Controller, Regional Operations Center (Bus)

RTD - Regional Transportation District of Denver, CO (RTD); United States; On-site; USD 77,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RTD Benefits

Job summary

Regional Transportation District (RTD) seeks a dedicated Controller to provide real-time operational oversight of our bus network. The role focuses on safe, efficient, and reliable service while maintaining continuous radio communications with Operators, Supervisors, Maintenance, and other personnel.

You will use CAD/AVL and other tools to track route adherence, adjust service levels, mitigate delays, and coordinate responses to incidents or disruptions in collaboration with internal and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s degree in Business, Transportation, or a related field preferred.
• Additional technical training in transit operations or dispatch systems is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control real-time bus operations, including Bus Operators, Service Supervisors, Transit System & Support (Bus), maintenance personnel, scheduled routes, special bus movements, and high-volume events.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external partners to ensure coordinated responses to service disruptions and efficient communication of operational updates.
• Prepare and review operational reports, correspondence, presentations, and other documentation related to bus service performance and incident response.

Skills

Real-time transit operations

CAD/AVL software

Emergency response coordination

Data analysis

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree in Business, Transportation

Technical training in transit operations

Tools

CAD/AVL software

Data radio

Job description

At Regional Transportation District (RTD), We make lives better through connections! When you join RTD, you will be among dedicated employees exhibiting RTD's values of passion, respect, diversity, trustworthiness, collaboration, and ownership. RTD is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. As part of our diversity value statement, we encourage our employees to honor diversity in thought, people, and experience. Come join RTD on this great journey to be the trusted leader in mobility, delivering excellence and value to our customers and community.

RTD Employee Benefits: https://www.rtd-denver.com/careers/benefits (RTD Represented Employee Benefits: Please refer to the Labor Agreement included in the above link for details.)

This position provides real-time operational oversight of RTD’s bus network to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable service. Working under the Assistant Manager, ROC, this position monitors normal, degraded, and emergency operations; maintains continuous radio communication with Operators, Supervisors, Maintenance, and other personnel; and manages scheduled service, special bus movements, and high‑volume events. Using the Integrated CAD/AVL system and other operational tools, the Controller maintains route adherence, mitigates delays, adjusts service levels as needed, and coordinates responses to incidents or disruptions in collaboration with internal and external partners. The Controller responds immediately to emergency calls and alarms, coordinates with emergency responders, and directs special or emergency bus movements to maintain service continuity. The role works closely with Vehicle Maintenance to replace defective buses, resolve farebox issues, and minimize service interruptions. Additional responsibilities include documenting procedural violations and commendations, participating in required meetings and training, supporting SMS and PTASP requirements, and promoting safety awareness.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL: Monitor and control real-time bus operations, including Bus Operators, Service Supervisors, Transit System & Support (Bus), maintenance personnel, scheduled routes, special bus movements, and high-volume events. Ensure safe, reliable, and customer-focused service while responding to normal, degraded, and emergency operational conditions. Maintain radio and electronic communications with Operators, Supervisors, Maintenance, and other personnel to provide timely information and coordinate responses to operational issues. Use CAD/AVL and other operational software tools to track route adherence, adjust service levels and headways, mitigate delays, and implement failure management techniques. Respond immediately to emergency calls, silent alarms, accidents, and service disruptions. Assess the situation and coordinate with emergency responders, Maintenance, and supervisory staff until normal operations are restored. Modify bus operations as required due to incidents, service interruptions, or unusual operating conditions. Coordinate special and emergency bus movements to maintain service continuity. Instruct Service Supervisors and Operators on troubleshooting non-safety-critical vehicle issues to reduce service interruptions. Coordinate with Vehicle Maintenance to replace defective buses or resolve mechanical issues. Monitor fare collection and coordinate with maintenance or revenue personnel to resolve farebox or electronic payment equipment issues. Apply Safety Management System (SMS) principles and support all aspects of RTD’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP). Promote safety awareness and adhere to safety procedures to reduce the risk of accidents or incidents. Collect and monitor operational data, including service adherence, delay reports, incident logs, and other key performance indicators. Identify trends, risks, and opportunities for service improvement, and elevate issues to the Assistant Manager, ROC as appropriate. Prepare and review operational reports, correspondence, presentations, and other documentation related to bus service performance and incident response for internal leadership and stakeholders. Collaborate with internal departments, including Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Customer Care, and Emergency Management, to ensure coordinated responses to service disruptions and efficient communication of operational updates. Participate in system-wide operational initiatives, task forces, and meetings focused on service reliability, emergency preparedness, and customer service improvements.

OTHER: All job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED required. Associate’s degree in Business, Transportation, or a related field preferred. Additional technical training in transit operations or dispatch systems is desirable. Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in transit, transportation, or incident management-related operations. Experience must include working directly with internal stakeholders, operations staff and responding to service disruptions or emergency situations. Experience in Transit System & Support, dispatching, or control center operations in public transit, police, or fire communications centers. Demonstrated ability to monitor, coordinate, and respond to dynamic operational conditions is required. Experience using CAD/AVL or similar automated transit management and vehicle tracking software preferred. Familiarity with data radio, SCADA, or related operational technologies is a plus. Must have a valid Colorado driver’s license with no more than 4 moving violations in the past three 3 years; cannot have a violation of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs within the last 5 years.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

Working knowledge of bus operations, real-time service delivery, and centralized transit control procedures, including managing normal, degraded, and emergency service conditions. Familiarity with control center functions, including CAD/AVL, data radio, vehicle location, smart bus systems, SCADA, and other operational technologies used to monitor and manage bus operations. Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal regulations, rules, and statutory requirements governing transit control center operations, bus service delivery, and safety compliance. Ability to monitor and control bus operations, including service adherence, headways, special movements, emergency response, and high-volume events, ensuring safe, reliable, and customer-focused service. Strong operational judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to assess dynamic conditions, mitigate delays, and implement service adjustments effectively. Skill in coordinating with internal departments and external partners, including Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Emergency Response Agencies, and regulatory bodies, to resolve operational issues and maintain continuity of service. Knowledge of incident response and emergency management methods, including evaluating situations, dispatching resources, and executing contingency plans to minimize service disruptions. Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey operational information clearly to leadership, ROC staff, Operators, and external stakeholders. Ability to analyze operational and system data, identify trends, recurring issues, and risks, and make informed recommendations for corrective or preventive actions. Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple incidents simultaneously, and maintain attention to detail under pressure. Ability to accurately document operational incidents, service disruptions, vehicle issues, and communications in accordance with agency procedures. Ability to assist in making operational decisions regarding resource deployment, service adjustments, and emergency response under the direction of the Assistant Manager, ROC. Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism. Skill in coaching, influencing, and providing guidance to colleagues, demonstrating approachability, credibility, and confidence in a high-pressure operational environment. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and relevant operational software used for reporting, monitoring, and documentation. Ability to exercise sound judgment, work independently, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to achieve safe, efficient, and reliable bus operations.

OTHER: An equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations. Worker is subject to varying inside and/or outside temperatures, which may include extreme heat (temperatures above 100 degrees) or extreme cold (temperatures below 32 degrees).

CAREER MAP

Based on job performance, experience, education and position availability the next step on the career map for this position may be: Assistant Manager, Regional Operations Center (Operations).

We are considering all applications for this position up until the position close date of 9/14/2026 at 11:59PM.

Pay Range

$77,437.00 - $109,380.25 Annual

EEO POLICY AND ADA ACCOMMODATIONS

RTD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless to the race, sex, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. RTD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, promotions, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to our Employment ADA Coordinator Kris Frazier at [e-mail], or the Talent Acquisition team [e-mail].

To learn more or see our EEO policy, please visit our EEO page at: https://www.rtd-denver.com/open-records/reports-and-policies/eeo-policy

RTD posts a compensation range that represents a good faith estimate of what RTD anticipates paying for the position at the time of posting. Starting salary is based on the candidate’s relevant and verified education, training and work experience. Applicants should submit all relevant and verifiable education, training and work experiences at the time of application.

About RTD

RTD provides public transportation services in an eight-county region centered in Denver, Colorado. As a public agency, employees are dedicated to serving the public and providing for the transportation needs of over 3.1 million area residents as well as visitors to the region. Services include bus, rail, shuttles, ADA paratransit services, demand-responsive services, vanpools, and more. The agency’s dedicated workforce epitomizes RTD’s mission of making lives better through connections. In 2024, the system had more than 65 million boardings, a number that has seen year-over-year increases since 2020. RTD employs over 3,100 people and has an operating budget of $1.5 billion. Together, RTD employees work hard to keep this region moving day and night. RTD is committed to full equal opportunity and affirmative action for all applicants and employees. Equal opportunity ensures all qualified applicants and employees are treated fairly and not discriminated against with regard to the individual’s race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. RTD participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.