Chief Starter

Basic Function

Responsible for efficient use of labor costs generated in scheduling and assigning work at the facility while ensuring the A.M. and the P.M. pullouts are met. Supervises and oversees the staff in the Starter’s Office and operate the office in accordance with the rules, policies, and Labor Agreement. Actively assist in managing the overall labor budget in the facility. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Provides primary managerial direction and performs personnel administrative functions of direct report staff (e.g., training, supervising, work assignments, timesheets, performance evaluations, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining necessary staffing, enhancing productivity of staff, and ensuring necessary department outcomes are achieved. 
• Monitors daily workforce required for Bus Operating Facility pullouts and assures the required personnel availability.
• Assigns Bus Operators to vacant runs, extra service, or charters which may arise during pull-out.
• Ensures all required work hours are entered properly and timely in PERDIS for Bus Operators.  Creates and manages the PERDIS overtime list.
• Ensures the payroll is accurate and closed out in a timely manner.
• Ensures that the Extraboard is rotated, and all scheduled work is assigned in accordance with the Labor Contract.
• Responsible for Bus Operator scheduling, approving timesheets, vacation sign up, setting up and maintaining facility Extraboard in an efficient manner.
• Prepares and reviews daily reports on absenteeism and person power for accuracy.
• Manages the “Show-up” and “Guarantee” hours to meet or exceed goal and objectives.
• Analyzes Bus Operator and Starters pay checks for accuracy.
• Supervises all Starters and Starter office personnel; working in conjunction with other facilities to ensure adequate person power available for pull-outs.
• Coaches, mentors, and motivates Starters and Starter’s Office Personnel to meet the established departmental goals and objectives.
• Provides training and Staff development as it relates to the Starter’s Office.
• Handles grievances filed by Starters in coordination with the facility Superintendent.
• Monitors Bus Operators as they report for duty to ensure they have the necessary equipment to perform their daily assignments.
• Periodically monitors the Starter’s window for uniform overall compliance with policies and procedures.
• Assist in Bus Operators’ sign up.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
   

Education Requirement

High school diploma or equivalent GED is required.  Additional college courses preferred.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum of eight (8) years of transit experience to include Starter experience.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Working knowledge of the Labor Agreement, policies, procedures, and the grievance process.  Requires good verbal/written communication skills and good interpersonal skills. Working knowledge of the PERDIS.  Test will be administered in Microsoft Office Suite, Word and Excel and must show proficiency and pass test.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.