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At Rock Region METRO, you will find a diverse workforce that reflects our community and a commitment to providing world-class transit service. We aim to recruit and hire a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. We value the ideas, enthusiasm, and ambition that each person brings. We place no limits to what you can achieve at METRO. We respect and value our employees because we know that we couldn’t do what we do without them.
METRO is seeking an experienced and energetic transit professional for our Assistant Director of Operations. This position reports directly to METRO’s Director of Operations and will be an integral part of the exciting changes underway at METRO. At METRO we recently launched CNG buses, an ITS system, and we are aggressively seeking dedicated funding which will be used to expand and improve our current services and introduce new services such as bus rapid transit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
The purpose of this position is to provide department-level management and leadership for Fixed-Route services, and to fully support the goals and objectives of both the Operations Department and Rock Region METRO (METRO). This is accomplished by supervising staff, performing administrative tasks, developing and managing programs, policies, and procedures, and ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations pertaining to public transit. Other duties include responding to, containing, and managing emergency situations, participating in METRO and department training opportunities and programs, completing special projects, and acting as a resource base to other departments, executive management, and outside agencies as requested/directed.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Assist in planning, organizing, and controlling of all activities in the Fixed Route and Paratransit Departments. Participates in the development of departmental goals, objectives, and systems with the Director of Operations, and recommends necessary modifications and improvements.
- Serves as a liaison between METRO and the bargaining unit. May be called upon to represent METRO in first or second stage grievance process and legal proceedings.
- Oversight responsibilities for Operations Dispatchers and Service Supervisors including the assignment of work, goals and results monitoring, performance management and improvement, disciplinary process. Investigates and resolves escalated personnel issues.
- Assist in the development of proposals, requests for proposals, and contracts for service. Recommends new approaches, policies, and procedures to effect continual improvements in the quality of departmental performance.
- Assists in the review of accidents and incidents for injuries and liability exposure, as well as to ensure that all policies and procedures are followed.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Prefer a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be acceptable.
- A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the transportation industry, and preference for experience in a bus operations environment.
- Position requires significant people management experience, including the management of work performance, performance appraisal and assessment, disciplinary management process, and performance improvement process.
- Administer and implement improvements in organizational policy and process.
- Work requires an advanced understanding of transit management, and the technical ability to develop and manage technical tools that support organizational goals. Position requires independent judgment and decision-making abilities necessary for the efficient application of technology.
- This professional will have a hunger for learning, particularly with disciplines related to transit and best management and business practices. The incumbent in the Assistant Director position will stay current with transit and management systems and technology advances, and will take advantage of relevant publications, transit and management conferences, and system development.
- Possesses the ability to record and manage complex data, and to apply analytic process to best use and communicate the data.
- This manager will be proficient in both written and verbal communications. Listening skills will be critical in the process of team leadership, training and process/team improvement.
KNOWLEDGE:
- In-depth knowledge of the principles and practices of transit operations. General knowledge management process.
- Ability to learn and implement organizational policies and processes.
- Federal, State, Local, and specific transit statutes, regulations and requirements.
- Understanding of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and willingness to study and learn the terms and conditions of the ATU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Methods and techniques of preparing transportation summary, reports, and transportation related documents.
- Principles of staffing development, recruitment, selection, and placement.
- Basic understanding of transit technology systems.
- Principles of people management and development.
- Rock Region METRO routes and schedules.
SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Advanced word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
- Specialized software related to the functional area.
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with other management staff, employees, and the general public in a team-oriented environment.
- Present facts and recommendations effectively in oral and written form.
- Maintain knowledge of industry trends and legislation and ensures the Authority’s compliance.
- Plan, organize, direct, coordinate and supervise work and staff engaged in the assigned functional areas.
- Professionally maintain composure and effectiveness under pressure and changing conditions.
- Provides leadership, inspires and motivates others to perform well, accepts feedback from others. Makes self-available to staff; provides regular performance feedback, and develops subordinates’ skills and encourages growth.
- Analyze and resolve a variety of complex organizational, staffing, space needs and other issues.
- Display willingness to make decisions, exhibits sound and accurate judgment and makes timely decisions.
- Prioritize and plan work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans
- Gather, assemble, analyze and evaluate facts evidence, data and other information in order to draw reasonable and fair conclusions and make sound decisions.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
- Handle difficult people and situations.
- Learn agency and department operating policies, procedures, systems, methods, and tasks.
The successful candidate will be paid a competitive salary for this area based on their experience and qualifications, in keeping with the overall salary structure of METRO. Additionally, METRO offers one of the best benefits packages in the area which includes a company car, cell phone, relocation assistance, 90% of health premiums paid, 457(b) and 401(a) retirement plans, 12 days of vacation, etc.
The Little Rock metro area is among America’s Top Ten in Cleanliness, Happiness, and Value according to Kiplinger, Forbes Travel Guide, and Outdoor Magazine. In part because of its low cost of living, the region’s ACCRA Index is 98.5. This gives Little Rock a competitive advantage. Consistently ranked among the nation's top ten in housing and jobs, the region boasts unparalleled amenities for a market its size. Little Rock plays big, but lives easy. For a cost of living calculator and other information about relocating to the Little Rock area visit: http://metrolittlerockalliance.com.
Rock Region Metro is an equal employer, and considers all qualified candidates regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.