Transit Operations Manager

Transit Operations Manager

Salary

$94,306.90 Annually

Location

Transit Avon Street Extended, 1545 Avon Street Ext, Charlottesville (22902), VA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

260600005-1

Department

Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT)

Division

Transit Operations

Opening Date

06/22/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

Bargaining Unit

N/A

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Summary

This Transit Operations Manager performs complex technical and administrative work supervising the daily operation, regulation, compliance, and long-term planning of Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) within the Operations Division. Work is performed under limited supervision and reports to the Assistant Director of Transit Operations.

Anticipated Work Schedule: The anticipated work schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday, 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This position is also subject to emergency call-back and may be required to work outside of normal business hours to provide essential services to the public. Work schedule is subject to change based on operational need.

The hiring amount for this position is $94,306.90 Annually. This is a full-time, exempt position that offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, vacation and sick leave, health insurance with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities. This position is also eligible for the following benefits:

• Choice of retirement plan:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5-year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary.

• Defined Contribution 401a Plan: Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required.

• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

• Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan

The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please refer to the "Benefits" tab within this posting or visit the City's Employee Benefits webpage.

Note: This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of "Continuous." If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified. Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment with candidates who are best qualified. This job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Plans, manages, monitors, schedules, and directs work performance of staff, making final decisions on hiring, disciplinary actions, performance evaluations, setting program/work objectives and realigning work and staffing as needed in accordance with established personnel policies and procedures.
• Supervises, coaches, trains, motivates, assigns work activities, evaluates performance, and overall management of subordinate staff; interviews, selects, and administers disciplinary action to subordinate employees, in accordance with established personnel policy and procedures. Establishing professional standards for work quality, quantity, performance, and accountability.
• Monitors employee performance and compliance with safety standards by reviewing time records, GPS data, bus and facility video footage, direct observation, and communication with staff to ensure duties are performed safely and efficiently.
• Ensures operators meet uniform and equipment standards, and hold appropriate licensing, training, and certifications.
• Manages, enforces, develops, and implements written policies and procedures.
• Ensures daily service needs are met, including re-assignment of personnel, re-routing of vehicles, and dispatching additional drivers/vehicles as needed.
• Collects, tracks, and analyzes operational data (e.g., mileage, ridership, driver/bus hours, financial reports, etc.) compiles reports for performance monitoring, cost analysis, and forecasting, including required submissions to state and local systems.
• Communicates with operators, other supervisors, and dispatch via two-way radio or phone to report traffic conditions, vehicle issues, or passenger/stakeholder concerns.
• Develops, evaluates, recommends, and implements routes, schedules, and service plans, including adjustments for service interruptions, school closures/delays, inclement weather, or emergencies.
• Monitors and addresses service challenges by reviewing daily schedules, route timings, driver feedback, and collaborating with external stakeholders to recommend necessary adjustments.
• Plans and coordinates special transportation needs, such as field trips, athletic trips, and charter services, ensuring alignment with safety and operational goals.
• Resolves issues with all stakeholders concerning employee performance and division operations.
• Interprets and recommends actions required to implement and enforce federal, state, and city policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Assists in the preparation, control, and monitoring of division budget and makes recommendations on budgetary needs.
• Assists subordinate supervisors in developing and conducting pre-service and in-service training.
• Identifies potential safety hazards and reviews preventable accidents/incidents to provide feedback for drivers to be incorporated into daily operations, procedures, and training.
• Responds to bus accidents/incidents, following established procedures and completing post-accident investigations and documentation.
• Enforces departmental safety and work procedures and provides on-going employee training in City policies, safety procedures, including job safety, state required materials, local safety guidelines, and the recognition and elimination of hazards.
• Performs all requirements and has knowledge of Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration requirements for transit bus operation and VA State School Bus requirements.
• Maintains office technology by coordinating or implementing new software and updates, assisting employees with day-to-day technical issues, and supporting skill development to ensure effective use of systems.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment.
• Assists in setting strategic priorities and monitors attainment of goals for assigned division.
• Supports departmental goal to provide dependable, efficient, and safe transportation service.
• Operates a City vehicle in performance of job duties.
• Subject to being called back to work to the City in emergencies or as needed to provide necessary services to the public. Must have the ability to be contacted and respond based on Departmental guidelines.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools, and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

Other Duties

• May support ADA compliance by monitoring stops, stations, and transfer locations to ensure they meet federal, state, and local accessibility standards.
• May coordinate with the City's ADA Coordinator to address service delivery complaints and implement necessary changes.
• May ensure division supervisors are trained to recognize ADA-related system deficiencies and take appropriate action to maintain compliance.
• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Education, Experience and Skills

Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public, business, or transportation administration AND three (3) years of responsible supervisory or management experience in public transit operations or a closely related field.

OR

• Associate's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public, business, or transportation administration AND five (5) years of responsible supervisory or management experience in public transit operations or a closely related field.

OR

• High School diploma or GED AND seven (7) years of responsible supervisory or management experience in public transit operations or a closely related field.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:

• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check, pre-employment drug screen (Virginia Department of Transportation), pre-employment physical, and a pre-employment DMV driving record review.
• Possession of a valid appropriate driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia or ability to obtain one by employment start date and maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with City criteria.
• Required to possess a Class B Virginia Commercial Driver's license with passenger, school bus, and air brake endorsement within ninety (90) days of start date.
• Satisfactory completion of a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse Query may be required.
• Possession of or ability to acquire City of Charlottesville Basic and Advanced Supervisory Training courses within twelve (12) months of employment or promotional start date.
• Subject to Federal DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations.
• May require possession of CPR and First Aid certifications or the ability to obtain within three (3) months of employment start date.

If assigned to the Pupil Division:

• May require possession of a School Bus Trainer Certification or obtain within six (6) months of start date.
• Required to successfully complete the Virginia Department of Education training curriculum.
• Required to successfully pass the EB.001 School Bus Driver Application for Physician Certificate annually

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

Job Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of traffic rules and regulations and of the geography of the service area, including federal, state, and local traffic laws applicable to transit operations.
• Thorough knowledge of Charlottesville's transit routes and all transit procedures to ensure efficient navigation.
• Thorough knowledge of dispatch and communication procedures, including the use of two-way radios and other equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to the division's services and activities, including DOT and DMV regulations associated with accident/incident investigation.
• Thorough knowledge of passenger safety protocols and emergency procedures to handle incidents such as accidents, medical emergencies, or vehicle breakdowns.
• Thorough knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and proficiency in using accessibility equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of supervisory and management theories, processes, and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of transit and/or school transportation principles, practices, and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards, potential risks of exposure, appropriate knowledge (and use of) personal protective equipment.
• General knowledge of Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration requirements for transit bus operation and VA State School Bus requirements.
• General knowledge of the operation of department-related software.

Reading

• Advanced: Ability to read and understand complex written materials such as technical analyses, state or federal regulations, complex financial reports, and/or legal documents. Understands, applies, and trains others regarding state, departmental and City processes, and procedures.

Writing

• Intermediate: Ability to write reports, prepare materials such as business letters, explanations, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech. Collects, summarizes, and presents detailed, clear, and concise information.

Math

• Intermediate: Ability to deal with number systems; simple formulas, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions, and measurement.

Communication Skills

• Advanced: Examples include making recommendations regarding policy development and implementation. Contacts may involve support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important presentations. Analyzes complex or difficult communication situations and formulates effective responses. Evaluates customer satisfaction, develops cooperative associations, and utilizes resources to continuously improve customer satisfaction.

Independence and Decision-Making

• Requires Limited Direction: Normally completes work according to their own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance occasionally. Manages special projects with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviewed periodically.

Technical Skills

• Skilled: Comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgement and decision-making appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Utilizes related software programs to complete job responsibilities. Skill in the safe operation of passenger buses and the automated wash facility.

Fiscal Responsibilities

• Oversees budget preparation of a division budget. Reviews and approves expenditures of significant budgeted funds for the division or does research and prepares recommendations for department-wide budget expenditures. Assists in the processing of employee payroll transactions.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises and monitors performance for a regular group of employees or department. Hires, trains, and provides work objectives/goals and provides on-going performance feedback. Evaluates and manages the performance of others and develops corrective action plan when appropriate.

Other Characteristics

• Excellent organizational skills and time management; sometimes under strict time constraints to meet multiple deadlines.
• Effective customer service skills.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Listens to the ideas of others. Establishes rapport with co-workers and others.
• Takes responsibility for finding answers to questions and responding appropriately.
• Works closely with others as part of a team.
• Frequent change of tasks and performs multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Works under constant interruptions and requests for service.
• May require additional hours outside of normal schedule, which may include weeknights, weekends, holidays, and/or weather-related emergency on-call time periods.
• May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.
• May require a non-traditional work schedule.

Physical Conditions & Additional Information

Physical Demands:

• Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Work requires climbing (ascending/descending steps), lifting, balancing, bending, stooping, crawling, reaching, crouching, pushing/pulling, twisting, grasping, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to move and traverse on work sites to perform job duties.
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:

• Typically requires use of City-owned vehicles and or large passenger/school busses, and standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.

Work Environment:

• Work is typically performed inside and or around the exterior of a passenger bus or school bus and in an office environment, where there may be exposure to computer screen for extended periods of time, monitor glare and dust.
• Work is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions, vibrations, loud noise, inadequate lighting, atmospheric conditions, and roadway safety hazards.
• The position work:
• Near moving mechanical parts.
• In and around fumes, gases, dust, dirt and/or airborne particles.
• In extreme temperatures and/or inadequate lighting.
• In or around toxic chemicals and/or blood-borne pathogens.

The City of Charlottesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity at all levels of the organization. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. The City is dedicated to this with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

Requests for reasonable accommodation by individuals with disabilities may be requested by contacting Human Resources at (434) 970-3490 or hr@charlottesville.gov.

The City of Charlottesville conducts job related background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment drug tests, in accordance with federal, state, and local law, of applicants who reach the final stages of the employment selection process. The City's policy has not changed because of the decriminalization of marijuana in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law, and it continues to be a violation of the US Department of Transportation regulations and the City's policy prohibiting employees from testing positive for marijuana.

SUMMARY OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Updated February 9, 2026

Benefits cited represent those for regular 40-hour employees and may differ for Management Level, Part-Time, and/or Library positions. Long-term temporary employees are eligible for all benefits except retirement. Interns, temporary, seasonal, substitute, and relief employees are not eligible for benefits.

1. LEAVE:

Vacation: Need some time off? Use it, you earned it:

Years Worked

0 - <3

3 - <5

5 - <10

10 - <15

15 - <20

20 - <25

25+

Hours Accrued Biweekly

3.09

3.85

4.62

5.4

6.16

6.93

7.7

Sick: Under the weather? Earn 4.62 hours biweekly, approximately 120 hours a year, with no limit on accumulation to be used to care for yourself and qualifying family members.

Holidays: Enjoy 13 paid holidays per year. Including 1 Floating Holiday, which must be taken during the Fiscal Year (July 1 - June 30):

OBSERVED CITY HOLIDAYS

New Years Day

Dr. Martin Luther King Day

Presidents' Day

Liberation & Freedom Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

Friday after Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

1 Floating Holiday

Volunteer Leave: Paid leave for participating in an authorized event as a volunteer, subject to Section 9-3, Code of Ethics & Conflicts of Interest. Regular full-time employees receive up to 8 hours and all regular part-time employees are eligible to receive pro-rated leave each available each calendar year.

2. INSURANCE:

Aetna Medical Plans: Coverage is effective on the first of the month following date of hire.

• Choose from two options:

• Select HMO with City-funded HRA ($0 premium for employee-only coverage)

• Choice POS ($13.02 biweekly premium for employee-only coverage)

• Prescription Card: ($10 generic, $30 lower cost name brand,$55 higher cost name brand, 20% up to $150 for specialty drugs)

• Mail Order Maintenance Prescription Drug Program ($20 generic, $60lower cost name brand, $110 higher cost brand) not available for specialty drugs)

Delta Dental Plan:

• Diagnostic and Preventative-100% of allowable charge; Basic Dental Care-80%; Major Dental Care- 50%
• Primary - $50 deductible, 80/20; Prosthetic and Complex Restorative -$50, 50/50
• $1,500 Annual benefit maximum
• $1,000 Orthodontic benefit (children to age 19)

MetLife Vision Plan: (Optional)

• $2.50 premium paid bi-weekly for employee-only coverage. Dependent care coverage also available.
• Eye health exam, dilatation, prescription and refraction of glasses covered after $10 co-pay
• $130 allowance for frames, after co-pay, plus additional discounts where accepted.

Life Insurance: In the event of your death, your beneficiary will receive twice your annual salary. Supplementary policies for you and your dependents are available.

Long-Term Disability: Upon approval for along-term illness or injury, you can receive up to 60% of your earnings after a 90-day wait period.

Voluntary Benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity insurance; Short-Term Disability; Identity Theft Protection

3. RETIREMENT:

Pension:

• Choose from two (2) options:

• A Defined Benefit Pension plan pays a monthly benefit in retirement using a defined formula based on the employee's earnings history, tenure of service, and age. Our plan has a 5-year vesting period and an employee contribution of 5% of salary.

• A Defined Contribution 401a plan in which fixed contributions are paid into an individual's account by the employer, the contributions are invested, returns (positive or negative) are credited to the account, and the account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. The vesting schedule for our 401a plan is 33% after one year of service, 67% after two years of service, and 100% vesting after three years of service. There is no required contribution from salary. (Note: the Defined Contribution retirement plan is the only plan available for Library employees).

Supplement: Deferred Compensation 457 available for you to invest your own money for additional retirement savings.

4. VOLUNTARY:

Wellness:

• Gym Membership Reimbursement Program (up to $34.00 per month)

• Bicycle Commuter Program: Reimbursement up to $20 per month for reasonable bicycle commuting expenses

• Online wellness resources and Lunch-and-Learn Sessions

Employee Assistance Program:

• A variety of confidential, personal professional services for you and your family available 24 hours a day.

Tuition Reimbursement:

• Up to $1,500 for job-related certificates, trade programs, undergraduate coursework or up to $3,000 for graduate level courses per fiscal year for career-related courses.

Flexible Spending Accounts:

• Expense accounts available for healthcare, dependent care and parking/mass transit.

01

Please indicate your highest level of education obtained: (Must be verifiable in the Education History section of your online application.)

• Masters degree
• Bachelors degree
• Associates degree
• High School Diploma / GED
• None of the above.

02

If you have completed an Associate's degree or higher, please indicate the field of study that most closely matches your major or major coursework completed: (If you do not have an Associate's degree or higher, select "None of the above.")

• Public / Business Administration
• Business Management
• Transportation
• Closely related field
• None of the above

03

How many years of supervisory OR management experience do you have in Public Transit Operations or closely related field? (Must be verifiable in the Work History section of your online application.)

• No experience related to this position.
• Less than three (3) years of supervisory/management experience
• Three (3) to less than five (5) years of supervisory/management experience
• Five (5) to less than seven (7) years of supervisory/management experience
• Seven (7) years or greater of supervisor/management experience.

04

This position requires driving to perform essential job duties and requires a valid drivers license. The candidate selected for this position must meet the driver eligibility requirements of the City and must provide a certified copy of their DMV driving record. Do you possess a valid drivers license and are you willing to provide a certified copy of your DMV driving record, if selected as a finalist, for the City to confirm your driving eligibility?

• Yes; I possess a valid drivers license and am willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record.
• No; However, I am willing and able to obtain a valid drivers license and am willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record.
• No; I do not have a valid drivers license, nor am I willing or able to obtain one, and/or am not willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record.

05

Do you have a valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL) or CDL learners permit?

• Yes; I have a valid Virginia CDL and either have, or can obtain, all appropriate endorsements within required time frame.
• Yes; I have a valid CDL from another state and either have, or can obtain, all appropriate endorsements within required time frame.
• Yes; I have a valid CDL learners permit and can obtain all appropriate endorsements within required time frame, if hired.
• No; however, I can obtain a CDL with all appropriate endorsements within required time frame, if hired.
• No; I cannot obtain a CDL.

06

To be considered, qualifying education and experience, including City of Charlottesville employment, must be clearly documented in the education, work history, and additional information sections of the employment application. Resumes can be attached but should not be used as a substitute for the required information on the application. I understand that an attached resume may not be accepted in place of a completed employment application and that my qualifications should be stated on the employment application itself.

• Yes
• No

07

I certify that the information above is true and correct, and I certify that it can be verified with reference to the information in my basic application. I understand that my application may be rejected if the responses to supplemental questions do not match my basic application.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Charlottesville

Address P. O. Box 911

605 East Main Street

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902

Phone (434) 970-3490

Website http://www.charlottesville.gov/jobs