Fixed-Route Operations Manager

Job DescriptionJob Description

Hiring for: Fixed-Route Operations Manager

Join the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) as a Fixed-Route Operations Manager. CATA is seeking a collaborative, safety-focused, and service-oriented leader to oversee the day-to-day operations of our fixed-route transit services. This full-time, onsite position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of daily riders while helping shape the future of public transportation in Centre County.

As Fixed-Route Operations Manager, you'll supervise and support a dedicated team of 12 staff members while ensuring regulatory compliance and delivering exceptional transit services. You'll work closely with CATA's leadership to improve operational systems and processes, with the opportunity to lead hiring and training initiatives and influence agency-wide goals.

The starting salary range is $73,723 - $83,500, commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid time off (vacation, sick, holiday, etc.), health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), 401(a), 457, Roth IRA, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, life insurance, long-term , short-term , Employee Assistance Program (EAP), free gym membership, and free transit pass. CATA is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Become part of a dedicated team that's passionate about public transit and committed to community service!

What does a Fixed-Route Operations Manager do?

As CATA's Fixed-Route Operations Manager, you'll lead and direct transit operations while maintaining full compliance with FTA, PennDOT, ADA, and other regulatory bodies. Your leadership will support safe, efficient, and customer-focused service delivery. You'll provide day-to-day guidance to operational staff, monitor performance, manage labor relations, and respond to incidents and service issues with a strategic and proactive approach.

You will collaborate with departments across the agency-including maintenance, training, safety, IT, HR, and finance-to ensure alignment with CATA's organizational goals. You'll also contribute to policy development, budget planning, and continuous improvement initiatives. When needed, you'll represent the Director of Transportation at board and leadership meetings.

This role is ideal for a professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to mentor staff, innovate processes, and solve complex operational challenges.

Are you a good fit for Fixed-Route Operations Manager?

To succeed in this role, you'll need:

Experience in transit operations or a similar environment (five years ) A bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience Knowledge of transit laws and regulations (FTA, USDOT, ADA) Familiarity with labor relations and collective bargaining agreements Proven ability to lead, coach, and build effective teams Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills CDL Class B with passenger endorsement and air brake restriction lifted (or ability to obtain within one year).

This is a safety-sensitive position subject to federal drug and alcohol testing regulations;

About CATA Founded in 1974 and celebrating its 50th anniversary, CATA serves portions of Centre County, Pennsylvania, including the Penn State University Park campus. Our fleet facilitates over 5 million annual rides across fixed-route, paratransit, commuter, and microtransit services.

We are proud to operate the East Coast's first fully compressed natural gas (CNG) fleet and maintain Pennsylvania's highest farebox recovery ratio-covering nearly 40% of fixed-route operating expenses in 2023. Get started with CATA Ready to help move our community forward? Apply at https://catabus.com/careers/

Selected candidates will be subject to a criminal background check and drug and alcohol testing. CATA participates in E-Verify. For more information on E-Verify, contact DHS at 888-897-7787 or dhs.gov/e-verify. CATA is an equal opportunity employer and values . All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.