Transportation Superintendent - Service Management

Salary : $163,306.00 - $198,526.90 Annually
Location :
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

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)
VTA's 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 VTA's 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 Authority's mission by ensuring service delivery, service recovery, liability mitigation, and overseeing the safety, courtesy and reliability of our transit system.

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 driver's license, and the ability to complete VTA's 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.