Section Chief, Transit Operations bei Prince George's County Government, MD

About the Department

The Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) is responsible for nearly 2,000 miles of County-maintained roadways that range from rural to urban classifications. The transportation infrastructure includes 900 bridges, as well as shoulders, sidewalks, curbs/gutters, stormwater management facilities, driveway aprons and nearly 3,000 acres of grassy area -- all of which are maintained by staff of the Department. DPW&T’s workforce keeps the County’s various services moving by performing a myriad of activities which include removing snow and ice from County-maintained roadways, upgrading traffic signals, installing streetlights, clearing fallen trees, unclogging drainage inlets and maintaining stormwater management facilities, as well as performing roadway repairs ranging from potholes and sidewalk trip hazards to bridge repairs and resurfacing projects and more.

Position Duties

• Oversees daily operations of the transit fleet maintenance program, ensuring vehicles are maintained in compliance with safety, regulatory, and performance standards.

• Develops, implements, and monitors preventive maintenance schedules to maximize vehicle reliability and minimize service disruptions.

• Directs and supervises maintenance personnel and teams, providing leadership, training, and performance evaluation.

• Manages the full lifecycle of transit vehicles, including acquisition planning, specifications development, commissioning, and retirement.

• Coordinates with procurement and finance teams to prepare specifications, budgets, and schedules for new vehicle purchases and fleet replacements.

• Analyzes vehicle performance data and maintenance records to identify trends, improve efficiency, and reduce downtime.

• Administers contracts for outsourced maintenance, repair services, and parts supply, including performance monitoring, invoice approval, and compliance enforcement.

• Develops and enforces maintenance policies and procedures aligned with industry standards and agency goals.

• Collaborates with safety and compliance teams to conduct audits, inspections, and investigations related to fleet operations.

• Prepares reports and presentations for executive leadership on fleet condition, maintenance KPIs, and operational readiness.

• Coordinates with operations staff to ensure vehicle availability aligns with service demands and scheduling requirements.

• Leads emergency response efforts related to fleet issues, including vehicle breakdowns, recalls, or major service disruptions

• Participates in long-range planning initiatives, including transitioning to low- or zero-emission vehicle technologies.

• Stays current on industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies relevant to transit maintenance and fleet operations.

• Develops scopes of work, technical specifications, and evaluation criteria for operational contracts, including vehicle repairs, parts supply, and outsourced services. 

• Leads or supports procurement processes such as RFPs, RFQs, and contract negotiations in collaboration with the procurement and legal departments.

• Monitors contractor performance against established service level agreements (SLAs), timelines, and budgetary constraints.

• Conducts regular vendor evaluations and site audits to ensure compliance with contract terms, regulatory requirements, and agency standards.

• Maintains detailed documentation of contract activities, amendments, payments, and performance assessments.

• Resolves disputes or performance issues with vendors, escalating concerns as necessary and initiating corrective actions.

• Tracks contract expiration dates and initiates renewals, extensions, or re-bid processes in a timely manner.

• Ensures alignment of contracts with agency goals related to cost control, operational efficiency, and sustainability.

• Coordinates with finance staff to ensure accurate invoicing, budget tracking, and expenditure forecasting related to contract services.

• Provides input into strategic sourcing initiatives and long-term contract planning for fleet maintenance and operations support.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Master's Degree from an accredited College or University in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
Experience: Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental activities to be specified based on position assignment.

• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in transit operations, vehicle maintenance, or fleet management, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.

• Strong knowledge of transit vehicle systems, preventive maintenance practices, and regulatory compliance (e.g., FTA, DOT, EPA).

• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale fleet operations, including lifecycle planning, procurement, and technology integration (e.g., electric or alternative-fuel vehicles).

• Proficiency in using fleet management software (e.g., EAM systems like Trapeze, Asset Works, or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Experience working in a unionized environment and understanding of labor agreements as they relate to maintenance operations.

• Commercial driver’s license (CDL) is desirable.

EACH APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE INFORMATION THAT CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THE ABOVE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION.

Other Qualifications

Job Location: 

8401 D’Arcy Road, Forestville, Maryland 20747

Conditions of Employment:  Upon selection, the candidate must: 

• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license

• Wear and use agency protective apparel and equipment in the performance of their assigned duties, if applicable.

• Successfully pass preemployment checks which may include reference checks, background investigations, motor vehicle background check and drug screenings, where applicable.

• Be willing to participate as an "essential" employee in the Department's Snow and Ice Control Program and other emergency operations as assigned. Essential employees are expected to report during standard or non-standard hours as operations necessitate, or during emergencies. Essential employees are expected to report or remain at work when other County employees are granted Administrative Leave.