Operations Supervisor

CARTA; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CARTA seeks an Operations Supervisor to oversee fixed route and shuttle operations, combining on-road supervision with dispatch duties. You will monitor service, support drivers, respond to incidents, and ensure safety, compliance, and efficient transit performance.

The role requires strong leadership, effective communication, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure while coordinating with multiple departments and adhering to federal, state, and local regulations.

Qualifications

• Requires High School Diploma or GED.
• Must possess CDL Class B with passenger endorsement.
• 5+ years experience in transit operations or supervision is required.
• Familiarity with CARTA routes, schedules, and procedures preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate fixed route and shuttle operations to ensure safe, reliable transit service.
• Monitor service using CAD systems and track vehicles in real time.
• Communicate with drivers, supervisors, andlaw enforcement as needed.
• Adjust schedules and routes to address service disruptions.
• Coach operators and address performance concerns.
• Assist drivers with scheduling conflicts and passenger concerns.
• Support new driver training and ongoing safety education.
• Respond to accidents, breakdowns, and emergencies and coordinate with responders.
• Investigate incidents or customer complaints and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with ADA rules and safety regulations.
• Maintain records of driver performance, incidents, dispatch logs, and service reports.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Calm under pressure

CAD systems

Radio communications

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CDL Class B with passenger endorsement

Transportation management/safety/operations training

Tools

CAD systems

Radio communications

Basic computer applications

Job description

Location:1617 Wilcox Blvd. Chattanooga, TN 37406

Revision Date:October 22, 2026

Summary of Job:

The Operations Supervisor reports to the Transportation Manager and is responsible for overseeing and coordinating fixed route and shuttle operations to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient transit service. This role combines on-road supervision and control center dispatching responsibilities, including monitoring service, supporting drivers, responding to incidents, and maintaining effective communication across departments. The Operations Supervisor must exercise sound judgment under pressure, enforce company policies and safety regulations, and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local transit requirements.

Essential Job Functions:

• Monitor and coordinate daily transit operations using Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems.
• Track vehicles in real-time to ensure on-time performance and efficient route coverage.
• Communicate effectively with drivers, supervisors, and law enforcement as needed.
• Adjust schedules and routes as necessary to address service disruptions.
• Conduct on-road observations to evaluate driver performance, safety compliance, and customer service for all CARTA transit services.
• Provide coaching and feedback to operators, addressing performance concerns as needed.
• Assist drivers in resolving operational issues such as scheduling conflicts, passenger concerns, or route adherence.
• Support new driver training and ongoing safety/service education.
• Respond to accidents, breakdowns, and emergencies, coordinating with emergency personnel when necessary.
• Perform investigations into incidents or customer complaints and recommend corrective actions.
• Conduct reasonable suspicion assessments for substance abuse in compliance with policy.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, including pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
• Maintain accurate records of driver performance, incidents, dispatch logs, and service reports.
• Interpret and enforce CARTA work rules, policies, and procedures.
• Report operational and maintenance issues to appropriate departments.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local transportation regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory & Operational Authority:

• This position will be overseeing other positions, specifically bus operators.

Compliance:

• Recognize and follow ADA rules and regulations related to passenger transit services.
• Responsible for completing all mandatory training classes.
• Responsible for reviewing and complying with all CARTA policies, procedures and directives.

Required/Preferred Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must possess a Commercial Driver License (CDL), Class B with passenger endorsement. Additional training or certifications in transportation management, safety, or operations preferred.
• A minimum of five years’ experience as a transit operator and/or supervisory role within public transportation required.
• Familiarity with CARTA routes, schedules, and operational procedures preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strongleadershipandproblem-solvingabilities.
• Excellentcommunicationandinterpersonalskills.
• Abilitytoremaincalmandmakeeffectivedecisionsinhigh-pressureoremergencysituations.
• ProficiencyinCADsystems,radiocommunications,andbasiccomputerapplications.
• Professionalismandcomposurewhenhandlingstressfulorsensitivesituations.

Physical Demands:

• Standing for prolonged periods.
• Sitting for prolonged periods.
• Perform repetitive motion.

Safety Requirements & Notifications:

TheChattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA)is a public transit service provider governed by requirements of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Department of Transportation (DOT).

Due to the nature of some work performed at CARTA some jobs are classified as ‘Safety Sensitive’ and are subject to random testing for drug and alcohol use. All offers for employment are required to undergo pre-employment and possible random drug testing. If test shows a positive result your application for employment will be rejected, or if hired, employment may be terminated.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

TheChattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA)is an Equal Opportunity Employer — M/F/D/V.

TheChattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA)is an Equal Opportunity Employer (protected veterans, disability) and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Employees who require a reasonable accommodation as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must notify CARTA in advance to allow sufficient time for CARTA to provide the accommodation.