Overview

$76,811 – $83,142

The Transit Operations Manager performs a blend of complex technical, administrative, and managerial tasks. This position provides leadership, strategic planning, and operational management of transit services and staff to achieve organizational goals. The role encompasses a variety of responsibilities, including program oversight, safety management, special project coordination, staff recruitment/development/retention, budget oversight, and managing staff performance. The work is conducted under the supervision of the Director of Transit, with the manager exercising supervision over assigned staff. This position is considered essential during both planned and unplanned events.
All applications should include a resume, cover letter, and a minimum of three professional references. Applications that fail to provide all information requested will be deemed incomplete and therefore not considered.

The Town of Blacksburg is an EEO Employer M/F/D/V

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and oversight of transit service and operation division staff, establishing goals and objectives for the division to ensure service delivery aligns with organizational goals
Develops formal written strategic plans to improve operational efficiency and service delivery that align with the organizational goals; Executes the strategic plans and provides regular updates on the progress of execution
Ensures effective management and coordination of transit programs and services, ensuring compliance with Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act rules and regulations
Analyzes and evaluates service performance and provides recommendations for service improvements, in consultation with CCS (Communication and Customer Support) division staff, to improve service delivery in alignment with passenger needs, organizational goals, and strategic plans
Translates data insights into actionable strategies; Innovates solutions to improve scheduling, reduce costs, and increase efficiency
Recommends, updates (with appropriate approvals), and enforces policies and procedures to maintain compliance and operational standards
Oversees safety protocols and practices to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations for staff and passengers; Oversees the implementation of the agency’s safety management system
Manages and oversees special projects related to operations and service delivery that work toward meeting organization goals, ensuring that they are completed on time and within budget
Participates in the identification, evaluation, and implementation of technology solutions, in coordination with the ITS (Intelligent Transit Systems)/Special Projects Manager, to enhance transit operations, improve efficiency, and ensure seamless service delivery
Develops and manages both operating and capital budgets for the operations division, tracking operational expenses and implementing cost-saving measures to ensure the efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial guidelines without compromising service quality
Oversees the division’s procurement practices, review and approval of payroll/timesheets, overtime, and time off in accordance with the organization’s policies and procedures
Participates in the development and execution of recruitment, training, development, and retention efforts to build a highly skilled transit workforce to ensure adequate staffing levels to meet service delivery needs
Oversees the coaching, performance management, and administration of disciplinary actions for staff in coordination with the Director of Transit and Human Resources, ensuring a fair, transparent, and consistent approach to staff development and corrective actions
Oversees the maintenance of accurate records and files related to operations, staff performance, and safety
Prepares reports, as appropriate, on operational performance, budget status, safety, technology adoption, staff performance, and disciplinary actions
Oversees the investigation of passenger complaints related to operations, in coordination with the CCS division staff, and implement corrective action as necessary to maintain a high level of service quality
Performs additional duties as assigned

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrates proven ability to lead, motivate, and inspire teams by challenging conventional approaches, while effectively planning, supervising, and guiding the work of team members
Demonstrates strong and consistent decision-making, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills, maintaining a calm and rational approach, while actively seeking and considering all relevant information throughout the process
Ability to create and communicate a clear vision for the division, aligning the team’s efforts with organizational goals and driving positive change within transit operations
Knowledge and skills in managing operations, budgets, and personnel; Ability to implement best practices for improving service delivery, efficiency, and safety while meeting organizational objectives
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships to work collaboratively with University and Town officials, regional partners, peer managers, staff, employees, and the general public, fostering collaboration and trust both internally and externally
Clear and strong communication skills with the ability to convey technical information clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
Skills in analyzing data, reviewing videos, and examining other relevant information to create a comprehensive event summary, along with generating detailed reports and actionable recommendations for future actions
General understanding of (or ability to learn) business practices relevant to public transit system management, with the ability to drive operational success and improve service quality
Basic understanding of (or ability to learn) the principles, practices, methods, and equipment used in public transit operations
General awareness of (or ability to learn) Federal, State, and local laws related to vehicular movement and passenger vehicle operations

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in business/public administration, transportation, urban planning, or a related field, combined with significant experience in progressive leadership or managerial roles within an operations, logistics, or other related field
Alternatively, an equivalent combination of education and experience would be considered
Experience in public transit is preferred but not required

Special Requirements:
Valid driver’s license in the Commonwealth of Virginia with a satisfactory driving record
Ability to obtain commercial driver’s license (Class B with Air Brakes and P endorsement) in the Commonwealth of Virginia
This is a safety-sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing guidelines as set forth by the Federal Transit Administration and the US Department of Transportation in 49 CFR Part 40, and Part 655, as amended
A pre-employment drug screening is required for this position
Drug and alcohol testing guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration will be followed during the employment period