Transportation Safety & Operations Manager (Class B License required)

AP3 Transportation; Richmond (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AP3 Transportation in Richmond, CA is seeking an experienced Transportation Safety & Operations Manager to lead safety training and oversee daily paratransit operations.

You will manage operator training, accident investigations, DOT compliance, and reporting, while coordinating with leadership, maintenance, client agencies, and claims partners.

The role requires CDL B with passenger endorsement, a safe driving record, and at least five years in passenger transport or safety management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid Class B CDL with passenger endorsement and a current DOT Medical Card required.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in passenger transportation, safety management, training, or transportation operations, including supervisory/management experience.
• Experience in paratransit, public transit, ADA transportation, or comparable passenger transportation environment preferred.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing daily transportation operations, supervising frontline employees, monitoring service performance, and maintaining safety and operational standards.
• Ability to lead, coach, develop, and hold employees accountable for safety, performance, attendance, professionalism, and customer service.
• Experience addressing performance deficiencies, disciplinary actions, and applying company policies.
• Experience investigating vehicle accidents and workplace incidents, including root cause analysis and corrective action recommendations.
• Strong knowledge of transportation safety practices, accident prevention, hazard identification, and employee safety training.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operator training, safety programs, and daily transportation operations.
• Lead accident prevention and investigation efforts and participate in the Accident Review Committee.
• Manage the DOT drug and alcohol program, DER backup, and testing providers.
• Coordinate safety, training, claims, and operational reporting to leadership.
• Maintain safety programs, SOPs, audits, and records; oversee staff in safety department.

Skills

Safety management

Training & coaching

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Recordkeeping

Regulatory compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Valid Class B CDL with passenger endorsement + DOT Medical Card

Tools

Microsoft 365

GPS/ Telematics systems

Electronic inspection systems

Job description

AP3 Transportation provides paratransit services with a focus on safe, reliable transportation and quality customer service. Our team supports passengers through a commitment to safety, accountability, teamwork, and professionalism. We are seeking an experienced Transportation Safety & Operations Manager to lead our safety and training programs and support daily transportation operations.

Role Description

The Transportation Safety & Operations Manager is an on-site role based in Richmond, CA. This position oversees operator training, safety programs, accident and incident investigations, and transportation operations. The manager works closely with AP3 leadership, frontline employees, maintenance staff, client agencies, and claims partners to maintain safe, efficient service and meet company, contract, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities include recruiting and screening operator candidates; managing new hire, annual, and refresher training; and overseeing classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, and road testing. The manager ensures consistent operator evaluations, ride-alongs, road checks, and performance reviews while identifying training needs and maintaining complete and accurate records.

This role also manages AP3’s FTA drug and alcohol testing program, serves as or provides backup to the Designated Employer Representative (DER), and oversees testing providers, confidential records, and required reporting. The manager leads accident prevention and investigation efforts, participates in the Accident Review Committee, maintains consistent preventability criteria, and manages the dash cam coaching program.

Additional responsibilities include maintaining written safety programs and standard operating procedures, leading the Safety Committee, conducting training file, vehicle maintenance file, and facility safety audits, and coordinating liability and workers’ compensation claims. The manager also coordinates dispatcher and reservations activities, monitors employee and vehicle performance, supervises safety department staff, and provides regular safety, training, claims, and operational reports.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License with passenger endorsement and a current DOT Medical Card required. Must maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet applicable licensing and medical certification requirements.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in passenger transportation, safety management, training, or transportation operations, including demonstrated supervisory or management experience.
• Previous experience in paratransit, public transit, ADA transportation, or a comparable passenger transportation environment preferred.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing daily transportation operations, supervising frontline employees, monitoring service performance, and maintaining safety and operational standards.
• Ability to lead, coach, develop, and hold employees accountable for safety, performance, attendance, professionalism, and customer service.
• Experience addressing performance deficiencies, conducting disciplinary proceedings, administering corrective action, and consistently applying company policies.
• Experience investigating vehicle accidents and workplace incidents, including evidence collection, witness interviews, root cause analysis, documentation, and corrective action recommendations.
• Strong knowledge of transportation safety practices, accident prevention, hazard identification, and employee safety training.
• Ability to analyze safety and operational performance, identify trends, implement improvements, and monitor results.
• Working knowledge of commercial passenger vehicles, accessibility equipment, wheelchair securement systems, vehicle inspections, and maintenance coordination.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams, for reporting, data analysis, presentations, communication, and recordkeeping.
• Experience with transportation management software, GPS and telematics systems, onboard cameras, and electronic inspection systems preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills, including the ability to handle sensitive employee matters professionally and confidentially.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment, attention to detail, and consistent follow-through.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, respond to operational emergencies, and work a flexible schedule as business needs require.