Assistant Manager, Operations (Rail)

Position is responsible for the management and oversight of rail delivery, ensuring safe, reliable and customer‑focused service. The role leads rail operations personnel in executing strategic goals, objectives, and initiatives while ensuring compliance with rail operations policies, rules, plans, procedures, work instructions, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Strong leadership, collaboration, and decision‑making skills are required to guide teams, sustain passenger rail vehicle maintenance efficiency, and uphold the principles of RTD.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Lead and develop staff through coaching, performance management, and consistent communication of expectations. Oversee daily rail operations, resolving operational issues and ensuring safe, reliable, customer‑focused service. Develop and maintain operational policies, rules, plans, procedures, and work instructions aligned with regulatory and industry standards. Direct emergency and degraded operations response, including on‑scene coordination during incidents and service disruptions. Manage safety programs, conduct incident investigations, and implement corrective actions to improve system safety and reliability. Coordinate with maintenance divisions to minimize service impacts from equipment failures, construction, and infrastructure work. Oversee operational testing, commissioning, and inspection of rail vehicles to ensure readiness and compliance. Analyze operational data, track KPIs, and prepare reports with recommendations to enhance performance and efficiency. Administer budgets, contracts, and vendor performance to support cost‑effective and compliant service delivery. Collaborate across departments and regulatory partners to support strategic planning, workforce development, and continuous improvement. People Power Management Maintain appropriate staffing levels and review progress to ensure the quality and quantity of work meet standards and deadlines. Recruit staff to include interviewing, hiring, assigning work, training, coaching, and counseling to ensure consistent application of Employee Guidelines, processes, and procedures. Conduct performance reviews and hold employees accountable for optimal performance of their responsibilities. Foster a safety‑first culture, prioritizing prevention, accountability, and continuous improvement. Take action to advance the goals of Equal Employment Opportunity, Small/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Title VI and ADA Plans, thereby ensuring fair, equal, and non‑discriminatory practices. Other Perform all other job‑related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or Transportation/Logistics required, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience. Three (3) years of progressive experience in rail operations, including developing and aligning operational processes for consistency and efficiency, leading initiatives to enhance service reliability and performance, overseeing rail service delivery strategies, and working directly with regulatory agencies. Two (2) years of supervisory experience in a rail operations environment, including experience with overseeing and integrating operational processes across multiple modes and service areas (bus, rail, and special services), delivering strategic initiatives, managing cross‑functional teams, and coordinating complex rail service delivery activities. Experience with budget development, performance measurement, labor relations, and contract management. Demonstrated experience working with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), or other applicable regulatory agencies in a maintenance capacity. Must have a valid Colorado driver license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and the ability to travel between facilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Manage daily rail operations, ensuring safe, reliable, and customer‑focused operations. Apply industry best practices, analytics, and performance measures to improve service reliability and efficiency. Ensure compliance with FTA/FRA regulations, safety management systems, and risk‑mitigation requirements. Lead safety programs, oversee incident investigations, and implement corrective actions. Supervise staff through coaching, performance evaluations, and workforce development aligned with labor agreements. Develop and maintain operational policies, procedures, and work instructions that support consistent, compliant service delivery. Analyze operational data, track KPIs, and prepare reports with recommendations for performance improvement. Manage budgets, financial planning, cost control, and contract administration for service delivery operations. Coordinate emergency response, service restoration, and operational adjustments during disruptions or equipment failures. Collaborate with internal departments, regulatory agencies, and industry partners to support strategic planning and continuous improvement. Communicate complex operational concepts to a diverse audience, including executives, front‑line employees, and external stakeholders. Adapt to emerging technologies and implement innovations that enhance operations. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. Ability to use sound judgment. Ability to manage time and workload effectively, including planning, organizing, and prioritizing with attention to detail. Working Environment and Physical Requirements Worker is subject to varying inside and/or outside temperatures, which may include extreme heat (temperatures above 100 °F) or extreme cold (temperatures below 32 °F). Work is performed both inside and outside, subject to weather. Ability to independently travel between multiple locations as required by operational needs. Career Map Based on job performance, experience, education and position availability, the next step on the career map for this position may be: Manager, Operations (Rail). Posting Dates Posting Opens: June 23, 2026 Posting Closes: July 4, 2026 Pay Range $92, - $129, Annual

EEO POLICY AND ADA ACCOMMODATIONS

RTD posts a compensation range that represents a good faith estimate of what RTD anticipates paying for the position at the time of posting. Starting salary is based on the candidate’s relevant and verified education, training and work experience. Applicants should submit all relevant and verifiable education, training and work experiences at the time of application. To learn more or see our EEO policy, please visit our EEO page at: RTD EEO page. #J-18808-Ljbffr Regional Transportation District