Transit Operations Manager (Deputy Transit Director)

Help keep Wausau moving—lead operations and keep a vital community service running smoothly!

The City of Wausau is seeking a strong operational leader to serve as our next Deputy Transit Director. In this role, you’ll oversee daily transit operations, support and develop supervisors, and and work closely with the Transit Director to ensure services run safely, efficiently, and reliably for the community.

This position is ideal for someone with experience managing people and operations in a fast-paced environment—whether in transportation, logistics, public works, manufacturing, or similar settings. Transit experience is helpful, but not required.

If you’re someone who can bring structure, accountability, and leadership to a dynamic operation, we want to hear from you!

• Oversee daily transit operations to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service delivery
• Supervise and support Operations Supervisors, including coaching performance, setting expectations, and building accountability
• Oversee workforce coordination and scheduling to ensure alignment between planned service and actual operations
• Ensure accuracy of timekeeping and operational records, resolving discrepancies as needed
• Lead employee relations efforts, including interpreting labor agreements, addressing concerns, and administering discipline when necessary
• Oversee safety programs, including accident investigation, training, and coordination with safety partners
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including FTA and WisDOT requirements
• Support recruitment, hiring, and training of operations staff
• Analyze operations and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and service quality
• Respond to customer concerns and support public communication efforts
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to support effective transit operations
• Assist with departmental planning, reporting, and policy development

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, Transportation, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience; and
• Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience managing operations, scheduling, logistics, or workforce coordination; and
• Demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience, including managing staff, addressing performance issues, and building effective teams; and

• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in public transit, transportation, or municipal operations
• Experience working in a unionized or structured work environment
• Experience with workforce scheduling, shift-based operations, or service delivery coordination
• Experience improving processes, workflows, or operational systems

• Familiarity with regulatory compliance (FTA, WisDOT, or similar)

We’re seeking someone who:

• Builds strong working relationships while maintaining clear expectations and accountability across teams
• Can manage people and navigate difficult situations
• Is comfortable making decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Can identify problems and implement practical solutions

Work Environment & Expectations
This role includes a mix of office and field work and may require responding to operational issues outside of standard business hours as needed. Office hours for the Metro Ride Transit Department are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

IMPORTANT! All applications must completely filled out and have a Resume attached in the "Attachments" section of the application. A Cover Letter is highly recommended. Applications that are not complete and do not have the required attachment will not be considered.

When completing References section, include 3 professional references with current and valid email addresses.References will not be contacted unless a candidate becomes a finalist for consideration or a conditional offer of employment is extended and accepted.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:
The City of Wausau will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Human Resources Department or phone (715) 261-6630 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS:
Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant’s application, records, recommendations and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the City not provide access to this information.

If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Human Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law.

ADDITIONAL NOTICES:
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/posters/fmla
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/posters/employee-polygraph-protection-act

The City of Wausau is an Equal Opportunity Employer.