Assistant Transportation Director

SOUTHEAST ALABAMA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (SEARPDC)
JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Assistant Transportation Director
Department: Transportation (WTA)
FLSA: Salary Exempy
Grade: [Not listed]
Safety Sensitive: Yes
Security Sensitive: No
Job Description Prepared: November 2021 – Revised June 2026

Note: Statements included in this description are intended to reflect in general the duties and responsibilities of this job and are not to be interpreted as all-inclusive. The employee may be assigned other duties not specifically included.

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Relationships

• Reports to: Transportation Director
• Subordinate Staff: Bus Drivers, Dispatchers
• Internal Contacts: All Departments
• External Contacts: General Public; Alabama Department of Transportation
• (ALDOT); Consultants; Local Governments; Contractors; Vendors; Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA); Local Social Service Agencies; Federal Transit Administration (FTA); U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

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Job Summary

Under the direction of the Transportation Director, the employee oversees the daily management and operation of drivers and dispatchers, including monitoring, scheduling, employee relations, conflict resolution, and performance management. The Assistant Transportation Director facilitates the efficient and effective services of the Transportation Department. The employee directs the daily operations to include responding to requests for services, providing organization and development of routes, and scheduling of services. The employee also creates reports, maintains and collects data, maintains paperwork, and monitors routes and schedules to support administrative operations. The employee oversees the maintenance program for all agency transit vehicles assigned to provide safe and efficient transportation services. The employee works with, and engages with, local communities and agencies to aid in the implementation of transportation planning efforts. The employee provides administrative and operational guidance to the Transportation Department and supervises staff. This job is considered safety-sensitive and is subject to a pre-employment background check and random drug screens.

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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following list was developed through a job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive, and other duties may be required and assigned. A person with a disability, which is covered by the ADA, must be able to perform the essential functions of the job unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Supervision and Administration
Supervision and Administration. Plans, sets priorities, organizes, and directs the activities of staff engaged in the Transportation Department and provides proper administration of the Transportation office.

1. Oversees day-to-day operations and supervision of staff, including performance monitoring, scheduling, conflict resolution and disciplinary actions.
2. Maintains accurate personnel records for all staff in coordination with Human Resources.
3. Conducts regular performance evaluations of staff in accordance with established guidelines.
4. Reviews completed performance evaluations with staff and Transportation Director.
5. Participates in recruitment and selection activities, including application reviews and interviews, in collaboration with the Transportation Director and Human Resources.
6. Submits employment recommendations to the Transportation Director for approval.
7. Collects daily driver worksheets and funds; prepares and submits deposits to the Finance Department in a timely manner.
8. Coordinates random drug and alcohol screenings with Human Resources.
9. Assigns, directs, and evaluates employee work activities.
10. Schedules and participates in regular staff meetings.
11. Provides guidance and support to staff in solving job-related issues.
12. Updates and manages data within the ALDOT Transit Reporting System.
13. Makes purchases on behalf of the department; procures necessary purchase
14. order approvals.
15. Reviews, monitors, and approves time sheets for departmental staff.
16. Reviews and approves staff leave requests.
17. Ensures staff understand and follow established leave request procedures.
18. Verifies that DOT physical certifications remain current and compliant.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Transportation Operations and Administration. Develops and manages transportation planning options for member organizations, collects and maintains data, monitors routes and drivers, and collaborates with the Transportation Director to aid in the efficiency of program administration.

1. Coordinates passenger rosters received from social service agencies and develops routes to fulfill contractual transportation obligations.
2. Serves as backup to Drivers and Dispatchers in case of absences or employee shortages
3. Investigates traffic accidents and safety violations in coordination with the Safety and Training Coordinator and Transportation Director.
4. Works closely with the Transportation Director to address operational issues and provide support as needed.
5. Reviews onboard video recordings to identify safety concerns and investigate customer complaints.
6. Maintains and collects required operational data for reporting to contracting agencies and prepares required reports for the Alabama Department of Transportation.
7. Maintains paperwork relating to vehicle operation including, time and mileage sheets, mileage/passenger information, vehicle inspection sheets and work sheets.
8. Generates reports as needed to support operational and administrative functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Transit Maintenance. Oversees the maintenance program for Agency Transit vehicles.

1. Manages maintenance scheduling for all agency transit vehicles.
2. Takes agency transit vehicles to maintenance facility for routine and scheduled maintenance.
3. Acts as the Transportation Director’s representative to maintenance agencies.
4. Maintains vehicle records accurately and consistently; ensures accurate filing.
5. Inputs all agency transit vehicles maintenance invoices in the computer system
6. Monitors drivers’ maintenance reports.
7. Monitors all warranty work performed on the agencies’ equipment.
8. Maintains statistical and cost data on vehicles for maintenance reporting purposes.
9. Oversees the scheduling and dispatching software for the Transit Department and acts as the director’s representative to the software vendor.
10. Oversees and/or delivers both initial and ongoing training for all department personnel on the scheduling and dispatching software systems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Professional Development. Engages in continuous professional development to aid in the efficient and safe provision of services.

1. Reads to acquire new ideas and innovative strategies in area of specialty.
2. Attends meetings, workshops, or classes in area of specialty.
3. Attends scheduled training sessions and seminars.

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Non-Essential Functions

• Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned.

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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (can be acquired on the job unless otherwise stated)

1. *Knowledge of SEARPDC rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
2. *Knowledge of regional road systems and geographical area.
3. Knowledge of federal programs providing transportation funding for the targeted populations and grant writing.
4. Knowledge of FTA and ALDOT policies, procedures, and practices.
5. Knowledge of application software including various versions of common third party desktop software, specifically spreadsheets, word processors and presentation software.
6. Knowledge of management principles and procedures.
7. Knowledge of information security policies as they pertain to federal and state guidelines.
8. Knowledge of the uses, configuration, administration, and operation of Information Technology (IT) networking devices, personal computers, and operating systems.
9. Knowledge and experience troubleshooting personal computer (PC) hardware and software problems.
10. Knowledge of transportation rules and regulations relating to the operation of a motor vehicle in the State of Alabama.
11. Knowledge of traffic laws and regulations.
12. Knowledge of modern office management and supervision.
13. Knowledge of safety rules including accident causation and prevention.
14. Reading skills to read, understand, and explain federal laws, and guidelines.
15. Communication   skills   for   effective  communication  both internally and externally, orally and in writing.
16. Math skills to accurately project and monitor budgets, monitor grants, and other accounting activities.
17. Computer skills to create documents and enter budget information.
18. Ability to analyze technical problems, develop and apply appropriate solutions.
19. Ability to supervise and direct subordinates in their assigned duties.
20. Ability to efficiently organize and manage daily operations.
21. Ability to troubleshoot computer and telephone system problems.
22. Ability to use computers and office productivity software.
23. Ability to read and understand a various types of maps.
24. Ability to use standard office equipment.
25. Ability to use multi-line telephones.
26. Ability to deal with all contacts in a courteous and patient manner.
27. Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
28. Ability to handle stressful situations and use good judgment.
29. Ability to lift computer and other hardware, up to 20 pounds.
30. Ability to conduct fieldwork.
31. Ability to drive.

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Minimum Qualifications

1. Possess a high school diploma or GED.
2. Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in transportation planning or a related field; or any combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the above listed knowledge, skills, and abilities commensurate with the requirements of this job.
3. Possess   a   current   and   valid   Commercial   Driver’s   License (Passenger Endorsement preferred); must be insurable.
4. Ability to work non-standard hours or overtime when required.
5. Ability to travel out of town and locally.
6. Ability to pass all pre-employment screens to include background check, motor vehicle record (MVR) check, and pre-employment drug screen.

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Physical Demands

The work is primarily sedentary and performed in an office environment; however, it also requires regular standing, walking, and periods of mobility throughout transportation facilities and parking areas. Duties may include bending, stooping, reaching, and carrying and/or moving items up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis, such as files, records, or small equipment. This position may require occasional driving to various locations, which can involve climbing steps entering and exiting agency transit vehicles. While most tasks do not require heavy physical exertion, the role demands sufficient mobility, coordination, and stamina to effectively supervise staff, monitor transportation operations, and conduct routine inspections. No special physical demands are required to perform the essential functions of the position.

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Work Environment

The work environment involves routine risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of office and operational settings including offices, meeting rooms, and transportation facilities. Duties are primarily performed in an indoor climate-controlled office environment with appropriate lighting, heating, and ventilation. Occasional exposure to operational areas, vehicle environments, or outdoor conditions may occur while supporting transportation activities.