Manager, Bus Transportation

WHO WE ARE

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.
We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.
How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The Manager, Bus Transportation must be able to develop and lead a high-performance transit delivery team consisting of Operators, Dispatchers, Instructors, Coordinator and Managers. Must demonstrate proven leadership skills, a passion for public transportation, the ability to communicate and promote good customer-centric philosophy, must be collaborative and able to engage staff at all levels, maintain a positive interaction with other departments and union representatives. Responsible for service delivery oversight and quality assurance in the day-to-day operations of a diverse workforce consisting of 200 - 400 employees.
This posting will establish an eight-month eligible list for current and future openings in 2024-2025.

What you would do in this job

1. Oversees daily activities of all operators and coordinates the activities of Assistant Managers, Coordinators and Dispatchers. Provides overall Leadership, Guidance, and Direction for all garage operations activities by setting performance goals and expectations for the garage, providing counseling, coaching, training, ongoing development and monitoring results, as well as corrective action, work improvement plans and disciplinary action as required.

• Research and track garage level operating statistics and performance measures.
• Review ATM's activities, productivity, discipline decisions and documentation.
• Review performance and productivity of the Instruction/Dispatch Teams, as well as provide ongoing development and performance training.
• Show initiative and commitment with proactive problem-solving and conflict resolution.

2.Provides garage leadership in the area of employee relations/labor relations by tracking and analyzing employee performance; handle interdepartmental issues; resolve employee issues and grievances; continually improve processes. makes hiring decisions for authorized roles; evaluates the work performance of staff; ensures the timely and efficient completion and documentation of all assigned tasks.

• Preside over first step grievances and investigate/research the grievance. Make decision and write grievance response. Attend the second step grievances and Arbitrations.
• Maintain open relationships and communication with all garage employees and Metro Transit/ Metropolitan Council staff.
• Ensure standards and procedures are followed for additional task areas such as Disability Management, Absence Management, Probation, etc.

3. Develops and implements strategies to facilitate relationships with other departments and agencies to ensure ongoing positive interactions promotes positive and honest open lines of communication throughout the organization and oversees the garage Service Advisory Team. Ensures policies and procedures for the garage are updated and current. Manage and oversee external transit contracts with other transit providers like Maple Grove Transit, Lakeville, Anoka County Contract etc.

• Sharing information.
• Collaborating with colleagues.
• Maintain current and past knowledge of the Bus Operations Standard Operating Procedures.
• Maintain current and past knowledge of the Metropolitan Councils Policies and Procedures.
• Maintain a good working relationship with all Metro Transit Divisions and Metropolitan Council.

4. Provides overall guidance in the development, implementation and monitoring of the garage operating budget. Ensures the accurate and timely validation of the daily garage payroll.

• Monitors and tracks garages expenses, overtime and budget.
• Responsible for accurate payroll records.

5. Ensures effective and efficient use of current and emerging safety techniques and practices are available for managers, Coordinators, Instructors and operators in providing safe operation to our customers and in the workplace.

• Directs the garage safety program including researching and developing programs to address problem areas.
• Manages/ oversees the garage Drug and Alcohol program.
• Ensures a workplace free of harassment and discrimination.
• Monitors and ensures safety training is complete and documented.

6. Works closely with maintenance department to ensure that all operation requirements are met for successful daily service delivery.

• Continuous conversations to resolve operations/ maintenance issues and conflict.
• Monitors and tracks service delivery issues and collaborates on strategies for reducing service calls.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Any of the following combinations of increasingly responsible experience in transit, transportation management, public safety in a transportation industry, or similarly related field, including three (3) years of verifiable lead/supervisory experience*, AND completed education in business administration, transportation, or related field:

• High school diploma/GED with ten (10) years of experience, three (3) years must be of verifiable lead/supervisory experience.
• Associate's degree with eight (8) years of experience, three (3) years must be of verifiable lead/supervisory experience.
• Bachelor's degree or higher with six (6) years of experience, three (3) years must be of verifiable lead/supervisory experience.

*Metropolitan Council Employees Only: Successful completion of any one of the following four Metropolitan Council Leadership/Supervisory training programs will substitute for lead/supervisory experience. You must attach your certificate(s) as proof of completion of the program to your application. Only completion of one of the four programs listed below will substitute credit (6 months or 1 year) for lead/supervisory experience.
Metro Transit Leadership Academy = 1 year
Project Management Development Program (12-month session) = 1 year
Project Management Development Program (6-month session) = 6 months
Four Learning Institute Certificates - You must obtain all four certificates listed below to receive credit for 6 months supervisory experience.

• Leading Self-Personal Effectiveness Certificate
• Leading Self-Communication Certificate
• Leading Self-Business Skills Certificate
• Leading Others-Preparing for Supervisor Certificate

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Experience working with project management, team building, and coaching.
• Experience working with employee and labor relations in a unionized workforce (performance reviews and grievances).

• Experience working in a transit, transportation or public service field.

• Experience collaborating with cross departments and divisions to maintain a positive customer focus.
• Experience creating and contributing to a work environment that is welcoming, inclusive and increasingly diverse.

What knowledge, skills and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Knowledge of principles and practices associated with regional transit service delivery.
• Geographical knowledge of metropolitan area, Metro Transit routes, regional private provider relationships and suburban providers.
• Knowledge of Metro Transit policies, procedures, and relevant collective bargaining agreements.
• Knowledge of all relevant federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations including, Federal random drug testing requirements, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), EEO and Affirmative Action, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Knowledge and expertise in progressive management practices within large organizations including budgeting, planning, leadership and labor/management relations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse workforce, Metro Transit management, Metropolitan Council management, and council members.
• Ability to work effectively in a unionized environment includes understanding of labor relations issues, contract interpretation, and grievance procedures.
• Skilled in problem analysis and resolution.
• Skilled in interpersonal and leadership skills to analyze and resolve complex management challenges.
• Skilled in understanding and use of technology including, personal computer, software programs, and data management while readily adapting to change.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally; facilitate group meetings and present information clearly.
• Ability to operate personal computers and supporting software applications including Windows, Microsoft Office, HASTUS, iDash, etc.
• High degree of self-management and resiliency capacity
• Ability to develop and coach garage operations team for continuous professional development and improvement.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence public transit in the Twin Cities metropolitan area as well as the future direction of Metro Transit
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site and external training, transit professional associations and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

Additional information

Union/Grade: Transit Managers and Supervisors Association (TMSA) / Grade J
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes. Subject to random DOT drug tests.
Work Environment:
Work is performed in a standard office setting. Some positions may require travel between primary work site to other sites. Position occasionally works in environment where there are moving parts and equipment, fumes and airborne particles and exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and outdoor weather conditions and moderate noise.
What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council , you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council , you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.
IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email .