Position Title: Transit Director

Department: Transportation

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: Human Services Director

General Statement of Duties

Performs advanced professional, administrative, and supervisory work directing the planning, development, coordination, and operation of public transportation services for McDowell County. Responsibilities include program administration, staff supervision, budgeting, grant management, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class exercises independent judgment and initiative in managing a comprehensive public transportation system, including fixed-route and paratransit services. The position is responsible for overseeing daily operations, long-range planning, financial management, regulatory compliance, and community engagement.

Work involves frequent interaction with the public, elected officials, and representatives of local, state, and federal agencies, requiring strong communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills. Work is performed under general supervision of the County Manager and is evaluated based on program effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and service delivery outcomes.

Program Administration & Operations

Directs and manages daily operations of the Transit Department, including fixed-route and paratransit services.
Ensures compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations, including ADA, NCDOT, and Medicaid requirements.
Develops, implements, and updates policies and procedures to ensure efficient, safe, and compliant service delivery.
Monitors service performance and implements improvements to meet community needs.
Oversees eligibility certification processes for transportation services.

Supervision & Personnel Management

Recruits, hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates department staff.
Administers employee discipline and recommends termination when necessary.
Ensures staff are trained in safety, compliance, and operational procedures.
Reviews and approves timesheets and addresses payroll-related inquiries.

Financial & Grant Management

Develops and administers the department’s annual budget in accordance with County policies.
Monitors expenditures and ensures fiscal responsibility.
Prepares and administers federal and state grants, including NCDOT funding.
Completes required financial reports, reimbursement requests, and operational statistics.
Oversees billing processes, including Medicaid billing (NCTracks), ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

Planning & Development

Identifies transportation needs and develops short- and long-term service plans.
Plans for service expansion and improvement in both municipal and rural areas.
Develops and tracks departmental goals, objectives, and performance measures.

Community Relations & Reporting

Serves as the County’s transit representative and spokesperson.
Promotes transportation services through public outreach, presentations, and community engagement.
Responds to and resolves citizen complaints in a timely and professional manner.
Prepares reports and presents information to the County Manager, Board of Commissioners, and Transportation Advisory Board.

Fleet & Safety Oversight

Oversees vehicle maintenance and replacement programs to ensure safe and reliable operations.
Reviews inspection reports and coordinates necessary repairs.
Ensures compliance with safety standards for passengers and staff.

Additional Duties

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Public transportation systems, operations, and service delivery models
Federal and state transportation regulations and funding requirements
Grant writing, administration, and reporting processes
Budgeting, financial management, and governmental accounting principles
Personnel management and effective supervisory practices

Skills:

Leadership, team management, and employee development
Organization and time management across multiple priorities
Data analysis and report preparation
Customer service and conflict resolution
Proficiency in computer applications, including spreadsheets, databases, and transit software

Abilities:

Plan, organize, and direct complex transportation operations
Interpret and apply laws, regulations, and policies
Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders
Negotiate agreements with vendors, agencies, and partners

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, transportation planning, or a related field, and
Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in transportation or program management, including supervisory experience; OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

Valid North Carolina driver’s license
Ability to meet applicable Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements

Physical Requirements

Ability to perform light work, including exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally
Ability to assist passengers with mobility needs
Ability to sit, stand, walk, and perform repetitive motions
Sufficient visual acuity to read data, operate a computer, and review reports
Ability to communicate effectively in person and by phone

Working Conditions

Primarily office environment with periodic field work
Exposure to varying weather conditions, vehicle environments, and operational settings
Occasional exposure to noise, fumes, and mechanical equipment

McDowell County

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Transportation Director