Transit Systems Manager

JOB TITLE: Transit Systems Manager

AGENCY: County of Sonoma

LOCATION: Santa Rosa, CA

FILING DEADLINE: Open until filled. For first consideration, apply by Friday, September 12, 2025.

SALARY RANGE:  $147,705.48 - $179,554.93 Annually

Are you an experienced transit professional eager to make a lasting impact in Sonoma County?  

Sonoma Public Infrastructure (SPI) is seeking your expertise to help shape the future of transportation. Come be part of a team that values innovation, service, and community.

The Position

Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Transportation and Operations, the Transit Systems Manager is responsible for coordinating and conducting research and analysis of transit operations, identifying operational challenges, and forecasting cost impacts related to transportation services. This position serves as a strategic leader in advancing the County’s transit system, driving innovation through the continuous refinement of routes, schedules, and fare structures to meet evolving community needs and enhance service efficiency.

The Transit Division operates with a $39 million budget and maintains a diverse fleet consisting of 50 electric and CNG-powered fixed-route buses, along with 36 paratransit vehicles—including cutaway vans, minivans, and sedans. The Transit Systems Manager will foster collaborative relationships with key stakeholders and coordinate with public and private agencies to support integrated transportation systems. Additional responsibilities include:

• Overseeing planning efforts, evaluating travel and cost patterns, and assessing the impacts of proposed changes on existing operations
• Identifying  funding opportunities from local, state and federal sources, preparing grant applications and reports, and contributing to budget development for transit-related functions.
• Establishing procedures for implementing approved transit systems, negotiating contracts with service providers, and ensuring operational compliance with plans and agreements
• Overseeing ride-sharing programs, including public surveys and needs assessments to improve service offerings
• Hiring, onboarding/training, supervising, and evaluating staff that support transit operations and planning

The ideal candidate will possess the expertise to ensure the seamless day-to-day operations of Sonoma County Transit (SCT). They will demonstrate strong supervisory and performance management skills to effectively lead a team of five, overseeing all facets of daily transit operations, including service planning, grant administration, capital project coordination, budget development, and the oversight of operations and maintenance contracts. The individual selected for this position will also possess many of the following:

• A thorough understanding of the current issues related to California transportation, public works budgets, and operations
• Experience performing project budgeting, as well as knowledge of transit funding
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse individuals, including members of the public, Sonoma County Transit (SCT) contractors, and County staff across departments
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to effectively lead teams 
• Advanced expertise in Microsoft Office applications
• Federal Transit Administration training or certifications from a Transit training/education program are desired, but not required

Discover Sonoma County: Where Work Meets Paradise

Nestled in the heart of Northern California Wine Country, Sonoma County is the largest county in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. Sonoma County is home to nine cities and five federally recognized tribes. The City of Santa Rosa, the county seat, is home to over one-third of the county’s nearly 500,000 residents, while roughly one-quarter live in unincorporated areas. Downtown areas such as Santa Rosa, Windsor, Petaluma, Sonoma, Healdsburg and small towns in west county offer a mix of historic architecture, boutique shopping, and gourmet dining, providing a small-town feel with modern amenities. Festivals, farmers’ markets, and cultural events celebrate local talent and traditions. The county enjoys a diverse economy that includes agriculture, a world-class wine region, technology, healthcare, tourism, manufacturing, craft brewing, retail, and professional services.

Visit https://sonomacounty.ca.gov and https://sonomacountyconnections.org for additional information about Sonoma County —the place to live, work, and build your career legacy.

To apply, please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sonoma/jobs/5001509/transit-systems-manager

For additional information, please contact: 

Chelsea Freeman

(510) 570-3844

Chelsea_freeman@ajg.com

Lady Hernandez

(510) 808-6577

lady_hernandezmorales@ajg.com

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