Salary: $94,306.90 Annually
Location : Transit Avon Street Extended, 1545 Avon Street Ext, Charlottesville (22902), VA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT)
Division: Transit Operations
Opening Date: 06/22/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: N/A

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