Transportation Superintendent - Service Management

Transportation Superintendent - Service Management

Salary

$163,306.00 - $198,526.90 Annually

Location

San Jose, CA 95134-1927, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-MLJ-11680

Division

Transportation

Department

Operations Control Center

Opening Date

10/29/2026

Closing Date

11/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

What you will be doing:

Definition

Under direction, the Transportation Superintendent - Service Management manages the daily activities of the Operations Communication Center and Field Operations.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This class is responsible for the 24 hours per day/7 days per week management of the Operations Communication Center (OCC) and Field Operations staff, and the effective delivery of light rail, bus, and other transportation revenue services. Activities managed by this class include dispatching of agency resources, operations staff communications, and effective road supervision of rail and coach operators and services. This position is responsible for effective service delivery, incident management, and service recovery. This position is distinguished from the next higher class of Operations Manager in that the latter has responsibility for the direction of all functions of bus, rail, OCC, and Field Operations and their various facilities or sub-units.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate has significant experience working in public transit and within an Operations Control Center, specifically in a role where they were responsible for supervising and/or managing staff with little to no oversight. They need to be able to analyze situations and act quickly in response to emergencies, and use sound judgement in their decision making. This person should also have experience in overseeing and supporting staff who work out in the Field, as well as special events for large stadiums that experience significant increases in passenger volume. A history of successful service delivery for large scale events is strongly preferred. The candidate must also be well versed in applicable state and federal regulations, including those specific to California such as CPUC.

The ideal candidate will also have experience working in the public sector, particularly in a Union environment, and be able to read and interpret collective bargaining agreements. They must be able to understand, interpret, and adhere to these agreements when engaging in processes such as shift assignments, bidding, awarding overtime, and other work functions. This candidate must be able to manage, train, and develop their staff as a leader and a mentor who can support the continued growth and success of their team. They must be able to prioritize tasks appropriately and according to the level of urgency and allocate resources effectively. This person will be communicating regularly with Executive level staff and be required to provide information frequently in support of incident management at multiple levels. They will also be required to maintain a strict level of confidentiality when dealing with sensitive topics.

Operations Control Center (OCC)

VTAs Operations Control Center (OCC) is an integrated command and control center. It consists of two sections; the light rail section staffed by Transportation Supervisors, and the bus section staffed by Transit Radio Dispatchers. OCC is Operations central point for gathering, recording, and the dissemination of information. It is like VTAs internal 911 system. They take calls and dispatch the appropriate resources to mitigate the issues. It is staffed on a 24/7/365 basis, the lights are always on. The Service Management Group safeguards the Authoritys mission by ensuring service delivery, service recovery, liability mitigation, and overseeing the safety, courtesy and reliability of our transit system.

About VTA

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County's authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region.

VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.

As the county's congestion management agency, VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit oriented development.

VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County.

As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.

For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward ;

Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP)

The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families.

Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work/family balance

Essential Job Functions

Typical Tasks

• Plans, supervises, coordinates, and directs the functions of the Operations Communication Center and Field Operations at the Guadalupe facility;
• Selects, trains, supervises, assigns, evaluates, counsels, and disciplines personnel;
• Recommends, implements, and enforces transit operations and OCC policies and procedures and internal system safety program plans;
• Recommends and controls work schedules and personnel utilization;
• Evaluates light rail service, OCC, and Field Operations effectiveness and implements corrective actions as needed;
• Represents VTA at disciplinary hearings, court proceedings, and other meetings;
• Applies the provisions of labor agreements in accordance with VTA guidelines;
• Assures adherence to safety programs, investigates light rail accidents and industrial injuries, and prepares written reports and documents;
• Monitors and controls attendance and other programs in accordance with VTA policies;
• Acts as a hearing officer and renders decisions regarding labor agreements and grievance issues;
• Maintains good public relations through the provision of services and the effective resolution of problems;
• Develops, monitors, and manages the assigned operations budget;
• Prepares clear and concise correspondence and reports;
• Ensures the coordination of emergency services during natural disasters, civil disorders, and other emergencies involving city and/or county emergency response teams;
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Employment Standards

Sufficient training, education, and experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Development of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is typically obtained through training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a 4-year degree in a technical, engineering, administrative, or related field, and four years of increasingly responsible supervisory and/or management experience in a public bus/light rail transportation environment, including experience in the operation of a transit communication center. Additional related experience may substitute for college education on a year-for-year basis.

Possession of a valid California drivers license, and the ability to complete VTAs Bus and Light Rail Operator training programs are required.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of organization, administration, supervision, budget, and management;
• Federal, State, and local laws pertaining to light rail and bus operations and communications;
• Goals, organization, and management practices of a large public transit system;
• Industrial safety and general safety rules and regulations;
• Typical provisions of public transportation labor agreements;
• Two way radio operation, procedures, phraseology and technical equipment;
• Operation of bus/light rail revenue vehicles and communication centers;
• Principles of bus and light rail operations, communications and control centers, and field operations in a public transit environment including safety requirements.

Ability to:

• Plan, supervise, and coordinate the activities of OCC and Field Operations departments;
• Effectively utilize all available resources;
• Supervise, train, evaluate, and motivate staff in a labor union environment;
• Read, interpret, and effectively utilize management information reports;
• Effectively manage bus and rail incidents, reacting quickly and calmly while employing techniques and strategies within established guidelines;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Establish cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Analyze, evaluate and prioritize multiple operations and communication center problems and recommend and/or implement effective solutions to resolve service interruptions;
• Understand the operation of bus/light rail vehicles and technical equipment used in a public transportation communication center;
• Work changing hours, days off, and duty assignments on short notice as required by management;
• Interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, and labor contract provisions.

General Application Instructions

Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference.

To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as "continuous," we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an immediate email confirmation.

Personalized responses to Supplemental Questions that connect your past experiences to this specific role are the most effective. AI-generated content may lack the specificity required to address the key criteria outlined in the job description. While we encourage the use of AI as a tool to enhance your work, we want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills. You may use AI to generate ideas, but please ensure your final responses are in your own voice and reflect your unique experience. Overreliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish your chances of success.

Important: Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, Job Interest Notification Cards, or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application.

Communication & Contact Information

All updates regarding your application-including notices for testing and interviews-will be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid, up-to-date email address. Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles.

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays.

Application Review & Processing

All current and prior relevant work experience-including experience with VTA-must be fully detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as "see resume" are not acceptable. Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected, even if you meet the minimum qualifications.

While you are welcome to upload a resume, it does not substitute for completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position.

Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications, experience, education, or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA.

This classification is represented by American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union.

Tentative Examinations:

Oral Panel: Week of December 7, 2026

Conditions of Employment

Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment.

STEM OPT

While VTA is an E-Verify employer, we do not participate in the F-1 STEM OPT extension program or host formal Form I-983 training plans for this position. Candidates must be independently authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring STEM OPT support.

Eligibility List

The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur. Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations

VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email Personnel@vta.org at least five business days before the test.

Veterans' Preference Program

VTA welcomes and encourages the employment of veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Qualified veterans may be eligible to receive additional veterans' preference credit in the selection process for this recruitment.

To be considered for Veterans' Preference credit, please attach a PDF copy of your DD Form 214 (Service Copy 2) or other official discharge documentation showing your enlistment and discharge dates and character of service (i.e., type of discharge) in the "Attachments" section of your application. Applicants requesting preference based on a service-connected disability, please submit Standard Form 15 (SF-15) along with any required supporting documentation.

Veterans' Preference credit will only be applied after the required documentation has been received and eligibility has been verified.

Equal Employment Opportunity

VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.

VTA offers a generous benefit package including: vision care, a choice of health plans, dental coverage, an employee assistance program, life insurance, and liberal holiday, vacation, and sick leave. A credit union and deferred compensation are also available to employees at their option. Detailed information on VTAs benefits may be found here: https://app.strivebenefits.com/santa-clara-valley-transportation-authority

As defined by the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA):

• Classic Members retirement benefit formula is 2% @55.
• New Members retirement benefit formula is 2% @62.

All Classic AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees hired on or after 01/09/2012 pay 7.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.

All New/PEPRA AFSCME, SEIU, TAEA, and Non-Rep employees pay 8.0% of salary toward the required employee contribution to PERS.

Social Security taxes will be deducted from each employees bi-weekly salary.

01

I acknowledge that I have accurately entered my Work Experience and Education on the employment application, and I am aware these are required fields. If they are not completed, the application is considered incomplete, and I will be disqualified as an applicant for the position. Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified any aspect of the application, including but not limited to: their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA.

I have read this information and am aware of the importance of accurately entering in all Work Experience and Education on the employment application.

• Yes
• No

02

IMPORTANT: Be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the experience section of the application. Additionally, "See Resume" as a response will not be considered sufficient information to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.

• I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses.

03

Are you available to work weekends, holidays, and odd and unusual hours?

• Yes
• No

04

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has implemented updates to Limited Term Legal Presence Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requirements. Please review the information at the following link before responding: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/important-changes-to-limited-term-legal-presence-cdl-requirements/ Do you understand that you must meet all California DMV legal presence requirements to obtain and maintain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required for this position?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess a valid California drivers license or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have at least two years of experience managing Operations Control Center (OCC) operations and field supervision activities? If so, please describe your relevant experience and key responsibilities

07

Describe your current responsibilities, as well as your experience in a Public Transit Operations environment.

08

Discuss your roles and experience in developing training, strategic or operational plans and outline one specific plan in which you have been involved. Describe your responsibility in developing and implementing the plan, the results, and the lessons learned.

Required Question

Employer Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

Address 3331 North First Street, Bldg. B-1

San Jose, California, 95134

Phone (408) 321-5575

Website http://www.vta.org