Operations Manager in WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, Vermont at Advance Transit Inc

Operations Manager

Wilder, VT (Upper Valley Region)
Salary: $85,000 – $95,000 annually
Advance Transit – Non-Profit Public Transportation
Full Time, Salaried, Exempt Position

Join a mission-driven organization that keeps our community moving.
Advance Transit is seeking an Operations Manager to provide leadership and overall management of our fixed-route transit operations. This position plays a key role in ensuring safe, dependable, courteous, and efficient public transportation service throughout the Upper Valley.

The Operations Manager provides direct supervision and support to the AM Shift Supervisor, PM Shift Supervisor, and Training Coordinator while providing overall oversight of the fixed-route driver workforce.
This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced leader who enjoys managing people, solving operational challenges, improving processes, and working collaboratively to provide essential public transportation services.

What You’ll Do
Operations Leadership & Supervision
• Lead, supervise, coach, and support the AM Shift Supervisor, PM Shift Supervisor, and Training Coordinator
• Provide overall management and oversight of fixed-route operations and the driver workforce
• Establish operational expectations and ensure consistent application of policies, procedures, and service standards
• Monitor employee performance and support supervisors in addressing performance, attendance, and operational concerns
• Promote professional communication, teamwork, accountability, and excellent customer service

Staffing & Service Continuity
• Oversee driver staffing and scheduling to maintain reliable service
• Coordinate plans for absences, call-outs, open work, route coverage, and service disruptions
• Oversee route bid preparation and implementation
• Coordinate with Maintenance regarding vehicle availability, breakdowns, and bus swaps
• Assist with operational coverage and operate fixed-route service when necessary

Safety & Compliance
• Provide management oversight of accidents, incidents, route hazards, passenger disturbances, and operational emergencies
• Coordinate detours, route changes, and service adjustments
• Work collaboratively with Safety & Compliance and Maintenance to address operational safety concerns
• Participate as a member of the Safety Committee
• Help ensure compliance with applicable FMCSA, FTA, NHDOT, DOT drug and alcohol, OSHA, and agency requirements
• Ensure required drug and alcohol testing is facilitated in accordance with applicable requirements

Training & Driver Qualifications
• Provide management oversight of the driver training program in coordination with the Training Coordinator
• Monitor driver training progress and identified retraining needs
• Ensure required training is completed and appropriately documented
• Maintain complete and current driver qualification files, including licenses, endorsements, DOT medical certifications, MVRs, training documentation, and other required qualification records

Employee & Customer Relations
• Participate in interviewing, selection, onboarding, and retention efforts for Operations employees
• Work collaboratively with Human Resources on employee relations and performance matters
• Oversee passenger complaints and service concerns
• Ensure appropriate investigation, documentation, response, and follow-up
• Promote safe, courteous, professional, and reliable service

What We’re Looking For
• High school diploma or GED
• Experience in public transportation, transit operations, professional driving, or a closely related field
• Supervisory or management experience involving employee oversight, scheduling, service delivery, or operations coordination
• Strong leadership, communication, coaching, and organizational skills
• Sound judgment and effective problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple operational priorities
• Strong customer service and conflict-management skills
• Ability to interpret and consistently apply policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Valid CDL Class A or B with Passenger endorsement or the willingness to obtain one.
• Active DOT Medical Card
• Ability to provide operational support outside normal business hours when necessary

An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

Why Advance Transit?
• Mission-driven non-profit serving the Upper Valley community
• Competitive $85,000–$95,000 annual salary
• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match
• Collaborative team environment
• Meaningful public service work
• Leadership opportunity with a direct impact on daily transit service
• Opportunity to help strengthen and improve agency operations
Advance Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.