About the Role Under the administrative direction of the Transportation Manager performs a wide variety of considerably complex duties coordinating and managing the daily operations of the District’s fixed-route transit services. Responsible for leading transit operators, Operations Supervisors, and other Transportation department staff.
How You Will Make an Impact
Assist the Transportation Manager with ensuring the optimal performance of service delivery through effective workforce utilization, and performance management. Perform periodic field checks to investigate and solve operational problems.
Collaborate with the Transportation Manager in leading daily transportation operations and ensuring optimal performance objectives. Responsible for guiding the workforce in the efficient and cost-effective delivery of service and ensuring the achievement of District performance goals.
Support the Transportation Manager with managing grievance administration, analysis, and resolution of accidents and incident reports, customer complaints, on-the-job injuries, and requests for leaves.
Responsible for monitoring employee performance indicators to aid in the development of strategies that ensure Transportation Department personnel receive the appropriate support, training, recognition, or personal attention necessary for them to perform successfully.
Model and hold Transportation department personnel accountable for exemplary customer service, optimal operational performance, and continuous productivity improvements; oversee day-to-day activities of operators and supervisors.
Serve on or provide departmental support to a variety of committees, task forces, and advisory groups as necessary.
Administer District policies and procedures to ensure the Transportation Department is in alignment with, strategic goals and labor contract.
Plan and coordinate service requirements for special events.
Participate in the District’s safety, security, and risk management programs.
Provide assistance and support to the Transportation Manager as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.
What You Will Need to Be Successful in this Role
Solid knowledge base of the principles and practices of leadership, progressive management, customer service, public transit operations, and related laws, ordinances, and regulations.
Able to work with customers, staff, employees, and management co-workers in developing and maintaining a responsible, goal-oriented approach to the resolution of issues and problems while maintaining confidential information.
Communicates clearly and effectively in writing and orally, including the ability to facilitate group discussions while using courtesy, tact, and good judgment and to act as a positive representative of the District
Adaptability, flexibility, and willingness to work irregular shifts, including evenings and weekends.
Work effectively in potentially stressful operational environments, where customer service and quality delivery are of paramount importance.
Considerable knowledge of accident investigation techniques.
Proven capacity to influence staff, exercise sound judgment, and execute decisions in a manner consistent with the business needs of the District.
Success in exercising judgment and initiative, applying problem-solving and analytical skills, and following through on tasks and responsibilities.
Demonstrated ability in employee and labor relations. Ability to read, interpret, and apply provisions of the collective bargaining agreements, including effective administration of the grievance process, and District Policies.
Considerable skill in operating a personal computer and using Windows-based word processing and spreadsheet applications. Ability to rapidly learn the District’s operational software applications.
Special Requirements
Valid Oregon Commercial Driver’s (Class B) driver’s license with air brake and passenger endorsements or ability to obtain within first 60 days of employment.
Clean driving record that demonstrates adherence to safety and traffic laws and regulations.
No criminal conviction which may, in the sole judgment of the District, constitute a threat to property or the safety of others.
Required Education and Experience
Associates degree in Transportation, Business or Public Administration, Management, or related field.
A minimum of three years of supervisory experience
Experience in fixed-route operations or paratransit operations preferred
Basic skills with Word, Excel, databases, and other software applications
OR
Satisfactory equivalent combination of related experience and training which provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills.
Working Conditions
Duties are performed both in the office and in the field. On occasion, the incumbent could be outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Must travel occasionally to attend meetings and conferences or to investigate operational matters.
At Cherriots, we connect people with places through safe, friendly, and reliable public transportation services. We are a public agency providing bus service over a 76 square mile area in Salem, Keizer, and the mid-Willamette Valley.
Voters approved the formation of the Salem Area Mass Transit District at the November 6, 1979 general election. That's still our legal name, but now we use the name Cherriots for all our transportation services. This operating name originated in 1966 when the City of Salem operated the transit system. It reflects Salem’s Cherry City nickname and a play on the word “chariots.”
Local property taxes, as well as state and federal money, provide funding for our transit agency. With those funds, we provide local bus service in Salem and Keizer, as well as regional express service to towns in Marion and Polk counties.
Our Cherriots Local fleet consists of 64 buses, which are 35 and 40 feet long. Our Cherriots Regional fleet has a dozen buses. We also operate Cherriots LIFT, a paratransit service for those who can’t safely and independently use our regular bus service.
Thanks to the passage of House Bill 2017, we've rolled out the largest service e...xpansion in our history. State funding from HB 2017 has helped restore services lost to deep budget cuts in 2009. Starting in September 2019, we restored Saturday bus service, extended weekday hours until 11 p.m. on many routes, and added Cherriots Regional weekday trips. In September 2021, we added Sunday service for the first time in our history!
Our Vision
We deliver valued mobility options that inspire community pride.
Our Mission
Creating Community Connections.
Our Values
Communication - I promote an open, respectful dialogue with our customers, community partners, and teammates.
Humility - I will serve others with compassion and empathy.
Excellence - I will deliver a world-class customer experience.
Respect - I will honor our team and community with my words, actions, and behaviors.
Resourceful - I will adapt to find efficient and innovative ways to overcome challenges and be willing to take initiative to achieve success.
Inclusive - I recognize and honor diversity and will act with integrity, promoting decisions and actions that are equitable and align with being an inclusive agency.
Ownership - I am empowered to take actions that contribute to good stewardship and community trust.
Transparency - I invite trust by fostering honesty and credibility in the eyes of others.
Safety - I own my role in ensuring Cherriots provides a safe, clean, and secure experience.