Transit Director

City of Fargo•Fargo, ND

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the strategic guidance of the MATBUS Coordination Committee and the administrative and organizational direction of the Assistant City Administrator, serves as the department head for the Transit Department. The incumbent is responsible for providing leadership and direction to the management and operation of Transit by establishing goals and objectives within the policy directives set forth by City Administration, the Board of City Commissioners, and the MATBUS Coordination Committee. The incumbent is responsible for providing leadership and direction for the City Transit Department and for establishing goals and objectives within the policy directives set forth by the City Commission and the MATBUS Coordination Committee. The incumbent is responsible for providing the public transit programs to ensure safe and efficient service to the FM Metro Area residents and visitors. The Transit Director also coordinates the provision of transit with neighboring cities, universities, and other transit providers, and oversees leases of city vehicles to other transit providers. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining compliance with federal, state and local statutes, ordinances, regulations and guidelines. The Director guides work unit supervisors in developing, recommending and implementing procedures to accomplish departmental goals and objectives. Scope of Responsibility: The Transit Director directly or indirectly manages a staff of 120 FTE within the Transit organization. The Transit Director manages major contracts with transit providers and partner entities in the Metro area, which includes the City of Moorhead, City of Dilworth, and the City of West Fargo. This position also manages contracts with local universities and colleges and represents the city, serving as a liaison with other governmental agencies in matters relating to public transportation. The Transit Director is a MATBUS Coordination Committee Member and acts as the lead transit representative on the Committee. Approximately 2 million rides per year are provided by the fixed route and paratransit systems of the metro area public transit programs. The Transit Director is responsible for $46 million of capital equipment, an annual budget of over $10 million plus grant funding of approximately $5-8 million annually.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field.
10 years or more years of experience managing an urbanized transit system.
Equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
A valid driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility is also required.
Thorough knowledge or urbanized transit systems.
Knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting mass transit.
Knowledge of computer applications in mass transit and business.
Knowledge of public administration.
Knowledge of the Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration Drug and Alcohol Testing program and requirements.
Knowledge of procurement processes, including writing specifications for, and planning and budgeting for capital equipment.
Skill in public administration, management, and public relations.
Ability to design, develop and implement transit program proposals and grants.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in making recommendations and implementing a public transit program.
Skill in interpreting and applying federal and state regulations.
Skill in data collection, research, interpretation and analysis.
Skill in the application of transit planning principles in developing plans and programs, etc.
Skill in oral and written presentation.
Skill in statistical techniques and computer software used in mass transit and business.
Knowledge of human resource management practices such as training, discipline, delegation, etc.
Ability to select competent personnel and to train them to perform their duties in an effective and efficient manner.
Ability to supervise personnel in a manner conducive to efficient performance and high morale.
Ability to establish and effective working relationships with others.

Responsibilities

Oversees the activities, programs and services of the Transit Department.
Oversees the metro wide fixed route and paratransit systems, and makes recommendations for changes, enhancements, and other system recommendations as required to ensure both systems effectively and efficiently meets the needs of residents and visitors.
Develops, recommends, and implements operating procedures and programs to accomplish departmental goals and objectives.
Develops plans, studies policies and strategies for the implementation of programs of the Transit division to ensure attainment of city goals and objectives, and compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
Develops a request for proposals (RFP) for the acquisition of services and equipment for the division, including contractor services, and monitoring the resulting services.
Implements all aspects of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.
Has the lead Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance oversight responsibilities for the metro area Transit services.
Acts as the lead Civil Rights compliance oversight manager for the metro area Transit services to ensure equal access to Transit by all residents and visitors to the metro area per federal regulations.
Coordinates and leads Legislative efforts to enhance Transit funding at the State and Federal levels in North Dakota and Minnesota.
Acts as the lead liaison with the Federal Transit Administration, the lead federal oversight agency.
Serves as the City of Fargo Transit Accountable Executive related to Safety and Transit Asset Management Plan standards, resources and implementation per federal requirements related to Transit.
Provides supervision and leadership to department personnel under the span of control.
Makes decisions involving hiring, transfer, suspension, layoff, recall, promotion, discharge, assignment, reward, pay changes, adjusting grievances or disciplining employees under the span of control.
Sets goals and objectives for others to work towards and monitors performance.
Leads department employees and contract staff in creating and maintaining a positive work environment and fostering effective performance.
Conducts ongoing feedback, coaching, mentoring, and timely formal reviews of performance for assigned employees.
Provides training and work direction, ensuring the employee knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss.
Plans the work schedule to meet department demands and to limit overtime costs to reasonable and necessary levels.
Encourages employee growth and development by providing or encouraging learning opportunities.
Assesses staff development needs and directs the provision of staff training.
Participates in decisions regarding the content of jobs and the number of staff within the functional areas under the span of control.
Manages the department budget.
Develops and directs others in development of department operating budgets for the next cycle and capital budgets for longer-term cycles.
Provides informed input on matters relating to the annual operating and multi-year capital budgets.
Analyzes past expenditures, expected needs, future cost projections and sources of funding to develop detailed budgets.
Reviews year-to-date spending reports and monitors performance against plan during the entire budget cycle, making or recommending adjustments as necessary to achieve a desired balance at the end of the cycle.
Approves expenditures for purposes and amounts that are within the budget and within the authorized approval limits of the job.
Works to ensure the most cost-effective alternatives are identified when planning expenditures.
Prepares requests for annual funding and presents requests to decision makers for approval.
Works closely with finance department staff to identify sources of funds for capital improvement projects.
Seeks grant funds for department purposes and works with finance department staff to account for grant fund uses.
Communicates effectively, professionally, and courteously and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
Interacts with the public on elevated concerns and issues related to transit; determines appropriate resolution to issues designed to accomplish city goals while maintaining positive community relations for the department and the city.
Confers with Transit partner entities, their governing bodies, and staff along with the City of Fargo City Commission, Administration, and other Departments and Department Heads concerning public Transit and other issues affecting the operation of the Metro public transit system.
Communicates and maintain relationship with community and governmental organizations, contractors and citizens to exchange information and serve as a resource regarding Transit programs, policies and procedures.
Represents the Transit Department at the City Commission, inter-governmental review and other meetings to present plans, staff recommendations, and accomplishments, advocate for funding sources, and to discuss and advise on the development and implementation of plans and programs.
Assists City Administration with the development of legislation and testimony to the North Dakota State Legislature, State agencies, and federal entities as necessary.
Prepares reports pertaining to department activities, direction, accomplishments, and compliance with rules and regulations.
Serves as a liaison to other departments, governmental agencies and boards to coordinate efforts, plan and implement marketing strategies, share resources, and discuss relevant issues.
Communicates with others in the work unit to provide information relating to work assignments and progress of work or to convey information about conditions or work-related needs.
Plans and carries out communications at a level that can impact on the morale and performance of the division’s work.
In consultation with the MATBUS Coordination Committee, develops long-range, strategic plans to meet the expanding needs of the community and its diverse population.
Directs gathering and analysis of extensive feedback from the public and implements the best practices and Transit operational policies and plans for a positive outcome.
Creates short and long-term plans and makes recommendations and presentations to the MATBUS Coordination Committee.
Establishes and manages the goals and objectives for the Transit Department to ensure implementation of the strategic plans and compliance with the MATBUS Coordination Committee and the Fargo City Commission.
Performs other duties and activities assigned.