permanente Medical Core Plan
-Kaiser Permanente Medical Core Buy-Up Plan
-Delta Dental PPO Plan
-WA State Public Employee’s Retirement System (PERS)
-PERS 2 or PERS 3
-Deferred Compensation/457 plan
-Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) employer contribution of $50/month
-Employer Paid Basic life ($50,000), AD&D ($50,000) and long-term disability insurance
-Pet Insurance
-AFLAC Supplemental Insurance
-Vacation Accrual Schedule (paid)
-0-4 years of continuous service – 2 weeks per year
-5-9 years of continuous service – 3 weeks per year
-10-14 years of continuous service – 4 weeks per year
-15+ years of continuous service – 5 weeks per year
-Additional week of vacation for executive staff
-Sick Leave Full-time employees – 96 hours per year maximum
-.0462 hours earned per hour in paid status 8 hours per month maximum
-8 Paid Holidays
-4 Floating Holidays
-Free bus passes for employee and dependents
-Free Rideshare for Employees
-Onsite workout facility
-Accentra Employee Assistance Program

Spokane Transit is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, ethnicity/race, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or veteran status.