Assistant Director of Fleet Maintenance

GRTC Transit System•Richmond, VA

About The Position

GRTC is deeply connected to the communities we serve, offering opportunities to shape the future of public transit through innovative service designs, major capital projects, and a growing regional network. Every day, our work powers more than 30,000 transit trips and supports mobility for people across the region. With new routes, expanded connections, and a second bus rapid transit line under development to complement the Pulse, our ITDP Bronze Medal-winning flagship system, GRTC continues to play a central role in regional mobility. Joining GRTC means being part of a mission-driven team with the chance to make a lasting impact on how people move and connect. Reporting to the Director of Fleet and Facilities Maintenance, the Assistant Director of Fleet Maintenance is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the fleet maintenance department, ensuring vehicles are properly maintained, repaired, and available for service. This position supervises the Maintenance Manager/Trainer and Shop Supervisors/Foremen, who oversee trainees, mechanics, service workers, and bus cleaners. The Assistant Director ensures that key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance targets are met while maintaining fleet reliability, cleanliness, and readiness for daily service. This role also has an indirect reporting structure to the COO. In the absence of the Director, the Assistant Director assumes leadership of the fleet maintenance department and assists with facilities maintenance oversight as needed.

Requirements

High school degree or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in Fleet Management, Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Technology, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in fleet maintenance, vehicle maintenance, or transit maintenance operations, with at least three (3) years in a supervisory or management role.
Experience in heavy-duty/commercial vehicle maintenance required; compressed natural gas and/or electric vehicle experience preferred.
Experience working in a unionized environment preferred.
Knowledge and experience with fixed-route transit operations preferred.
Working knowledge of DOT, OSHA, and FTA regulations strongly preferred.
Professional experience with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint, is required.
Experience with fleet management and maintenance tracking software preferred.
Strong understanding of preventive maintenance programs, procurement, and budgeting.
Relevant certifications or training in maintenance, fleet operations, or related programs are a plus.
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Strong decision-making, delegation, and time management skills.
Ability to lead teams, manage labor relations, and foster a culture of safety and efficiency.
Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or have the ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily fleet maintenance activities to ensure timely and effective vehicle servicing, repairs, and inspections.
Ensure vehicle availability meets peak revenue service requirements for the bus transportation department across all shifts.
Monitor KPIs, set performance targets, and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency.
Enforce preventive maintenance schedules to minimize breakdowns and maximize vehicle reliability.
Ensure the fleet's cleanliness and cosmetic appearance are maintained to high standards.
Supervise the Maintenance Manager/Trainer and Shop Supervisors/Foremen, ensuring effective oversight of maintenance staff, including trainees, mechanics, service workers, and bus cleaners.
Support training and development programs to enhance workforce skills and certifications.
Promote a culture of safety, efficiency, and accountability among staff.
Assist in labor relations, ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements and addressing workforce concerns.
Work with procurement and inventory teams to ensure the availability of necessary parts, tools, and equipment.
Collaborate with Safety and Security teams to ensure compliance with DOT, OSHA, and FTA regulations.
Assist with budget planning, resource allocation, and operational strategies in coordination with the Director.
Oversee and maintain fleet management systems, ensuring accurate data tracking and reporting.
Assume leadership of the fleet maintenance department in the Director’s absence.
Assist with facilities maintenance oversight when needed, without direct responsibility.