Portales Area Transit Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

THE CITY OF PORTALES, NEW MEXICO
POSITION POSTING #2026-22
Job Posting / Position Description

  Position: Portales Area Transit Coordinator Department: Community Services – Portales Area Transit (PAT) Status: Non-Exempt / Safety Sensitive (subject to FTA Drug & Alcohol testing) Reports To: Community Services Director Hours: Regular – Up to 40 hours per week (schedule driven by service demand; may include evenings/weekends) Salary: $24,480 annually (approximately $11.77/hour) Funding: Primarily supported through federal grants (Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility with 70% in-kind match) and City of Portales general funds.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This is a term position not to exceed six (6) months , subject to continuation based on funding availability and operational needs. Under the direction of the Community Services Director, the Portales Area Transit Coordinator directs all daily operations of the Portales Area Transit (PAT) demand-response system. This role ensures safe, reliable, curb-to-curb, ADA-accessible transportation services primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities within the City of Portales and it’s 5-mile service area.
The Coordinator is responsible for scheduling, dispatch, compliance with all FTA and NMDOT requirements (including BlackCat reporting, Drug & Alcohol, DBE, Buy America, and NTD), personnel supervision, budgeting, grant management support, and marketing.
Approximately 70% of the Coordinator’s time and compensation will be allocated as in-kind local match for the Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility grant. The incumbent may apply for a regular full-time Transit Coordinator position if one becomes available in the future.
70% of the Coordinator’s time (and associated salary/fringe) will be allocated as in-kind local match for the Section 5310 program. The remaining 30% will be funded by City general funds.
TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Operations & Dispatch
   • Schedule and dispatch demand-response, curb-to-curb trips.
   • MANAGE DAILY OPERATIONS (TYPICALLY 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM, MONDAY–FRIDAY).
   • HANDLE RESERVATIONS, RADIO COMMUNICATIONS, AND SAME-DAY SERVICE AS AVAILABLE.
2. Personnel Management
   • Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate drivers and dispatch staff.
   • MAINTAIN TRAINING RECORDS (PASSENGER ASSISTANCE, DEFENSIVE DRIVING, CPR/FIRST AID, ETC.).
   • ENFORCE CODE OF CONDUCT, APPEARANCE STANDARDS, AND CITY PERSONNEL POLICIES.
3. Compliance & Reporting (BlackCat)
   • Submit all required reports: NTD, quarterly ridership (5310), vehicle inventory, Drug & Alcohol, DBE, etc.
   • ENSURE BUY AMERICA, ASSET MANAGEMENT, MAINTENANCE PLANS, AND ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORTING COMPLIANCE.
   • PREPARE FOR NMDOT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND COMPLIANCE SITE VISITS.
4. Budget & Finance
   • Assist with line-item budgets and tracking of 5310/operating expenditures.
   • PROCESS INVOICES, REIMBURSEMENTS, AND FARE COLLECTIONS.
5. Marketing & Outreach
   • Implement marketing plan (website, flyers, ENMU partnerships, etc.) to increase ridership, especially among seniors and disabled riders.
6. Fleet & Maintenance Oversight
   • Oversee daily pre/post-trip inspections, preventive maintenance, and vehicle inventory updates in BlackCat.
   • COORDINATE CAPITAL REQUESTS AND VEHICLE REPLACEMENTS.
7. Passenger Policies & Safety
   • Enforce passenger behavior, seat belt, and reasonable accommodation policies.
   • MAINTAIN ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURES.
8. Planning & Coordination
   • Participate in RPO/MPO coordinated planning.
   • COORDINATE WITH SENIOR CENTERS, HUMAN SERVICE AGENCIES, AND OTHER PROVIDERS.
9. Grant & MOA Support
   • Support FY27/FY28 grant applications and MOA compliance.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• High school diploma or GED required; additional education in public administration or transportation preferred.
• 1–2 years transit or dispatch experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of FTA/NMDOT regulations (especially Section 5310), BlackCat, and safety standards.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and computer skills.
• Valid New Mexico driver’s license with clean driving record; ability to obtain CDL if required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

1. Ability to work both inside and outside.
2. Ability to work in all types of weather; extreme cold temperatures, extreme heat temperatures and extreme wet/humid temperatures.
3. Ability to work with intermittent noise levels.
4. Ability to work with fumes, dust, odors and poor ventilation.
5. Operation of van transporting passengers presents unknown hazards.
6. Ability to work in multiple working surfaces; even, flat/hard, inclined/ramps, uneven, stairs, dry, wet, dust and natural ground.
7. Ability to work alone with or without directions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to lift up to twenty (20) pounds occasionally, from ground to waist level, or from ground to shoulder level.
2. Ability to sit for up to four hours at one time, and up to eight (8) hours total per day, with opportunities to change positions.
3. Ability to climb in and out of van multiple times during day.
4. Ability to stand or walk up to four (4) hours at a time, and up to eight (8) hours total per day.
5. Ability to crouch and/or kneel.
6. Ability to bend at the waist and twist or rotate if necessary.
7. Ability to work with arms bent for up to (4) four hours at a time, and up to eight (8) hours total per day.
8. Ability to grasp and manipulate such items as paperwork, telephone, writing utensils, automobile steering wheel, and other items used throughout the workday.
9. Ability to coordinate use of hands, eyes, and one or both feet in operation of automobile, as well as various office equipment.

WORK SCHEDULE:
The regular work week is up to 40 hours per week.  Schedule of hours will depend on the public’s demand for transportation.  Additional time may be required after regular hours.  Schedule to be established by Coordinator. 
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Limited travel – ability to travel for meetings and training may be required.
2. Overnight travel may be required.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must pass a background investigation including work history, criminal records, driving records and other records deemed necessary.
2. Must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug screen administered by a City-designated facility.

EMPLOYMENT & CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

1. Background check, drug screen, and DMV review.
2. Random Drug & Alcohol testing.
3. Position continuation subject to grant funding and City budgetary needs.
4. The City of Portales is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace.

I have read and understood the above position specifications for Coordinator for the Portales Area Transit.  I understand the demands and expectations of the position described and to the best of my knowledge, believe I can perform these duties.

I acknowledge and understand that this position is not a regular position with the City of Portales and shall not exceed six (6) months. This position of Portales Area Transit Coordinator is funded by the City of Portales through the general fund or other available City funds as determined by City Administration. Continuation of this position, including its scope, services, hours, benefits, eligibility, and compensation, shall be determined by City Administration based on the needs of the City and available budgeted funds. This position may be terminated, reduced, or limited in scope, services, hours, or compensation at the discretion of the City in accordance with applicable policies and budgetary authority. If eligible, benefits shall be provided based on budgeted hours and applicable City policies and restrictions. This position is not entitled to all of the same benefits available to regular City employees. This position does not have a property interest or property right in continued employment or continued compensation at the same level. The continuation and annual compensation of the Portales Area Transit Coordinator shall be determined by City Administration on an annual basis.

Applicant Signature                                                                    Date       

 

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