Fleet Operations Manager

Hiring Range: $110,970 - $135,901

MEET MVTA

At Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), we are more than a transit agency; we are the pulse of connected communities, driven by our guiding principles. We prioritize safety for riders, employees, and communities while delivering transformative transportation services that exceed expectations. We strive for eco-friendly practices, foster inclusivity, and fairness with a focus on innovation, uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability, and remain customer-focused, placing riders at the center of all our endeavors.


As the second-largest transit agency in Minnesota, MVTA serves seven cities in Dakota and Scott counties. Our extensive network includes 24 routes, offering local, express, micro-transit, and event services. Join us in shaping the future of transit, fostering community ties, and delivering innovative solutions. Together, we propel MVTA as the most connected transit agency, transforming how our communities live, work, and play.

POSITION SNAPSHOT

The Fleet Operations Manager provides strategic and operational oversight of MVTA's revenue and non-revenue fleet assets, contracted maintenance operations, fleet lifecycle planning, and modernization initiatives. This position ensures fleet assets are safe, reliable, compliant, and maintained in accordance with agency standards, contractual requirements, and applicable Federal and State regulations.

This role serves as MVTA's technical lead for fleet procurement, vehicle performance, maintenance oversight, sustainability initiatives, and fleet support infrastructure coordination. The Fleet Operations Manager collaborates across departments and with external partners to support operational reliability, asset management, and long-term fleet modernization goals, including zero-emission transition planning.

This position requires local travel between MVTA locations and flexibility for after-hours operational support, emergency response coordination, and on-call responsibilities as needed.

KEY CONTRIBUTIONS

• Supervise assigned personnel, including planning and delegating work assignments, reviewing reports, performance management and evaluation, and coaching and guidance.
• Oversee contracted maintenance operations and fleet support activities to ensure vehicle safety, reliability, service availability, and compliance with agency standards.
• Serve as MVTA's Authorized Representative for fleet-related maintenance and service contracts, ensuring compliance with contract terms, performance standards, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements, and State regulations.
• Coordinate fleet-related systems and support infrastructure necessary to maintain reliable fleet operations, including fueling systems, charging systems, and maintenance tracking technologies.
• Oversee fleet management software systems, including Fleet Focus M5, ensuring accurate vehicle records, maintenance tracking, reporting, asset management data, and operational performance metrics.
• Support fleet operating and capital budget development, including fuel planning, fleet replacement forecasting, lifecycle analysis, and capital improvement initiatives.
• Develop and administer fleet maintenance performance standards, reporting requirements, corrective action plans, and contractor accountability measures.
• Monitor contractor performance through reporting, audits, inspections, and performance reviews to ensure compliance with operational, safety, and contractual expectations.
• Collaborate with Operations, Customer Service, and contractors to investigate vehicle-related incidents, customer complaints, and recurring maintenance concerns.
• Provides strategic oversight of transportation accident investigations, ensuring effective incident response, coordination of recovery efforts, and continuous enhancement of safety programs and procedures.
• Serve as the Technical Lead for fleet-related contracts, including contract adherence, invoice review, and a comprehensive understanding of contract scope and specifications while adhering to Federal and State laws.
• Serve as the Technical Lead for fleet replacement planning, vehicle procurement activities, grant-funded capital initiatives, and fleet modernization projects.
• Analyze fleet reliability, utilization, maintenance trends, and lifecycle costs to support operational and capital planning decisions.
• Coordinate warranty administration, vehicle acceptance activities, and asset disposition processes.
• Serve as the Technical Lead for fleet sustainability and modernization initiatives, including zero-emission vehicle deployment and charging/fueling infrastructure coordination.
• Monitor emerging fleet technologies, regulatory developments, and industry trends related to alternative fuels, electrification, and sustainable transit operations.
• Oversee fleet support operations and infrastructure, including fueling systems, maintenance facility coordination, and related operational support functions necessary to maintain safe, reliable, and compliant fleet operations.
• Coordinate vehicle collision repair activities, insurance/vendor processes, and fleet incident recovery efforts to support asset restoration and minimize service disruptions.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES & CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor's degree in fleet management, public administration, business administration, supply chain management, project management, or related field.

• 5+ years of experience in fleet management, vehicle procurement, contract administration, transit operations, or large vehicle maintenance programs
• Demonstrated experience with contract compliance, procurement processes, and performance management
• Strong analytical, project management, communication, and organizational skills

• Valid Minnesota driver's license

DESIRABLE COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

• Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) master certification.

• Experience leading sustainability, electrification, alternative fuel, or zero-emission fleet initiatives
• Familiarity with alternative fuel or zero-emission vehicle programs
• Experience administering maintenance or service contracts

• Knowledge of FTA regulations, public procurement standards, and fleet asset lifecycle management principles
• Proficiency in fleet management software.
• Minnesota Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with airbrake and passenger endorsements.
• Familiarity with OPW and Veeder-Root.

MVTA offers a collaborative and innovative work environment with a commitment to equity, sustainability, and community service. Even if your skill set doesn't perfectly align, we value relevant experience, passion for making a positive impact, and a keen willingness to learn!


WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT


Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions which might include but are not limited to remaining stationary for extended periods, occasional movement throughout the department, and occasional transport of objects weighing less than 10 pounds. This position requires the ability to observe and analyze details at close range and communicate to exchange accurate information with others.

Work requires regular site visits to bus garages involving potential exposure to fumes and oil/fluid spots posing fall/slip risks.

EMPLOYEE ADVANTAGES

• Healthcare: Access to medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access support services for personal and professional challenges.
• Life and Disability Coverage: Gain peace of mind with life and disability benefits, ensuring financial security for you and your loved ones.
• Deferred Compensation: Build a foundation for long-term financial security with the flexibility and control provided by our deferred compensation plan.
• Retirement: MN PERA is a government pension program; employer and employee contributions are mandatory.
• Paid Time Off: Achieve work-life balance with paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Investing in Your Growth: We invest in your professional development through a variety of continuous learning opportunities and programs.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

MVTA believes in providing equal employment opportunities. MVTA will not violate any law prohibiting discrimination for or against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, pregnancy, familiar status, disability (including those related to pregnancy or childbirth), membership or non-membership in a labor organization, sexual orientation, gender identify, status regarding public assistance, genetic information, complaining in good faith to MVTA or public authority, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation. Applicants and employees will be evaluated solely based on their conduct, their compliance with MVTA's policies, practices, and legitimate expectations, and their performance and experience.