Class Code: OA207
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Transit Supervisor

Bargaining Unit: PSA

DEFINITION:

Under direction, a Transit Supervisor performs supervisory and transit operations work related to directing and coordinating the daily operation of Santa Cruz METRO’s bus fleet; schedules and dispatches Bus Operators; ensures that assigned operations comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; and performs other related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Transit Supervisor is the supervisor level class in the series.  In addition to required supervisory duties, an incumbent in this class primarily performs either field/dispatching or scheduling.  However, an incumbent will also be cross-trained to ensure adequate coverage across all areas and must be able to perform the full range of class functions. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

  • Supervises subordinate staff; assigns, directs, schedules, and monitors work; provides staff training; evaluates employee performance; counsels subordinate staff; initiates or has significant input into disciplinary actions; testifies in disciplinary hearings as needed.
  • Participates in the recruitment, selection, and onboarding process of new departmental employees.
  • Performs a variety of timekeeping duties; reviews and approves or disapproves overtime and time off; records time off requests in compliance with labor agreement(s); tracks attendance and monitors attendance incentive records; prepares daily extra-board schedule; completes related paperwork for all Operations Yards; coordinates various timekeeping functions with operations departments. 
  • Establishes and maintains timekeeping-related data, records, and documents, including but not limited to, annual leave calendar, sick calls and general leave of absence calendar in accordance with applicable labor contract(s); notifies Bus Operators of changes as required. 
  • Responds to issues in the field, including but not limited to, farebox issues, mechanical problems, route delays, passenger problems, and unusual or emergency situations on buses, bus stops, and Transit Centers.
  • Investigates accidents and incidents; completes required paperwork and reports; identifies causes of accidents and recommends the follow up action, if needed.
  • Performs random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug and alcohol testing of Bus Operators in compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations. 
  • Receives and investigates complaints, completes required paperwork, and recommends the follow up action, as appropriate. 
  • Monitors two-way radio system and in-field operations, ensuring compliance with Federal and State regulations and Santa Cruz METRO operating procedures; communicates with maintenance and other departments as needed; operates the base radio station and directs operators over the radio as necessary; dispatches road supervisory personnel. 
  • Prepares daily coach and operator schedules; prepares operator paddles and other materials; performs in-field bus exchanges and transports Bus Operators when needed; replaces Operators as necessary; assigns buses and replacement buses as needed. Assigns work to operators and contacts off duty operators.
  • Coordinates scheduling with a variety of agencies, including Caltrans and law enforcement, to work around detours related to emergencies, construction, special events, or other situations.
  • Adds or drops individual runs based on available resources, ensuring compliance with applicable labor contract provisions.
  • May assist in planning and evaluating routes, route extensions, deletions, schedule time points, and other system modifications. 
  • Participates in the quarterly bid process as assigned. 
  • May testify in court and represent Santa Cruz METRO in court appearances as directed. 
  • Performs data entry to update and maintain information in digital files; compiles and prepares data for statistical and accounting reports; may create spreadsheets and other tools to track information; types correspondence and other documents; provides information to employees and the public. 
  • Operates standard office equipment; utilizes standard business computer software in performing job tasks.
  • Drive a Santa Cruz METRO vehicle to perform assignments.
  • Attends a variety of meetings as directed
  • Performs related work as required
  • Participate in bus operator training and leadership programs.
  • Coordinates long term detours due to construction and other situations.
  • May perform routine timekeeping and administrative detail as directed by management.
  • May receive incoming calls and route calls to appropriate personnel.
  • May research and prepare a variety of reports and perform special investigations as assigned.
  • Schedules individual runs for bus operators and performs other timekeeping duties which utilize personnel effectively in accordance with labor contract provisions.
  • Schedules bus operator replacements for the following day
  • Prepares various records and reports related to bus operator absenteeism and time off.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

  • Principles and practices of employee supervision, including performance evaluation and progressive discipline.
  • Applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations pertaining to the area of assignment, including State Vehicle Codes as well as Cal-OSHA, DOT, and FTA regulations.
  • Santa Cruz METRO labor contracts. 
  • Local and regional transportation services.
  • Principles and practices of effective transit bus operations.
  • Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
  • Methods of maintaining information in digital or hard copy files.
  • Methods of researching, gathering, organizing, and reporting data.
  • Methods of prioritizing, planning, and organizing work.
  • Time management techniques.
  • Clerical customer service techniques.
  • Basic mathematics, including percentages and basic statistics.
  • Telephone techniques and etiquette.
  • The effective use of modern office equipment, personal computers, and standard business software. 

Ability to:

  • Supervise and motivate subordinate staff effectively.
  • Interpret, explain, and ensure compliance with relevant laws, policies, regulations, and requirements.
  • Learn radio procedures and operate a base radio station.
  • Maintain records and control systems with accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Input data into a database.
  • Adhere to established work schedules and timelines.
  • Maintain a calm demeanor in stressful situations. 
  • Work independently using good judgment, tact, and discretion.
  • Balance multiple assignments simultaneously and effectively.
  • Utilize standard office equipment and computer software and learn to use specialized Santa Cruz METRO software if assigned.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written form.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department and with other divisions, departments, agencies, suppliers, vendors, and the public. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Education, Training, and Experience:

High School diploma or equivalent AND two (2) years of progressively responsible experience as a Transit Bus Operator with Santa Cruz Metro.

OR

Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience as a public transit bus operator and comparable transit experience.  

Previous experience serving as a lead worker is desirable. 

Supervisor experience or certification and education in supervision desirable.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

A valid California Driver’s License will be required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a current, valid California Class “B” Driver’s License with “P” Passenger endorsement.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Driving record will be reviewed as part of the application process.
  • Conversational knowledge of Spanish desirable 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, climb and stand; talk and hear; use hands to manipulate, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists. The employee is regularly required to bend and twist at the neck and occasionally reach overhead.  Work may require lifting up to 50 pounds unaided.  Specific visual abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, the ability to see colors and shades, and the ability to perceive depth.

Mental Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; solves problems; performs detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.

Work Environment: 

The employee typically works in an office environment where the noise level is usually moderate.  The employee occasionally works in a field environment with potential exposure to varied weather conditions, dust, fumes, and hazardous materials and where the noise level is loud.  

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Must pass a requisite background check.
  • Required to be able to respond to emergency situations seven (7) days per week, twenty four (24) hours per day.
  • Must be able to work a variety of shifts, which may include weekdays or weekends, and day, swing and/or graveyard shifts.
  • Availability for shift assignment Monday through Sunday
  • May occasionally work extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule. 
  • This position is considered a safety sensitive position and requires participation in Santa Cruz METRO’s drug and alcohol testing program.

*Adopted: 12-11-18

*BOD Approved: 08-23-19

*Revised: 00-00-00

*Job Family: Transit Operations

*Job Series: Transit Supervisor

*Job Series Level: Supervisor

*Confidential: No