Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Chief Operating Officer

Salary Depending on Qualifications

Under administrative direction from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Operating Officer is responsible for providing a safe and efficient public transportation system by planning, organizing, and directing RTDs Operations Division. The Chief Operating Officer may assume responsibility for other assigned departments; and perform required duties as assigned. This is an at-will executive management position and serves at the discretion of the CEO.

The Chief Operating Officer is RTDs point person for the transit system responsible for all programs and activities required for the delivery of safe, clean, and reliable transportation services to communities and customers within Stockton Metropolitan Area, San Joaquin County regional and other interregional areas. Through collaborative management, the Chief Operating Officer is responsible for directing all RTD transit operations including the Transportation, Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance, Planning Service Development, On-demand Micro-transit and Paratransit Services The Chief Operating Officer impacts RTDs organizational success by providing management oversight of the day-to-day transit functions; advising, developing, and guiding short and long-term decisions/goals regarding the provision of public transportation with insight into operational/functional impacts. Within areas of accountability, the Chief Operating Officer operates with substantial latitude and discretion to effectively manage the operating resources and capital assets while providing efficient transit services in the Stockton Metropolitan Area, San Joaquin County regional and other interregional areas; ensuring that public transportation is maintained as a core business function of RTD and that key business functions are aligned to support those operations consistent with RTDs strategic plan of service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations.

1. Provides executive-level operational oversight and direction: develops and monitors objectives, policy and procedure for the Divisions; plans, organizes, directs, integrates, and evaluates the work of assigned departments to ensure operations and services comply with the policies and strategic direction set by the Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, and all applicable laws and regulations; participates in formulation of RTD's strategic plan and other long-range business, facilities, and resource plans; exercises leadership in achieving a collaborative working environment between all intra-agency departments; monitors performance measures and enforces accountability to achieve optimal organizational efficiency and effectiveness, including initiatives to improve work processes and enhance systems and staff performance; under direction by the CEO, resolves operational issues with the RTD Board of Directors, staff, elected and public officials, riders, the general public and special interest constituencies;
2. With assigned department heads, implements and monitors short and long-term plans focused on achieving community focused transportation services through RTD's mission, vision, strategic goals, initiatives, and core values and Board priorities; directs development of assigned department operating and capital improvement budgets; monitors implementation of adopted budgets; exercises executive responsibility for achieving business, operational, and/or program results and outcomes; through integrating, harmonizing, and prioritizing resources, as well as processes and results of assigned departments.
3. In accordance with RTD's human resources policies, procedures, and labor contract provisions, plans and evaluates the performance of staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; identifies and recommends developmental training venues; monitors performance and provides coaching and counseling for performance improvement and development; provides or recommends compensation or other rewards to recognize performance; subject to senior management concurrence; takes disciplinary action up to and including termination to address performance deficiencies in professional standards, work quality, quantity, performance, and accountability;
4. Establishes and maintains an effective system of communication throughout the Divisions; provides leadership and works with assigned department heads to develop and retain highly competent, customer service-oriented staff through selection, training, counseling, and day-to-day management practices that support RTD's mission, vision, strategic goals, initiatives, and core values.
5. Participates in assessing regional, industry, service area, community, and customer needs and ensures department objectives and priorities are focused on meeting those needs effectively, efficiently, and with high quality service; directs development and implementation of departmental initiatives to achieve optimal organizational performance.
6. Advises the Chief Executive Officer regarding policy issues, programs, and projects to meet system operating and development needs in a manner that most appropriately supports business, economic, and community development in the San Joaquin County area; advises and assists the Chief Executive Officer in identifying, articulating, and implementing policies, programs, and projects.
7. Interprets Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, and Board of Director instructions and requests; makes interpretations of RTD rules, policies, and applicable laws and regulations to ensure compliance within assigned areas of accountability.
8. Participates in the analysis of proposed legislation and regulation; participates in industry and intergovernmental activities to influence legislative and regulatory change consistent with RTD's interests and needs; represents RTD as requested or assigned in dealings with local, state and federal governmental agencies, industry and professional organizations, elected officials from all levels of government and business and community leaders; may represent RTD in dealings with the media on difficult, sensitive, and high visibility issues and situations.
9. With assigned department heads, provides guidance of contract management and oversight of the provision of Paratransit service and On-demand Micro-transit services; directs and evaluates RTD's transportation services, delivered through fixed route, intercity, interregional, services operating from multiple RTD facilities; monitors system-wide performance and directs changes to improve service performance, coverage, and cost effectiveness.
10. With assigned department heads, directs and evaluates maintenance and repair services for all buses and vehicles, including the formulation and implementation of predictive and preventive maintenance programs and activities for Maintenance and Falilites Maintenance; oversees development of Transit Asset Management plan for the purchase and replacement of buses, vehicles, and other building equipment, ensuring compliance with Federal Transportation Administration guidelines and all applicable state and federal safety requirements.
11. Monitors the external environment and developments related to public transit; Maintains current awareness of potential, pending, and current legislation; presents issues and challenges for executive management and Board consideration; participates in developing and implementing strategies to mitigate impacts on RTD operations and programs.
12. With assigned department heads, ensures staff conformance with RTD rules and regulations, including the Drug and Alcohol Policy, as well provisions of labor contracts and agreements; oversees the resolution of employee concerns and grievances; interprets labor contract provisions to managers and staff; conducts hearings and makes recommendations or determinations on discipline as required.
13. Represents RTD in interactions and cooperative arrangements with other local, regional, state and federal government agencies boards, commissions and conferences regarding transportation programs and services.
14. Remains on-call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to respond to unusual or sensitive incidents or accidents involving RTD's fleets.
15. Assists the Chief Executive Officer in negotiating and administering labor agreements.
16. With other members of management and staff, prepares comprehensive requests for special and/or grant funding from local, state and federal agencies; works closely with representatives of other governmental agencies to obtain agreement on funding for transit plans.
17. Participates in staff recruitment; Ensures compliance with RTD policies and procedures regarding equal employment opportunity, discrimination and harassment prevention.
18. Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

1. Federal, state and local regulations regarding the provision of public transportation bus, micro-transit, and paratransit service.
2. Principles, practices, and techniques for planning, operating, and maintaining a public transit system; particularly as required to optimize service performance and cost effectiveness.
3. Theory, principles, practices, and techniques of organization design and development, administration, public financing, fiscal, and personal management, and long-range planning as they apply to a public transit agency.
4. Basic principles, practices, and techniques involved in the construction, maintenance, planning, and operation of public transit systems.
5. Local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and court decisions applicable to the operation and maintenance of public transit buses and vehicles.
6. RTD functions and associated management, financial, and public policy issues.
7. Principles and practices of public administration, including budget development and monitoring.
8. Policies, regulations, and guidelines governing public agency procurement; contracting, and maintenance of public records.
9. Safety and security regulations and procedures for transit properties.
10. Organization and functions of an elected board of directors, laws and regulations governing public meetings.
11. Social, political, and environmental issues influencing program or project development and implementation.
12. Research methods and analysis techniques.
13. Principles and