Manager of Transportation

Transit Operations Manager

Join the team that keeps the Tri-Cities moving!

OUR MISSION

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) provides exceptional and cost-effective transportation services that consistently exceed customer expectations while promoting the principles and practices of livable communities and sustainable development.

OUR VALUES

We value customer service, collaboration, diversity, fiscal accountability, innovation, sustainability and safety. Employees and representatives of BFT are expected to uphold our values and mission.

NATURE OF POSITION

Manage the daily activities of coach operators. Ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, and regulations related to public transit operations, agency policies, and relevant collective bargaining agreements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, assign and supervise the work of staff to enhance quality of services; participate in the interviewing of candidates; train, monitor and evaluate performance; take corrective action as needed.
• Monitor daily operations to ensure adequate staffing, inventory, and vehicle availability.
• Manage and develop fixed route schedules (runcutting) before and after shake ups; adhere to all applicable collective bargaining agreements and required service guarantees.
• Maintain service and public safety; respond to concerns about safety, service interruptions, or delays.
• Coordinate, administer, and review projects; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Participate in the preparation of the annual operating budget; forecast for funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, supplies, and training; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as required.
• Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs.
• Investigate and address passenger complaints regarding schedules, timeliness of service, missed stops and other services; resolve within operational guidelines.
• Act as secondary on-site investigator to protect accident scene, take photos, collect statements, and gather information; work with appropriate emergency services ensuring public and passenger safety at accident scene.
• Interview all appropriate parties and witnesses at accident/incident scene; document the scene; prepare and review accident documentation; provide recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements; attend collective bargaining negotiations and grievance related meetings, as necessary.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data; provide required reports, including ridership, operating statistics, key performance indicators (KPI), National Transit Database (NTD), Triennial Review and other reports as needed.
• Foster and facilitate operations safety efforts and programs.
• Ensure compliance with Agency policies and procedures, Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations related to public transit operations, including ADA.
• Participate in various Agency meetings and committees; collaborate with internal departments and external groups; prepare written reports, correspondence and other documentation as needed.
• Work with and maintain confidential information.
• Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local laws, rules and regulations governing the delivery of transit and paratransit services, including ADA.
• Principles and practices of public transportation system operations and paratransit programs, including safety programs.
• Principles and methods of supervision, training, and employee development.
• Basic understanding of labor relations principles and procedures to supervise, train, evaluate, and motivate staff in a union environment.
• Comprehend various kinds of disabilities, their related functional abilities and accommodation tools based on ADA regulations.
• Ability to use various transit run cutting software for fixed route schedule development.
• Procedures and techniques for investigating and resolving conflicts.
• Familiar with the geography, major transit routes, and landmarks of Benton and Franklin Counties.
• Read schedules, paper/electronic maps and comprehend directions of travel; write clear, concise reports, and documentation.
• React quickly and calmly in emergency situations and adopt an effective course of action within established guidelines.
• Identify problem areas; develop and recommend effective courses of action.
• Prioritize diverse assignments and conflicting demands.
• Excellent customer service techniques used to establish, maintain, and foster positive working relationships with those encountered during work.
• Learn new technologies, policies, procedures, and guidelines established by professional organizations and/or governing agencies.
• Utilize office equipment and other relevant technology (software and systems) to meet business needs.
• Understand, follow, and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work as a team member and independently; effectively apply organizational and time management skills; meet deadlines and comply with Agency policies.
• Exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Focus on tasks and recall details; handle frequent interruptions.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Collaboration: Shares time and knowledge with others; adjusts priorities as circumstances dictate; follows through on commitments, accepts responsibility for actions, resolves interpersonal conflicts constructively.
• Diversity: Demonstrates an awareness and respect of cultural and individual values. Treats all people with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
• Fiscal Accountability: Actively contributes to the productivity of the agency; demonstrates good stewardship of company time and resources; displays high standards of ethical conduct.
• Customer Service: Anticipates the needs of internal and external customers; delivers quality work products and services within expected timeframes. Considers and responds appropriately to people in various situations.
• Innovation: Considers new approaches to situations; encourages ideas and improvements.
• Sustainability: Actively encourages environmental benefits and the conservation of natural resources.
• Safety: Adheres to safety related laws, regulations, standards, and practices; performs work in a safe manner; encourages and supports others to be safe while at work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field from an accredited institution, three-years of progressive responsibility in related filed and management level experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must possess a valid driver's license.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must obtain and maintain the following licenses and certifications for continued employment at BFT:

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with passenger endorsement and no air brake restriction, with corresponding medical certification, or ability to obtain within 180-days of employment.
• Basic First Aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain within 180-days of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree in Transportation, Public Administration, or related field from an accredited institution, and five-years of related experience, including working with unions and in a public transit environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Generally sedentary in nature; occasionally stand and walk; intermittently kneel, stoop, bend, and twist at the waist, and reach overhead; sit for long periods of time. Rarely kneel, crouch, or crawl. Occasionally lift, push/pull, or carry up to 40 pounds. Good vision to read print and computer screen. Hear and speak to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to include repetitive keyboarding, grasping, and reaching to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and/or standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is primarily performed in an office environment where noise, frequent interruptions and lack of private workspace may be present. Occasional work may be performed in outside environment with exposure to traffic, dust, road noise, exhaust fumes and extremes of temperature. May by called upon to perform or assist in emergency care or first aid with potential exposure of bloodborne pathogens. Must wear personal protection equipment when necessary. Operate a motor vehicle.

If you want to give back to the community, consider hopping onboard the team that's going places!

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. It is BFT's policy to employ, train, promote, compensate, and provide conditions of employment without regard to a person's race, color, sex, disability, religion, national origin, age, veteran's status, citizenship, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Drug-Free Workplace Policy

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) is a drug-