Transportation Training Supervisor

Who We Are:

The Salem Area Mass Transit District, known as Cherriots, is a great public transit system. We work hard every day to give our customers the best experience possible. We provide local, regional, and paratransit services in Marion and Polk counties. But we do more than just transportation. We help people get to jobs, shopping, and schools. We help businesses find more workers. We ensure that people can enjoy recreational, social, faith-based, and other activities without needing a car.

Cherriots is an equal opportunity employer that aims to create a workforce that reflects our diverse community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

About the Role:

Under the administrative direction of the Transportation Manager, the Transportation Training Supervisor provides leadership and oversight to the Transit Operator’s and Training Instructor's initial and recurring training programs. This includes but is not restricted to, organizing and conducting all classroom and behind-the-wheel training, supervising, selecting, and mentoring Training Instructors, and designing, updating, and maintaining training materials. Assist in managing, the continuous improvement of Transportation Department training programs and participate in developing Standard Operating Procedures for the Transportation Department. Through personal commitment and appropriate leadership, the Transportation Training Supervisor will demonstrate that safety is a core value and a priority in all aspects of work and will support all District safety programs and related policy implementation and training.

Duties:

• Oversee the Transportation Department’s training programs, with particular attention to programs provided to new (trial service) Transit Operators, Training Instructors, and other Transportation Department employees.
• Research, develop, organize, conduct, evaluate, and update, as appropriate, training programs for new and current Transit Operators, including designing and preparing training materials.
• Provide updates and refresher training sessions on topics, including customer service, conflict resolution, the Americans with Disabilities Act, accident avoidance, and system safety. In coordination with the Transportation Manager, perform needs assessments to ensure that all training is current and adequate.
• Supervise a team of Training Instructors. Provide direct oversight of instructors to ensure that all training and instruction complies with Cherriots standards and Oregon state law.
• Monitor individual instructor performance and provide follow-up instruction and guidance to ensure the best possible training and compliance.
• Create and compile documentation for each Training Instructor to show accurate records of their effectiveness and areas for improvement. Require, monitor, and compile regular performance reports for each Training Instructor to ensure that corrective action is taken and that course compliance is maintained.
• Regularly monitor each instructor's performance to ensure their ongoing effectiveness and benefit to the program. In coordination with the Transportation Manager, make recommendations for adding or removing instructors from the Training Instructor roster.
• Provide or oversee necessary trial service Operator training, including classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. Regularly monitor operator performance to ensure compliance with daily training schedules, operating policies, procedures, service standards, applicable laws, and the instructions of Training Instructors. Work closely with Training Instructors to provide recognition for exemplary work and corrective coaching and counseling as needed. This includes regular monitoring of Trial Service Operator performance and maintenance of performance evaluation records.
• Coordinate and manage all CDL and endorsement Testing as required by Oregon state law and maintain effective working relationships with licensed and recognized DOT testing contractors and other resources.
• Compile and maintain all licensing documentation files, including payroll deduction and related data.
• Conduct and oversee regular “in-service” training. Create and update the curriculum necessary to train all personnel in the latest and most key subjects, including changes in laws or policies, new or more effective operating methods, and topics required by Cherriots leadership.
• Coordinate with the Transportation Manager and Assistant Transportation Manager to ensure that all Transit Operators receive the required training on a repeatable annual cycle and that there is an effective method for collecting and examining training recommendations and suggestions from Cherriots operators and staff.
• Regularly participate in the Accident Review process by examining records, interviewing Operations Supervisors and Transit Operators, and examining video and other applicable evidence. Provide recommendations to the Accident Review Board for the fair and effective review of transit vehicle accidents.
• Research and implement continuing education or training opportunities, including e-learning and other courses of study, that will update and improve training delivery methods and enhance the learning environment and quality of the students.
• Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position. This role requires that employees be present and engaged during assigned work hours to effectively collaborate with team members and customers and fulfill operation needs. The ability to consistently adhere to a defined work schedule and be present onsite is crucial to the successful performance of this role's job duties and responsibilities because if the employee is not present, someone else would be required to perform their duties.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

What You Will Need to Be Successful in this Role:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of adult learning and employee training, as well as needs assessment and the development of instructional goals and objectives.
• Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, and analytical skills to proactively identify, evaluate, and resolve complex training and operations-related issues.
• Develop and maintain responsive, goal-oriented, and effective work teams.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, other supervisors, management, and the general public, including those from diverse backgrounds, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form. Facilitate meetings with individuals or groups and present information clearly and logically.
• Plan, schedule, and manage multiple priorities and projects. Effectively and fairly delegate to other members of the training staff while maintaining the quality and effectiveness of the program.
• Select, assign, supervise, and evaluate personnel.
• Develop and produce written reports and deliver effective oral presentations.
• Basic email, word processing, spreadsheets, and other instructional technology knowledge.
• Work and function within Trapeze, CAD/AVL, and other standard transportation software programs.
• Capable of performing job duties safely.

Requirements:

• Oregon driver's license is required. Oregon commercial driver's license (CDL) is preferred. We encourage candidates who do not have a CDL to apply. Upon hire, you must obtain a commercial learner permit with passenger endorsement, no air brake restrictions, and a valid medical examiner’s certification (med card) before your first day of work. When you start work, we will help you obtain your CDL during our paid training.
• Clean driving record.
• Pass a drug test (including marijuana) and criminal background check.
• Able to work day, swing, or night shifts at our Salem locations. Schedules are based on seniority.
• Able to perform all essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Education and Experience:

• Two years of experience in transit operations and one year of experience in a training capacity. OR Any satisfactory, equivalent combination of related experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above.
• An associate’s degree in adult education, training, or a related field, including coursework in supervisory management or any equivalent combination of training and experience. OR Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position's essential functions. SAMTD reserves the right to determine the equivalences of education and experience. Fixed-route operations or paratransit operations experience is preferred.
• Navigating a labor union environment is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Be able to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods; see, hear, and talk effectively; use hands for typing, handling objects, and controlling tools or equipment; and use hands and arms to reach for items.
• Regularly lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Needs to frequently bend, twist, climb, crawl, and kneel as part of their tasks.
• Frequent changes in body positions are necessary.

Working Conditions

• The working environment varies from office to classroom, field, and onboard training, and it could include on-site training with various entities in various weather conditions outside.
• May, on occasion, include off-site training both as the instructor and as the student.
• May travel occasionally to attend meetings, conferences, and additional training.
• May work varied hours and days.