Salary : $143,142.00 - $200,398.00 Annually
Location : San Carlos, CA (South Base)
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:Division: Bus Operations
Department: Bus Operations
Opening Date: 11/06/2026
Closing Date: 11/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
General The Manager, Bus Transportation reports to the Director, Bus Transportation, and is responsible for overseeing bus transportation services for San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans).
Essential Functions & DutiesExamples of Essential Functions:- Ensure operating schedules meet service needs, comply with applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), and support cost-effective staffing management.
- Ensure customer issues are promptly and effectively addressed.
- Manage bus transportation staff, in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreements, and District's Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.
- Manage assigned cost centers, including budget development, expenditure monitoring, financial projections, budget adjustments, and maintaining operations within approved budget allocations.
- Participate in the development of standard operating procedures that define and govern specific administrative and operational business practices.
- Coordinate bus transportation activities with Maintenance, Scheduling, Training, Employee Relations, Communications, and other departments.
- Supervise staff. Hire, mentor, and take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action. Ensure EEO policies and procedures are followed. Participate in selection of staff. Coordinate staff training and professional development. Establish performance objectives. Monitor and evaluate employee performance.
Examples of Essential Duties:- Review and approve operating schedules for regular bus operators, the extraboard, and assigned vehicles, along with bidding practices.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, safety practices and programs, and the CBAs, in order to provide efficient and safe bus transportation services.
- Oversee and review employee investigations, disciplinary cases, and corrective actions including retraining, discipline, and separations to ensure consistent application of District policies, procedures, and applicable CBAs.
- Conduct disciplinary hearings, address employees' grievances, andand collaborate with Employee Relations to ensure consistency and appropriate resolution of employee-related matters .
- Administer the Attendance Control Program and the Reasonable Accommodation Program.
- Counsel employees on the Employee Assistance Program.
- Serve as the SamTrans representative to local schools, the community, and customers for quality provision of transportation services, and to address and resolve service-related issues.
- Supervise represented and administrative staff.
- Evaluate job performance of staff which also includes the professional development of staff through the identification of on-the-job and other professional development opportunities.
- Monitor assigned cost center budgets, review expenditures, prepare budget projections and adjustments, and identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost control.
- Participate in the development, implementation, and ongoing management of operational technology systems, including new Daily Dispatch software, onboard dash camera systems, and other technologies designed to improve operational efficiency, safety, and service delivery.
- Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one's self, fellow employees and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:
- Associate's degree in business management, supervision, public administration, transportation management, or closely related field.
- Six years of full-time experience in public transportation operations.
- Two years of supervisory experience.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience managing attendance, discipline, corrective action, and labor relations.
- Experience managing operational budgets, cost centers, financial projections, and expenditure controls.
- Possess a valid California driver's license with a safe driving record.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
- Ability to understand, interpret, administer, and apply multiple CBAs =and District personnel policies.
The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions. Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.
How to Apply - Complete an online employment application by 11:59 p.m. of the listed closing date. Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted in lieu of fully completed applications. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that applications are completed with all relevant information (experience, education, certifications, licenses, references and/or other information).
- The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.
Below is a summary of the comprehensive benefits provided to District full-time employees:
Health and Welfare Benefits:
- Healthcare Benefits -District employees are offered a choice of healthcare providers under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program. The District will contribute ninety (90) percent towards monthly premiums for full-time employees. Fifty (50) percent for part-time employees.
- Free Dental and Vision Benefits provided - Employer Covers Premiums
- Free Employee Assistance Benefit - Employees are entitled to 5 face-to-face sessions or telephonic or web-video consultations for problem-solving support per incident, per calendar year.
- Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified Health or Dependent Care expenses.
Retirement Medical Benefits:
- Long Term Disability Insurance - After 90 days of total disability, Administrative full-time employees are eligible for 60% of monthly income covered by the District.
- Health and Wellness - Gyms located at most work locations and discounted Weight Watcher Membership Option.
Holidays and Paid Time Off:
- Paid Time Off - Newly hired employees accrue 6.5 hours bi-weekly when hired (if Exempt 8.25 hours). As you move up in years of service credit, the rate of the amount of PTO accrued will also increase.
- Paid Holidays - The District provides seven paid holidays throughout the year - New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
- Floating Holidays - District employees can earn up to five (5) floating holidays.
Financial Planning Benefits:
- Pension Benefits through CalPERS -You must have a minimum of 5 years of service to be eligible for this pension.
- CalPERS PEPRA vs. Classic - All employees hired on, or after January 1, 2013, are considered PEPRA members and will contribute 8% of their salary up to the maximum IRS cut-off. All Classic members will contribute 6%
- Deferred Compensation Options - Select to contribute to one or both of our Tax Deferred Compensation Options
- Reliance Standard Life Insurance with 100% premium paid by the District - 1 times annual salary of employee - max $200,000
- Optional Life Insurance - Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible family members.
Growth and Education Benefits:
- Professional Development - Access to LinkedIn Learning and San Mateo County's professional training. District Tuition Reimbursement Program - A maximum of $5,250 per year for courses related to your job or career goals with the District.
- Computer Loan Program - Interest-free two-year loan with a maximum amount of $2,000.
Other Amazing Benefits:
- Credit Union - Employees and family members are eligible to join the San Mateo Credit Union and Patelco Credit Union.
- Employee Clean Commute (ECC) - Car/Van poolers and Public Transit riders receive a monthly reimbursement.
- Commuter Benefits - Free Employee Parking; Free Bus Pass for employee as well as children/spouse; Clipper Card/Go Pass Program for Central employees.
For union employees, all of the above benefits are subject to the employee's Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits listed are also subject to change with or without notice and are subject to contract/provider terms and conditions.
01
Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
- Associate degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- Doctorate degree
02
Do you have experience managing attendance, discipline, corrective action, and labor relations?
03
How many years of supervisory experience do you have in public transit?
- None
- 1 year of experience
- 2 years of experience
- 3 years of experience
- 4 years of experience
- 5 years of experience
- 6 years of experience
- 7 years of experience
- 8 or more years of experience
04
How many years of full-time, professional experience do you have in public transit operations?
- No experience
- 1 year of experience
- 2 years of experience
- 3 years of experience
- 4 years of experience
- 5 years of experience
- 6 years of experience
- 7 years of experience
- 8 years of experience
- 9 years of experience
- 10 or more years of experience
05
Do you have experience understanding, interpreting, and applying labor/management agreements?
Required Question
