Hood River County Transportation District which does business as Columbia Area Transit (CAT) provides Fixed-Route and Dial-a-Ride public transportation services within Hood River County and between the communities of the Columbia River Gorge and Portland. This is a small team-oriented transit agency where it is important that all team members collaborate and work cohesively to grow operations and increase ridership.
The Operations Manager plays a key role in the agency’s overall success by managing, supervising, and coordinating transit activities and agency operations under the general direction of the Executive Director. This position manages and is responsible for the professional development of Field Supervisors, Dispatchers and Drivers. Ensuring that CAT adheres to established federal, state, and local safety, training, and operational policies and procedures. Overseeing maintenance, upkeep, and repair of vehicles and facilities; and partnering with contractors, outside agencies, and the public to complete assigned activities.
In conjunction with the Executive Director and the Planning and Development Manager the Operations Manager ensures operational excellence and advocates public transit in a rural setting.
Reports to: Executive Director
Manages: Field supervisors, Drivers and Dispatchers
Representative Duties: The following duties are typical for this classification. Operations Manager may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
Operations Management
1. Coordinate the organization, staffing, and operational activities for the Operations Department.
2. Develop and implement agency goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and priorities.
3. Effectively lead team to deliver efficient, safe, and reliable services.
4. Establish schedules, create routes, and identify resources needed to meet operational objectives.
5. Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws safety and operational policies, procedures, and regulations.
6. Work with the Executive Director and Planning and Development Manager to coordinate with state and public agencies, community, social service agencies, transportation regulation agencies, vendors, and others to complete agency projects.
7. Track operational data and prepare information for reports, audits, and inspections by federal and state officials.
8. Oversee agency’s safety programs including but not limited to managing the Safety Committee, fleet and building maintenance programs, and developing appropriate operational modifications required during weather, public safety, or other emergency situations.
9. Manage monthly operational expenses and assist in the creation of the annual budget.
10. Respond to emergency situations during and after normal business hours to resolve immediate safety concerns. Implement agency emergency policies and ensure there is on call personal available to manage a situation as needed with clear policies to follow.
11. Cover dispatch operations and drive routes as needed.
12. Maintains regular hours and availability for staff concerns and needs.
13. Track, code, and submit invoices and billing to accountants.
Staff Management
1. Work with Field Supervisors to coordinate and review transit operation services and activities. Partner with staff to create and implement solutions for operational issues.
2. Select, train, motivate, and evaluate direct report personnel. Coordinate initial and ongoing staff training. Work with employees to correct deficiencies, and in accordance to agency policies implement discipline and termination procedures.
3. Provide ongoing training for staff in adherence to agency policies and procedures and the applicable federal and state laws appropriate to public transportation.
4. Manage employee and labor relations for the agency. Participate in the effective resolution of differences between management and labor including proper guidance, discipline, and investigation of customer complaints. Ensure accurate and complete driving record files are maintained appropriately.
5. Assign staff for necessary service delivery, monitor hours worked, over-time, attendance, leave, return to work. Work with Executive Director to ensure appropriate and adequate Field Supervisor, Driver & Dispatch staffing within budget limits.
6. Work with the Accountant to process timesheets and submit payroll. Review payroll with Executive Director before submittal.
Fleet Management
1. Manage the District’s vehicle fleet by ensuring all vehicles are maintained in accordance with the vehicle maintenance policy. Assist in the preparation of technical specifications for vehicle procurement; and provide policy guidance to the Director on fleet issues or concerns.
2. Maintain vehicle records to FTA Standards and provide vehicle and ridership information for State and Federal reporting.
Facilities/ IT
1. Manage operating and software systems for all staff. Reset passwords, train staff to use systems, and provide general IT support as needed.
2. Maintain and manage radios, fire, security, phone, camera systems, and general facility maintenance. Monitor and service network(s) and internal LAN.
3. Research and advise on purchase of new software and hardware.
4. Manage cleaning, vehicle, computer, and office supplies as needed.
5. Ensure Driver tablets are up to date, tracked and in good operating order.
Qualifications:
1. Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation Management, Planning, Business, Engineering, Public Administration, Human Resources Administration or related field – Candidate with master’s degree preferred.
2. A minimum of 6 years of management, with at least (2) two years of supervisory management and operations management experience in a transportation, service, or other related industry. Candidate with public transit experience preferred.
3. Intermediate skills with Word, Excel, Outlook, database applications and other software applications required – experience with Ecolane or other dispatch software preferred.
4. Must possess valid Class C drivers’ license and be able to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License, with passenger endorsement and without airbrake restriction – preferred candidate with existing CDL.
5. Must satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position.
6. Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.
7. Maintains punctual, regular, and predictable attendance.
8. Must be able to pass pre-employment drug test and comply with the District’s Drug and Alcohol Policy as this is a safety sensitive position.