Operations Supervisor

Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority is seeking an Operations Supervisor in the Transportation department. You will oversee fixed route and shuttle operations, supervise bus operators, and coordinate with dispatch to maintain safe, reliable transit service.

This role combines on-road supervision with control-center duties, requiring strong decision-making under pressure, adherence to ADA rules, and effective communication across departments to resolve incidents and ensure

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and coordinate daily transit operations using 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.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Decision making

Problem solving

CAD systems

Education

CDL Class B with passenger endorsement

High School Diploma or GED

Transportation management training

Tools

CAD systems

Job description

Department: Transportation

Job Category: Administrative

Employee Type: Full-Time – Exempt

Rate of Pay: $59,000 – $72,000

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

• Strong leadership and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to remain calm and make effective decisions in high-pressure or emergency situations.
  • Proficiency in CAD systems, radio communications, and basic computer applications.
  • Professionalism and composure when handling stressful or sensitive situations.

Physical Demands

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

Safety Requirements & Notifications

The Chattanooga 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.

Work Environment

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.

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

The Chattanooga 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.