Applications must be received by Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 9:00 pm PST for consideration.

Please attach a resume and cover letter to the application. The cover letter will be attached to the same location as the resume. Your cover letter should address why you are interested in this position and what makes you a good fit for this role.

In-person interviews are tentatively scheduled to be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Please plan to be available.

COMPENSATION: 2024 Rates

• Full budgeted pay range is $98,376 – $131,904 (Step placement upon hire will be evaluated based on the candidate’s years of relevant experience). Pay rates may increase in 2025.

Due to retirement, WTA is hiring a Paratransit Manager to manage all aspects of our complementary ADA service and compliance, and Paratransit programs including eligibility, mobility, travel training, safety and efficiency.

Job Summary:

Responsible for managing the operation of WTA’s paratransit services. Manages paratransit service programs including eligibility, mobility, rider suspension policies, safety, social service agency relationships, and agency-wide ADA compliance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Paratransit Operations:

• Manages and oversees all aspects of paratransit services, identifying and setting standards to assist internal and external customers in providing paratransit service to the community. Works closely with the Dispatch Manager to communicate service needs and develop delivery standards.
• Drives continuous improvement in Paratransit service efficiency. Identifies and implements service improvement opportunities. Establishes standards and best practices. Ensures Paratransit policies, procedures, and practices are clearly defined and documented. Reviews and evaluates Paratransit service delivery metrics and statistics.
• Maintains awareness and connection to transit industry trends and innovations. Considers and evaluates concepts from external sources for possible implementation.
• Serves as the subject matter expert on public comments and complaints related to Paratransit service delivery.

2. Safety: Oversees and emphasizes the safe delivery of paratransit services for both the riding public and employees. Supports the investigation of safety issues involving paratransit service and implements recommendations for improvement. Works as a member of the management team to respond to and help address emergency situations.

3. Agency ADA Coordinator: Tracks and reports statistics regarding ADA compliance, program effectiveness and other programmatic information. Investigates and researches ADA complaints. Ensure staff are trained to proficiency.

4. Service Changes: In conjunction with the Dispatch Manager, works to develop and oversee implementation of fixed route or paratransit service changes, special event service, temporary detours, and other Operations service delivery planning duties.

5. Labor Relations: Ensures department compliance with the collective bargaining agreement; assists in the development of contract language for future negotiations and reviews contract enforcement; interprets and administers the collective bargaining agreement pertaining to department employees.

6. Fiscal Management: Administers assigned program budgets and contracts. Monitors and authorizes expenditures in accordance with budgetary limitations, agency policies, and sound fiscal management principles. Writes budget proposals as needed.

7. Community Outreach: Develops and maintains extensive contact with customers, social service organizations, and other agencies involved with transportation needs of persons with disabilities. Facilitates department staff to attend events.

8. Project Management: Oversees implementation of Operations projects, as assigned. Manages changes in the department work environment in conjunction with the vision of the larger agency goals.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. As assigned, assumes direct responsibilities for the Division in the absence of the Operations Director.
2. Supports and provides back-up for other Operations staff and functions.
3. Participates in ongoing organization training on issues related to the position and organization.
4. Performs other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Department Operations: Manages and oversees the day-to-day operations of the department. Identifies and sets standards for those programs. Works closely with other management staff within the Agency as deemed necessary.
• Staff Management: Provides management to the department. Develops and maintains an atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork, upholding the values and initiatives of WTA. Responsibilities include selection, training and safety, employee evaluations, enforcing work rules, discipline, and initial grievance response, which may include reviewing and interpreting collective bargaining agreements, as applicable. Develops departmental staff by being a coach and champion, providing support, guidance, and opportunities for growth and advancement.
• Leadership: Act as an organizational leader to build trust, cohesion, and alignment between departmental staff and the organization’s leadership and overall direction.
• Policy Administration:  Assists in the development, revision, interpretation, and administration of department/division policy and procedures, evaluating for compliance with applicable laws and the CBA. Helps address technical questions related to the application of agency policies, rules, and regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, each essential function must be performed satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, experience, skill, and ability required.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Principles and practices of supervision and management.
• Methods, equipment, practices, and vehicles utilized in fixed route and demand-response operations, as well as specialized transportation services for disabled persons.
• Disabilities, their functional limitations, and resulting needs of passengers.
• Mobility aids, lifts, securement devices, and related equipment.
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, codes and regulations impacting transit and paratransit operations, including in-depth knowledge of ADA (Americans with Disability Act) regulations.
• Advanced English language, grammar, and punctuation.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Develop and implement short- and long-range plans to meet service and program needs.
• Exhibit strong supervisory skills including leadership, training, problem analysis, decision making, planning and organizing, adaptability and flexibility, time management, and conflict resolution.
• Plan and develop a program budget with control and record keeping techniques.
• Administer the collective bargaining agreement and apply contract provisions, work rules, and policies.
• Research, analyze, and interpret statistical data and formulate appropriate recommendations.
• Exhibit excellent business writing skills, including developing policies and procedures, technical documentation, correspondence, and presentations.
• Create effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and boards of directors.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers at all levels of the organization, as well as people affiliated with other organizations and vendors.
• Exhibit experience with computer applications relative to areas of responsibility.
• Utilize computer equipment in order to input work time and carry out other computer-related tasks and keyboard at intermediate to advanced level.
• Manage time efficiently, prioritize, and meet demanding deadlines.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and apply WTA, Division, and Department policies and procedures.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

WORKING CONDITIONS, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:

Duties are performed primarily in an office environment, but also require traveling between agency headquarters and transit stations, on routes and to various other locations. Travel is generally within Whatcom County, with occasional trips to regional and national meetings and training courses. Typical office equipment used to accomplish job tasks: computer, cell phone, printer, photocopier/scanner, calculator, and telephone.

Education and Experience:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration or other job-related field of study from an accredited four-year college or university, required.
• Experience:
  • At least four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in paratransit transportation program management or similar transit program, including three (3) years supervisory experience of employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement required.

Other combinations of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired qualifications required to perform the job may be considered.

License or Certificates:

• Valid Washington State driver’s license at time of hire in order to operate WTA vehicles.
  PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each division at the organization’s facilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Participation in the WTA’s Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program is a requirement of employment which includes reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing.
• Must pass a driving record check.
• Must pass a comprehensive background check.
• Must pass a credit history check.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.