Long Beach Transit Career Opportunities
Within the last 5 years, what role did the following play in your job:
Management/supervision: people (specify largest group managed)
Within the last 5 years, what role did the following play in your job:
Transportation Industry
Within the last 5 years, what role did the following play in your job:
Management: operations
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Operations Manager
CA - Long Beach
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Opportunity Snapshot

If you're an experienced Operations Manager or Lead Supervisor ready to take your career to the next level, this is your opportunity to take ownership of a key leadership position, managing people and operations and ensuring the smooth operation of Long Beach Transit.  You will report to the Director of Operations and take point, serving as the primary leadership contact, when she is unavailable.  You will be responsible for two dozen management direct reports, and more than 400 indirect reports. Quick question for you - click here This is a big job with a lot of moving parts, but if you've got the experience and disposition, and you are ready to challenge yourself on a daily basis, this role could be your perfect fit.

Long Beach Transit, located in the seaside city of Long Beach, CA with a population of nearly 500,000, is the major public transportation provider for the city and its eleven neighboring cities, serving over 28 million boarding customers annually—with regular bus and shuttle services including the downtown Long Beach Passport, the Long Beach Harbor water taxis, the AquaBus, and AquaLink. Our mission is to provide public transportation services that enhance and improve the quality of life for the people in our community. We value our customers, employees, and the service we put out on a daily basis. This pride and sense of value echoes in our organizational style of taking each employee's input into account, and in the unwavering focus we place on customer service.

The Requirements

To be successful in this position, you should have:
  • A college degree, preferred.  
  • Supervisory experience with a minimum of 4 years supervision / management including strong labor relations experience and/or experience in the administration of labor agreements.
  • A career history that provided the opportunity to acquire knowledge and experience in:
    • Modern managerial techniques necessary for organizing, implementing and executing operating plans;
    • Federal, State and Local Laws governing transit systems;
    • Establishing routes and schedules;
    • Estimating personnel requirements;
    • Training;
    • Safety;
    • Labor relations; and
    • Effective motivation and communication methods.
  • The flexibility and availability to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
  • Experience using Hastus, Ellipse and/or Transmart software systems is preferred.
  • Possession of, or have the ability to obtain a valid Commercial Drivers License (Class A or B) with air brake and passenger endorsements and a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate.
  • A safe driving record.
  • Public transportation industry experience is highly preferred. Quick question for you - click here
Your core competencies should include:
  • Advanced organizational and time management skills.
  • The ability remain calm and respond efficiently in emergency situations.
  • Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with multiple levels of internal personnel and external contacts including union representatives.
  • Personal discipline and follow-through.
  • Self-initiative.

The Role

As Operations Manager, your overarching mission is to make sure the department remains operational by planning, organizing and managing day-to-day actives, thereby ensuring that the bus service is provided in an efficient, safe, productive and cost effective manner to all Long Beach Transit customers.  You will report to the Director of Operations, and when the Director is unavailable, you will be in charge.  You will be responsible for up to 25 Supervisors who will report directly to you, and for more than 400 Drivers, who are indirect reports.  

On an ongoing basis, you will be responsible for administrative tasks including scheduling Supervisors, and managing and reviewing a range of basic reports.  You will also be accountable for handling customer complaints, reviewing video to confirm those complaints, bringing drivers in and performing disciplinary action when necessary.  You will be required to work directly with the union and cross-functionally with Maintenance, Safety, Human Resources and other departments on a regular basis.  The days are varied and the responsibilities wide.  Specifically, you will:
  • Plan, manage, and evaluate the training of Lead Supervisors, Operations Supervisors and Operations Assistants. Quick question for you - click here
  • Review operations reports, including dispatch logs, daily operations reports, accident/incident reports, customer comment forms, and supervisors' reports.
  • Ensure accuracy, thoroughness and timely completion of reports and compliance with policies, standards, contracts and legal requirements.
  • Advise the Director on system status, including exceptions, issues and challenges.
  • Develop annual objectives and work plans for the Strategic Business Plan.
  • Oversee the coordination and scheduling of Operators' vacations, planned absences, and unscheduled absences.
  • Plan, manage and evaluate the performance of Operations personnel.
  • Conduct disciplinary investigations, hearings and counseling sessions; testify at hearings and court as needed.
  • Participate in the resolution of the first step grievances.
  • Develop and recommend the departmental operating budget; oversee and adhere to department budget; create and maintain purchase orders; and payment of department invoices.
  • Maintain and update procedure manuals for field supervision, dispatching functions, communications/radio functions and Extra Board scheduling.
  • Administer the Labor Agreement by guiding staff and ensuring that all actions are in compliance with Long Beach Transit's policies, rules, procedures, regulations, and practices.
  • Ensure that each level of supervision and all employees are made aware of the elements of the safety program, and that those elements are implemented, proper training is provided, and that employees are working in a safe manner.
  • Preside over special projects and committees as required.
  • And more.
Note: this description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.

Why LBT

High visibility impact -- your efforts and daily activities have a direct impact on the operations and employees of our company. This is a role where you'll gain exposure throughout the organization and enjoy seeing the results of your efforts.

Culture of excellence -- Long Beach Transit is one of the largest municipal public transit systems in Los Angeles County, and we are ranked in the top 10 best transportation organizations in the country for our size. Our mission is to provide public transportation services that enhance and improve the quality of life for the people in our community.

Flexibility and latitude -- we take pride in promoting a balanced personal and work life for our employees, and offer flexible schedules and work hours.

Great environment, great people -- our many years of success and growth are attributable in large part to the great service of our employees. We look to our employees in our three Long Beach operating facilities to work diligently together to provide top-notch service to our 28 million annual riders.

Career growth -- we’re a strong and progressive organization working at the top of our field.  Our employees are our lifeblood and we promote from within whenever possible.  Work hard and prove yourself and you can continue to grow your career at LBT.  Case and point, this position is open because the incumbent was promoted.

Excellent compensation -- in addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package.  In this role you will earn $4,898 to $5,994/month (DOQ), and enjoy excellent fringe benefits.

Pictured: The AquaBus water taxi.  The AquaBus has six "ports of call": Aquarium of the Pacific at Dock 4, The Queen Mary, Shoreline Village at Parker's Lighthouse, Pine Avenue Circle at Dock 7, and the Hotel Maya, and costs just  $1.

Keys to Success

In this role you should be a highly organized and motivated self-starter, strong enough to make tough decisions and take a stand when necessary.  This is a thinking role and we’re not looking for a “yes man."  We want someone who won’t automatically cave to the driver’s, union or others, and who, even with their supervisor, will give an honest, even if contradictory, response.  You should also be adept at information transfer, knowing when something should be reported to your supervisor or other key shareholders, and when to simply handle it.  The Director should never be in a position where she is caught off guard.

Obviously, the smooth operation of the department is the core of this role, but to excel, you’ll need to move beyond the required tasks.  It will be important that you build relationships throughout the company and get to know the contract employees.  That will take time because many work swing and grave shifts and you’ll rarely see them.  While your shift is traditionally 8 to 5, to establish yourself, build respect and rapport, you might work some alternate shifts – come in at 3:00 in the morning for a week, work evening hours on occasion...  You should be a visible, approachable and respected leader.

About LBT

Long Beach Transit has earned an excellent reputation since its formation in 1963: for everything from its good on-time record, safety for its passengers and the public, and cleanliness and reliability of the bus fleet, to the popularity of its bus operators. Together, all these things have contributed to the building of a good image for a growing transit system. Not only do we carry more than three times the number of riders as in 1963, but have not lost a single day of service for the community. That's over thirteen thousand days without missing a beat!

As one of the largest and best-run local public transit systems in Los Angeles County, we provide public transportation for Long Beach and other neighboring cities. With a total of 470 Bus Operators, we have 228 buses (including standard buses as well as our smaller Passport vehicles, and others) in service at any one time. We plan to continue offering a wide range of transportation options to Long Beach, and to remain ahead of the curve for public transit.

Long Beach Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The successful candidate must pass a company physical, drug and alcohol tests.

Opportunity Snapshot

If you're an experienced Operations Manager or Lead Supervisor ready to take your career to the next level, this is your opportunity to take ownership of a key leadership position, managing people and operations and ensuring the smooth operation of Long Beach Transit.  You will report to the Director of Operations and take point, serving as the primary leadership contact, when she is unavailable.  You will be responsible for two dozen management direct reports, and more than 400 indirect reports. Quick question for you - click here This is a big job with a lot of moving parts, but if you've got the experience and disposition, and you are ready to challenge yourself on a daily basis, this role could be your perfect fit.

Long Beach Transit, located in the seaside city of Long Beach, CA with a population of nearly 500,000, is the major public transportation provider for the city and its eleven neighboring cities, serving over 28 million boarding customers annually—with regular bus and shuttle services including the downtown Long Beach Passport, the Long Beach Harbor water taxis, the AquaBus, and AquaLink. Our mission is to provide public transportation services that enhance and improve the quality of life for the people in our community. We value our customers, employees, and the service we put out on a daily basis. This pride and sense of value echoes in our organizational style of taking each employee's input into account, and in the unwavering focus we place on customer service.

The Requirements

To be successful in this position, you should have:
  • A college degree, preferred.  
  • Supervisory experience with a minimum of 4 years supervision / management including strong labor relations experience and/or experience in the administration of labor agreements.
  • A career history that provided the opportunity to acquire knowledge and experience in:
    • Modern managerial techniques necessary for organizing, implementing and executing operating plans;
    • Federal, State and Local Laws governing transit systems;
    • Establishing routes and schedules;
    • Estimating personnel requirements;
    • Training;
    • Safety;
    • Labor relations; and
    • Effective motivation and communication methods.
  • The flexibility and availability to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
  • Experience using Hastus, Ellipse and/or Transmart software systems is preferred.
  • Possession of, or have the ability to obtain a valid Commercial Drivers License (Class A or B) with air brake and passenger endorsements and a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate.
  • A safe driving record.
  • Public transportation industry experience is highly preferred. Quick question for you - click here
Your core competencies should include:
  • Advanced organizational and time management skills.
  • The ability remain calm and respond efficiently in emergency situations.
  • Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with multiple levels of internal personnel and external contacts including union representatives.
  • Personal discipline and follow-through.
  • Self-initiative.

The Role

As Operations Manager, your overarching mission is to make sure the department remains operational by planning, organizing and managing day-to-day actives, thereby ensuring that the bus service is provided in an efficient, safe, productive and cost effective manner to all Long Beach Transit customers.  You will report to the Director of Operations, and when the Director is unavailable, you will be in charge.  You will be responsible for up to 25 Supervisors who will report directly to you, and for more than 400 Drivers, who are indirect reports.  

On an ongoing basis, you will be responsible for administrative tasks including scheduling Supervisors, and managing and reviewing a range of basic reports.  You will also be accountable for handling customer complaints, reviewing video to confirm those complaints, bringing drivers in and performing disciplinary action when necessary.  You will be required to work directly with the union and cross-functionally with Maintenance, Safety, Human Resources and other departments on a regular basis.  The days are varied and the responsibilities wide.  Specifically, you will:
  • Plan, manage, and evaluate the training of Lead Supervisors, Operations Supervisors and Operations Assistants. Quick question for you - click here
  • Review operations reports, including dispatch logs, daily operations reports, accident/incident reports, customer comment forms, and supervisors' reports.
  • Ensure accuracy, thoroughness and timely completion of reports and compliance with policies, standards, contracts and legal requirements.
  • Advise the Director on system status, including exceptions, issues and challenges.
  • Develop annual objectives and work plans for the Strategic Business Plan.
  • Oversee the coordination and scheduling of Operators' vacations, planned absences, and unscheduled absences.
  • Plan, manage and evaluate the performance of Operations personnel.
  • Conduct disciplinary investigations, hearings and counseling sessions; testify at hearings and court as needed.
  • Participate in the resolution of the first step grievances.
  • Develop and recommend the departmental operating budget; oversee and adhere to department budget; create and maintain purchase orders; and payment of department invoices.
  • Maintain and update procedure manuals for field supervision, dispatching functions, communications/radio functions and Extra Board scheduling.
  • Administer the Labor Agreement by guiding staff and ensuring that all actions are in compliance with Long Beach Transit's policies, rules, procedures, regulations, and practices.
  • Ensure that each level of supervision and all employees are made aware of the elements of the safety program, and that those elements are implemented, proper training is provided, and that employees are working in a safe manner.
  • Preside over special projects and committees as required.
  • And more.
Note: this description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.

Why LBT

High visibility impact -- your efforts and daily activities have a direct impact on the operations and employees of our company. This is a role where you'll gain exposure throughout the organization and enjoy seeing the results of your efforts.

Culture of excellence -- Long Beach Transit is one of the largest municipal public transit systems in Los Angeles County, and we are ranked in the top 10 best transportation organizations in the country for our size. Our mission is to provide public transportation services that enhance and improve the quality of life for the people in our community.

Flexibility and latitude -- we take pride in promoting a balanced personal and work life for our employees, and offer flexible schedules and work hours.

Great environment, great people -- our many years of success and growth are attributable in large part to the great service of our employees. We look to our employees in our three Long Beach operating facilities to work diligently together to provide top-notch service to our 28 million annual riders.

Career growth -- we’re a strong and progressive organization working at the top of our field.  Our employees are our lifeblood and we promote from within whenever possible.  Work hard and prove yourself and you can continue to grow your career at LBT.  Case and point, this position is open because the incumbent was promoted.

Excellent compensation -- in addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package.  In this role you will earn $4,898 to $5,994/month (DOQ), and enjoy excellent fringe benefits.

Pictured: The AquaBus water taxi.  The AquaBus has six "ports of call": Aquarium of the Pacific at Dock 4, The Queen Mary, Shoreline Village at Parker's Lighthouse, Pine Avenue Circle at Dock 7, and the Hotel Maya, and costs just  $1.

Keys to Success

In this role you should be a highly organized and motivated self-starter, strong enough to make tough decisions and take a stand when necessary.  This is a thinking role and we’re not looking for a “yes man."  We want someone who won’t automatically cave to the driver’s, union or others, and who, even with their supervisor, will give an honest, even if contradictory, response.  You should also be adept at information transfer, knowing when something should be reported to your supervisor or other key shareholders, and when to simply handle it.  The Director should never be in a position where she is caught off guard.

Obviously, the smooth operation of the department is the core of this role, but to excel, you’ll need to move beyond the required tasks.  It will be important that you build relationships throughout the company and get to know the contract employees.  That will take time because many work swing and grave shifts and you’ll rarely see them.  While your shift is traditionally 8 to 5, to establish yourself, build respect and rapport, you might work some alternate shifts – come in at 3:00 in the morning for a week, work evening hours on occasion...  You should be a visible, approachable and respected leader.

About LBT

Long Beach Transit has earned an excellent reputation since its formation in 1963: for everything from its good on-time record, safety for its passengers and the public, and cleanliness and reliability of the bus fleet, to the popularity of its bus operators. Together, all these things have contributed to the building of a good image for a growing transit system. Not only do we carry more than three times the number of riders as in 1963, but have not lost a single day of service for the community. That's over thirteen thousand days without missing a beat!

As one of the largest and best-run local public transit systems in Los Angeles County, we provide public transportation for Long Beach and other neighboring cities. With a total of 470 Bus Operators, we have 228 buses (including standard buses as well as our smaller Passport vehicles, and others) in service at any one time. We plan to continue offering a wide range of transportation options to Long Beach, and to remain ahead of the curve for public transit.

Long Beach Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The successful candidate must pass a company physical, drug and alcohol tests.
Long Beach Transit is an equal opportunity employer and in compliance with federal and state laws, does not discriminate in employment practice on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic group ancestry, religious creed, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender expression or sex.
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