Transit Operations Manager

General Definition of Work

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

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

• 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

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

Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force.
• Work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing and walking.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Work occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather), exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to outdoor weather conditions, exposure to vibration and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).