BUS OPERATIONS MGR
6 days ago
GRTC is deeply connected to the communities we serve, offering opportunities to shape the future of public transit through innovative service designs, major capital projects, and a growing regional network. Every day, our work powers more than 30,000 transit trips and supports mobility for people across the region. With new routes, expanded connections, and a second bus rapid transit line in development to complement the Pulse, our ITDP Bronze Medal-winning flagship system, GRTC continues to expand its role as the backbone of regional mobility. Joining GRTC means being part of a mission-driven team with the chance to make a lasting impact on how people move and connect.
SUMMARY
The Bus Operations Manager provides direct leadership of daily fixed-route transit operations to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service delivery during assigned shifts. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Transportation and working in tandem with the Senior Bus Operations Manager, this role serves as the on-duty authority responsible for supervising Transportation Supervisors, managing operator performance, and ensuring that service standards are consistently met. This role will primarily serve in a weekend capacity.
The Bus Operations Manager plays a pivotal role in shift-level execution, including incident response, personnel management, and real-time service adjustments. This position emphasizes operational command, labor relations support, and accountability for shift outcomes while maintaining a culture of safety, service excellence, and employee engagement.
This position is going to be strictly a weekend position on duty Sat/Sun with a mix of weekdays.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Shift Leadership & Operational Oversight
- Serve as the "Manger on Duty (MOD)" during the assigned shift, providing guidance and direction to Transportation Supervisors and Bus Operators.
- Monitor, coordinate, and respond to service disruptions, vehicle incidents, operator issues, and emergency situations.
- Ensure timely resolution of escalated matters and communicate critical issues to the Assistant Director or Director.
- Facilitate pre- and post-shift briefings and assist with distributing supervisory coverage tasks across the team.
- Collaborate with other Transportation Department Managers to maintain consistent leadership standards across all shifts.
- Track shift-level metrics (on-time performance, missed service, operator attendance) and take corrective action.
- Support the onboarding and continued development of new Transportation Supervisors.
- Work with the Assistant Director to deliver and reinforce role-specific training.
- Assist in the rollout, support, and adoption of technology solutions related to dispatching, scheduling, and field operations.
- Lead or support investigations of customer complaints, accidents, incidents, and operator performance issues.
- Prepare and review documentation for personnel issues, including disciplinary actions and counseling.
- Collaborate with the Union and HR to address employee concerns or enforce labor contract provisions.
- Track and document supervisor schedules, time off requests, and shift assignments.
- Coordinate with HR in ensuring up-to-date compliance with license and DOT medical certification requirements.
- Maintain records and complete operational reports regarding attendance, service performance, and road issues.
- Assists in interviewing of bus operators and supervisor or other administrative staff as required.
- Monitor Service Delivery: Observe and ensure the consistent operation of fixed-route, microtransit, and paratransit services, with emphasis on schedule adherence, safe operation, and customer service.
- Supervise Operators in the Field: Conduct road supervision, assist with detours, traffic delays, and incidents; provide direction and support to bus operators.
- Respond to Emergencies: Act as first responder to accidents, disturbances, or service interruptions, managing on-scene activity and completing required documentation.
- Communicate with Dispatch and Operators: Use CAD/AVL and radio systems to coordinate service, resolve issues, and relay service changes or detours.
- Manage Assignments and Attendance: Maintain and monitor daily operator assignments, run coverage, sick book entries, and payroll/timekeeping through software such as Hastus or similar platforms.
- Documentation and Compliance: Accurately document operator behavior, schedule deviations, and road conditions; conduct check-ins and evaluations on operator performance, safety, appearance, and adherence to policies.
- Bus Yard & Dispatch Oversight: Ensure pre-trip and pull-out processes are followed; assist operators in retrieving assignments and vehicles; respond to equipment-related issues.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Knowledge of all aspects of transit operations and safety programs.
- Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws and regulations pertaining to the transit industry.
- Knowledge of the service area geography and of types of equipment.
- Knowledge of principles of supervision, motivation, and counseling.
- Considerable knowledge of GRTC policies and procedures, rules and regulations affecting transit operation.
- Knowledge of union contract provisions, especially those affecting operators' hours and pay.
- Ability to speak clearly and concisely, to understand views and concerns of others, to operate a radio system, to solve operator problems and to take effective action in emergencies.
- Knowledge of all routes, transfers rules, fare structure, and operating procedures.
- Knowledge of labor-management relationships and effective negotiation.
- Knowledge of mechanical alarm, emergency and accident procedures and policies.
- Must display sound decision-making.
- Knowledge of the Drug & Alcohol Policy and regulations.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills required.
- Excellent interpersonal skills required.
- Bachelor's degree in transportation management, planning, logistics, or a related field. Relevant experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
- At least three (3) years of experience as a Transportation Supervisor or similar transit operations leadership role.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills.
- Experience handling field operations, emergency response, and schedule oversight.
- Proficiency in CAD/AVL, radio communications, and scheduling platforms (e.g., Hastus).
- Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger endorsement, no air brakes restriction, and valid DOT medical card (preferred or required based on agency). If out-out-state, must be able to convert license to Commonwealth of Virginia.
- Availability to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and in inclement weather conditions.
- Strong understanding of fixed-route, micro-transit, and paratransit operations.
- Familiarity with transportation technologies and systems (e.g., CAD/AVL, scheduling, dispatch tools).
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects and manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage, motivate, and train staff at all levels.
- Highly organized, proactive, and adaptable to dynamic operational needs.
- Must have strong written and verbal skills, PC proficient in Windows environment using spreadsheets and word-processing software, and prior union environment experience preferred.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- This position supports a 24/7 operation and may require occasional evening, early morning, weekend, or holiday hours based on operational needs.
- Work is performed both in an office environment and in the field, including bus lots, control centers, and transit facilities.
- Requires frequent bending and kneeling
- Requires primarily sitting.
- Must be able to safely drive and operate transit and transit related vehicles, including but not limited to passenger cars, transit vehicles, and the Mobile Command Unit.
GRTC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER WHO VALUES DIVERSITY IN THE WORKFORCE
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