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South West Transit Association

Director of Transit

JOB SUMMARRY

The incumbent, under the direction of the City Administrator, is responsible for the overall direction, supervision and operation of the transit department to develop agency growth, promote business relationships, establish policy driven initiatives and secure program compliance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Note: All City of Fort Smith positions require the employee to provide good customer service to both internal and external customers, maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees, and have regular and reliable attendance that is non-disruptive. Must show cooperation and respect to fellow employees and supervisors at all times. All other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and/or department director.

1. Promote leadership through the planning and directing of staff, administer the operations and activities of the department in accordance with City’s policies and applicable laws. Ensure the department’s services are safe, adequate and consistent for local residents.

2. Provide oversite of the department’s core modes of transportation service, such as fixed route, paratransit/demand response and a downtown circulator operated as a deviated fixed route.

3. Perform strategic planning and financial oversite to maintain stability and to seek long term sustainable funding that would promote new and improved transportation services in the local area.

4. Coordinate with other City department leaders to establish seamless city services with a unified approach.

5. Foster business relationships with local, regional, state and federal departments and leaders to maintain connections on a first name basis.

6. Serve as a resource and subject matter expert on public transportation to outside entities to help promote the department’s local services.

7. Assist in regional transportation planning and development. Participate on the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) policy board (when applicable).

8. Support and participate in the key initiatives of the Arkansas Transit Association (ATA), Southwest Transit Association (SWTA) and Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA).

9. Serve as Program Manager for the department’s DOT Drug and Alcohol - Substance Abuse Prevention Program.

10. Provide oversite of grant activities pertaining to Urbanized Area Transit Formula Program 49 U.S.C. Section 5307 and Bus and Bus Facilities Formula Program 49 U.S.C. Section 5339.

11. Manage the Certifications and Assurances requirements in approximately twenty (20) areas pertaining to 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 and perform reporting associated with Section 5307 and 5339 funding and other federal programs as appropriate.

12. Perform technical training in subject areas such as Americans with Disabilities Act, Maintenance, Driver Services, Charters, Financial, Procurement and Reporting.

13. Assess incidents, complaints, etc. (e.g., safety issues, transportation routes, legal issues, department staffing, etc.) for the purpose of resolving or recommending a resolution to address situations in need, including Title VI and/or Americans with Disabilities Act concerns.

14. Respond, as needed, to emergency situations during and after standard hours for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns.

15. Serve as the department’s liaison for new construction or renovation to ensure safety, oversite and satisfactory continuing control.

16. Serve as the Accountable Executive for the department’s Transit Asset Management Plan and Public Transit Agency Safety Plan.

17. Assign work activities while evaluating and monitoring workflow to ensure adherence to federal grant requirements.

18. Attend local Board meetings, provide presentations on transit related items and assist in City staff meeting discussions.

19. Facilitate Transit Advisory Commission meetings and work with Transit Commissioners on outreach programs and events.

20. Oversee the development, monitoring and reporting of budget allocations, expenditures, fund balances, and related financial activities for the purpose of ensuring that allocations are accurate, revenues are recorded, expenses are within budget and fiscal practices are followed.

21. Provide high quality services to all riders while focusing on continuity and consistency to minimize service disruptions.

22. Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises the Program Specialist (Administration), Program Specialist (Operations), Driver Supervisor and Maintenance Supervisor. Indirectly supervises all other transit employees within the department. Carries out supervisor responsibilities in accordance with the organizations policies and applicable laws.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, the 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation, Finance, Business Administration, Management or related field, or equivalent education, training, and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.
  • Ten (10) years of work experience; or equivalent experience in transit management.
  • Possess a valid Drive’s License
  • Previous experience in working with the Department of Transportation, performing federal grants management and government practices.
  • Five (5) years of previous experience managing employees or equivalent education, training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s Degree in Transportation, Finance, Business Administration, Management or related field.
  • Fifteen (15) years of experience in transit management.
  • Seven (7) years of previous experience managing employees or equivalent education, training, and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • The incumbent should possess proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including Word, Excel, Outlook and computerized accounting programs.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also required with the ability to develop effective working relationships and administer personnel policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of pertinent transportation laws, codes, policies and/or regulations, personnel processes and standard business practices.
  • Must be a self-starter, trustworthy, have excellent organizational skills, and can work with minimal supervision.
  • Must be able to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups.
  • Problem solving and analytical ability are required to perform the duties of this position.
  • Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances.
  • A high level of accuracy is required to perform the duties of this position.
  • Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans.
  • Ability to direct, supervise and communicate with people in ways that promote individual motivation and overall productivity is necessary.
  • The incumbent should have knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and equipment.

POSITION DESIGNATIONS

This position is designated as essential during inclement weather events. City services will be maintained during inclement weather, such as heavy snow or ice storms and all essential employees are expected to report to work due to the critical functions of the position. This position is able to work remotely. (Based on need and supervisory approval)

This position does have potential to drive as part of their regular duties.

This position is designated as a safety/security sensitive position and is subject to random DOT drug and alcohol screenings and/or non-DOT drug and alcohol screenings (a safety/security sensitive position is one in which momentary lapse is attention may result in injury or death of another person).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Semi-repetitive type work that requires periods of concentration for varies time cycles as prescribed by the task(s). While performing the duties of this job, the employee must occasionally stand, walk talk and hear. Occasionally sit, use hands to handle objects, and reach with hands and arms. The incumbent must also stoop, kneel and crouch. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, color and distance vision. The ability to adjust focus and depth perception is also required.

The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Normal working conditions found within an office setting, wherein there is controlled temperature and a low to moderate noise level, plus minimum of distractions. While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions, wet/humid conditions (non-weather), toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes or airborne particles.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can occasionally be loud.

Up to 10% travel may be required for this position.

EMPLOYMENT SCREENINGS

This position requires the below screenings prior to employment:

  • Criminal History Background Check
  • Motor Vehicle Records Check
  • Post-Offer Drug/Alcohol Screen

**This job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee and/or applicant. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice**

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