Manager, Rolling Stock Maintenance (Bus)

RTD•Denver, CO

3d•$100,284 - $141,650

About The Position

The Manager, Rolling Stock Maintenance provides leadership and oversight for RTD’s bus fleet, including diesel, gas, hybrid, and battery-electric/zero-emission vehicles. The position ensures safe, reliable, and cost-effective fleet operations through operational management, regulatory compliance, and performance-driven maintenance practices. The Manager leads maintenance personnel, supports fleet reliability and operational continuity, and contributes to budget stewardship, continuous improvement, and strategic fleet planning aligned with agency goals and service standards. The Manager collects, analyzes, and reports operational and performance data, monitors key performance indicators, and identifies trends and opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The role maintains awareness of industry practices, emerging vehicle technologies, and regulatory requirements. It also collaborates with internal departments, external partners, and vendors to resolve maintenance challenges and coordinate fleet initiatives. Depending on business needs and/or career growth and development, the position may be required to work in bus, commuter, light rail, or paratransit functions within operations and maintenance, including the Regional Operations Center, Operations, Maintenance, and Service Planning & Scheduling. The position may also perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Transportation, Mechanical Engineering, or Automotive Technology, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
At least five years of progressively responsible experience in transit operations, fleet maintenance, vehicle engineering, or a related support function, including leading a complex, diverse workforce and working directly with internal stakeholders, maintenance staff, and regulatory agencies.
At least three years of experience overseeing or supporting rolling stock maintenance operations involving diesel, gas, hybrid, and battery-electric/zero-emission revenue and non-revenue vehicles.
Experience supervising vehicle maintenance staff, coordinating repair and preventive maintenance programs, monitoring performance metrics, and implementing process improvements.
Experience in budget management, staff scheduling, labor relations, and departmental performance management.
Experience with regulatory compliance involving FTA, APTA, EPA, and OSHA requirements, or similar safety and operational standards for transit vehicle maintenance.
Valid Colorado driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire; no DUI, DWI, or reckless driving violations in the past five years.
Extensive knowledge of public transit operations and bus fleet maintenance, preventive and corrective maintenance, performance-based maintenance management, and rolling stock lifecycle practices.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing transit vehicle maintenance, including FTA, OSHA, and EPA requirements; fleet planning, maintenance scheduling, resource allocation, and operational performance measurement.
Knowledge of budget development, cost analysis, and fiscal oversight related to labor, parts procurement, and maintenance operations.
Ability to lead and evaluate maintenance personnel, ensure compliance with procedures and safety standards, administer corrective actions, and monitor performance metrics.
Strong analytical skills, including interpreting maintenance and operational data, identifying trends and risks, and implementing process improvements and cost-efficiency strategies.
Ability to supervise, coach, and develop a diverse maintenance workforce while promoting accountability, equity, and professional growth.
Ability to collaborate across departments and with stakeholders to resolve complex maintenance challenges and align work with agency priorities.
Ability to develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures; communicate effectively in writing and verbally; exercise sound judgment; and manage multiple priorities with strong organizational skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and maintenance or fleet management systems used for reporting and performance tracking.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and influence others with credibility and professionalism.
Ability to travel independently between multiple locations as operational needs require.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Transportation, Mechanical Engineering, or Automotive Technology, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.

Responsibilities

Plan, direct, and coordinate rolling stock maintenance operations for revenue and non-revenue bus vehicles, ensuring readiness, safety, reliability, and compliance with operating standards and service requirements.
Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance programs, repair campaigns, and coordination of parts, tools, and equipment.
Monitor team performance, assign shift work, address complex mechanical or operational issues, and implement solutions to maintain fleet availability.
Develop and maintain departmental policies, procedures, and maintenance documentation systems for repair, inspection, and compliance records.
Administer departmental budgets, analyze expenditures, plan staffing and overtime, and maintain fiscal accountability and cost efficiency.
Support labor contract administration and resolve labor-related issues in accordance with collective bargaining agreements and agency policies.
Contribute maintenance input to new vehicle procurements, including technical specifications and coordination with maintenance, operations, and other stakeholders.
Direct collection and analysis of maintenance metrics and operational data related to fleet reliability, safety, availability, and cost efficiency; implement continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with Operations, Safety, Service Planning, Finance, Procurement, and other departments to address maintenance challenges and coordinate fleet availability.
Represent RTD in industry and stakeholder forums and participate in committees concerning fleet safety, performance, and operational improvement.
Support agency strategic initiatives involving safety, financial stewardship, operational reliability, and sustainability; oversee special projects and risk assessments; and prepare executive-level reports and presentations, including for leadership and the Board as required.
Maintain appropriate staffing levels and review progress to ensure work quality, quantity, and deadlines meet program goals and objectives.
Foster a safety-first culture that prioritizes prevention, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Advance Equal Employment Opportunity, Small/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Title VI, and ADA Plan goals in hiring, workplace, contracting, procurement, and transit services.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.