Career Center

Under general direction from the Executive Director, the Director of Transit Operations is responsible for providing a safe and efficient transportation system by directing YoloTD’s transit operations department. The work requires knowledge of specialized areas of transit operations policies, practices and regulations, as well as supervisory techniques, policies and procedures. The Director of Transit Operations also may perform the duties of the Executive Director during their absence.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This position is YoloTD’s lead for overseeing the transit operations contract and ensuring safe, reliable and compliant operations for bus, ADA paratransit, and microtransit operations.  This is an at-will position in accordance with the Personnel Policies.

Supervision Received and Exercised
The Director for Transit Operations reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for the direct and/or indirect supervision and management of all transit operations staff. This includes both YoloTD employees and oversight for contractor employees.  Further, this position is a vital member of the executive staff team where they contribute to agency-wide priorities and initiatives. 

Working Conditions
Normal working conditions for this position are in an office and field setting, with the option to work remotely up to two days per week. Business travel may be required between District sites, governmental agencies and other locations as required.  

Essential Duties
Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides leadership and direction to the transit operations department by setting priorities, developing workplans and budgets, and monitoring performance.
• Oversees YoloTD’s fixed-route, ADA paratransit, microtransit and specialized services operations and maintenance contracts.
• Monitors transit service and identifies opportunities for improvements/efficiencies; develops and implements change initiatives.
• Recruits, supervises, trains and mentors professional staff, in accordance with YoloTD policy including establishing professional standards for work quality, quantity, performance, and accountability.
• Serves on the executive staff team, contributing to agency-wide priorities and initiatives.
• Prepares for and participates in regulatory agency audits and collaborates with the finance team on National Transit Database (NTD) reporting.
• Monitors performance measures and enforces accountability, including the utilization of all available technology and data systems that provide or otherwise support operational results.
• Maintains the highest standards in safety for Yolobus passengers, operators and the public. Ensures safety training performed by contract transit operator is effective, consistent and responsive.
• Oversees the management of incidents and claims made against YoloTD transit service. Reviews safety[1]related claims and coordinates with safety staff, outside counsel and claims adjusters to assess and respond to incidents.
• Coordinates with the Planning team to plan and implement service changes.
• Oversees the selection and management of consultants who perform tasks and functions related to transit operations.
• Oversees management and state of good repair for YoloTD’s fleet of transit vehicles, as well as other transit assets including maintenance equipment and facilities, fueling and charging equipment, and bus shelters and signage.
• In coordination with the Finance team, oversees contracting and procurement for transit operations, vehicle purchase and maintenance in accordance with adopted procurement procedures.

Other Duties

• Maintains current awareness of industry trends and best practices that may impact YoloTD transit operations.
• Prepares, reviews, and approves correspondence and reports.
• Develop and lead presentations to YoloTD Board of Directors, advisory committees and/or other entities/individuals on issues related to transit operations.
• Works with neighboring/overlapping transit providers (primarily Unitrans, SacRT, and Capitol Corridor JPA) and regional planning agencies (SACOG), to coordinate services at key transfer points and enhance regional connectivity.
• Serves as Executive Director during his/her absence and represents the Executive Director as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation/Logistics, Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years’ prior directly relevant experience in a public transportation system which includes operations, and management, and 3 years’ minimum supervisory experience.
• Experience as a manager in a major functional transportation area, or as an Assistant General Manager or Operations Manager of a smaller transportation organization is highly desirable. A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position may be considered.

Knowledge of

• Federal, state and local regulations and reporting requirements regarding the provision of fixed route and ADA paratransit service.
• Contract Management oversight experience.
• Principles of transit scheduling and service changes.
• Safety and security regulations and procedures for transit agencies.
• Policies, regulations and guidelines governing public agency procurement.
• Knowledge of transit scheduling methods, including scheduling software.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret maps, schedules, plans, datasets (including spatial datasets), spreadsheets, and related documents.
• Principles and practices of administration and organizational management, supervision, and budget development and monitoring.

Ability to

• Create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication and teambuilding skills, including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public around sensitive issues.
• Demonstrate strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills; ability to gather, organize, analyze, and present facts and data to appropriate sources.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to prepare and deliver clear and concise reports.
• Manage and maintain simultaneous, transitional, and emerging priorities.
• Respond to system emergencies and system problems both during and outside of regular business hours.
• Demonstrate a desire to learn and grow professionally. Certificates/Licenses Possess and maintain a California driver’s license, Class C, and a satisfactory driving record for the last five years.

Physical Requirements 
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
The employee must possess the ability to use the phone and computer for extended periods, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions and work with office equipment, and lift equipment up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.  The employee must be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information.  The employee must be able to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions.  The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals.  The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.

Machines / Tools / Equipment

• Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.

• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a copy/scan machine and telephone.
• Ability to carry and operate a smartphone on-call device.