ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:
The Kiowa Tribe is hiring a Transit Director to lead FASTRANS, the Tribe's public transit program. This is a senior role with real ownership. The director runs a safe transit operation, keeps the program in full compliance with federal guidelines, and grows the department's capacity and service over time. We are looking for a leader who puts safety first and can build a stronger program for Kiowa communities.
JOB SUMMARY: The Transit Director provides administrative direction for the Kiowa Tribe's FASTRANS public transit program and coordinates its planning, development, and daily operation. The director is responsible for a safe and compliant program, including fleet maintenance, driver training, accurate recordkeeping, and service that meets Federal Transit Administration and federal DOT requirements. The director leads staff, manages the budget and FTA grant funding, coordinates with community partners, and works to expand the reach and capacity of the program across the Tribe's service area.
Priorities for this role
-
Safety first. Maintain a safe fleet and a well-trained team, and hold safety as the standard for every part of the operation.
-
Full federal compliance. Keep the program in line with Federal Transit Administration and federal DOT guidelines, including reporting, recordkeeping, and drug and alcohol testing requirements.
-
Grow the department. Strengthen staffing, service, and funding to expand what FASTRANS can deliver for Kiowa communities.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Safety and compliance
-
Supervise safety training programs for all transit staff and complete the associated documentation.
-
Manage the fleet to ensure every vehicle is safe, well-maintained, and roadworthy.
-
Maintain compliance with Federal Transit Administration, federal DOT, and Kiowa Tribe policies, including the Drug-Free Workplace Policy.
-
Maintain accurate contract compliance records.
-
Respond to emergency situations, including hazardous and severe weather such as fire, floods, and tornadoes, and coordinate with police and emergency dispatchers as required.
-
Ensure all transit employees are trained on policies and procedures for safety, security, and customer service.
Program leadership and staff supervision
-
Provide leadership, coaching, and clear direction so every transit employee understands their responsibilities and expectations.
-
Supervise transit staff, including hiring, defining duties, motivating, counseling, performance appraisal, compensation, discipline, and termination when necessary.
-
Conduct evaluations to ensure employees perform their jobs efficiently and follow established policies and procedures.
-
Implement staff training required by the funding agency and support ongoing professional and compliance development of all transit staff.
-
Carry out tribal policies while providing leadership and guidance in managing the department.
Program growth and development
-
Identify and pursue opportunities to expand transit service, ridership, and routes across the service area.
-
Pursue federal and other funding to grow the program beyond current levels.
-
Build staffing and operational capacity to support a larger program over time.
Operations and dispatch
-
Schedule and coordinate vehicle and passenger trips and dispatch vehicles.
-
Schedule daily routes to passenger service requests using computer scheduling software; review, organize, and maintain trip manifests to maximize route efficiency.
-
Monitor and respond to two-way radios, mobile phones, and a variety of service calls, including emergency situations.
-
Verify and monitor staff unit locations so vehicles are used with maximum efficiency.
-
Record, prioritize, and relay transportation requests, and respond to all calls and service requests promptly and courteously.
-
Coordinate with community partners to meet transportation needs across the service area.
Budget, funding, and financial controls
-
Prepare and manage the annual transit budget and ensure compliance with all applicable policies.
-
Develop, implement, and manage the appropriate use of Federal Transit Administration grant funding.
-
Collect and reconcile transit fares and distribute transit passes to account for all funds received.
-
Create and implement efficient, accountable internal cash control procedures.
-
Apply strong financial and business accounting skills to budget development and program management.
Records and reporting
-
Maintain written and computer-generated logs of all service requests, client information, driver hours, mileage, and passenger information for reporting purposes.
-
Prepare and maintain a variety of files.
-
Prepare, maintain, and update work orders, purchase orders, and other documents.
General
-
Apply knowledge of standard and best practices for transportation operations and fleet management.
-
Apply knowledge of vehicle life cycles, proper maintenance, and capital acquisition and disposal of vehicles and equipment.
-
Work effectively with diverse employees at all levels of the program and agency, and with the public.
-
Use a computer and Microsoft Office programs proficiently.
-
Adhere to and follow all Kiowa Tribe policies and procedures.
-
Perform all other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required
-
Bachelor's degree in business, transportation, or a related field.
-
Five (5) years of work experience in public transportation, transportation management, or a related field.
-
Three (3) years of experience supervising staff.
-
Three (3) years of budgeting experience.
Preferred
-
Experience with Federal Transit Administration funded programs and FTA reporting.
-
Experience building or running a transit safety program, including driver safety training and fleet safety inspections.
-
Familiarity with federal DOT compliance, including drug and alcohol testing programs and recordkeeping.
-
Experience growing or expanding a transit or transportation program.
REQUIREMENTS:
-
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
-
Must be able to pass a background check and pre-employment drug screening.
-
Availability for occasional travel to conferences, trainings, and meetings.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
-
Office-based position with minimal fieldwork.
-
Regular use of computers, office equipment, and standard office supplies.
-
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. occasionally.
-
May require extended periods of sitting and working at a computer.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Kiowa Tribe does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
According to the Kiowa Tribe Human Resources Policies and Procedures, the Kiowa Tribe recognizes Kiowa Preference first, other federally recognized tribes second and other races last.
Indian Preference applies in accordance with Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC Section 472), BIA Form 4432, Tribal Identification or Certificate Degree of Indian Blood must be submitted with employment application to receive Indian Preference.
