What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Manager of Trolley position at Mid-South Transportation Management, Inc.?
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 2026
FLSA: Exempt
JOB TITLE: General Manager of Trolley
DEPARTMENT: Trolley Operations
REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer
JOB FUNCTION:
The General Manager of Trolley is responsible for the day-to-day management of MATA's trolley operations, including scheduling, dispatch, on-time performance, and supervision of operations personnel. This role ensures safe, reliable, and regulatory-compliant service delivery, supports the Chief Executive Officer in implementing operational strategy and standards, and serves as the primary point of contact for day-to-day operational issues, escalating matters of policy, budget, and labor strategy as appropriate.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manages the day-to-day operations of MATA's trolley system, including scheduling, dispatch, and on-time performance.
- Directly supervises field supervisors, dispatchers, and trolley operators, ensuring adequate daily staffing and coverage.
- Monitors ridership trends, on-time performance, and service reliability, reporting findings and recommendations to the Chief Executive Officer.
- Develops and enforces operating procedures and work methods for trolley operations staff and continuously monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.
- Coordinates with Trolley Maintenance to address service disruptions, resolve mechanical or track issues affecting service, and plan around preventive maintenance windows.
- Oversees training and recertification of trolley operators and dispatch personnel in coordination with the Safety and Training functions.
- Reviews daily and weekly operational reports (road calls, delays, incidents) and recommends corrective action.
- Conducts performance evaluations of operations staff, administers first-level disciplinary action, and works with employees to correct performance deficiencies.
- Participates in the development of the trolley operations budget and monitors expenditures within approved limits.
- Assists with accident and incident investigations involving trolley vehicles, property, or employees, partnering with the Safety and Security departments.
- Participates in first-level union grievance discussions involving trolley operations staff, working within the applicable labor agreement.
- May be required to work variable shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and to respond to operational emergencies.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Oversees scheduling of special event and charter trolley service.
- Serves as the on-site point of contact for trolley operations during assigned shifts.
- On an interim or emergency basis only, may act in any other trolley operations position for which they have appropriate competencies.
- Assumes additional responsibilities as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
• Bachelor's degree in transportation, business administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Experience:
• Minimum 5 years' experience in transit or rail operations, including at least 2–3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Experience in heritage (light) rail or trolley operations is a plus.
Other:
• Working knowledge of trolley/light rail systems, including rolling stock, traction power, and basic track and overhead contact system considerations, is a plus.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal transit regulations.
• Must be able to successfully use a personal computer and be proficient with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with Trapeze or similar transit software is a plus.
• Ability to perform the same duties as those supervised and assist if necessary.
• Should be able to understand, interpret, and implement applicable portions of a labor agreement, and work collaboratively in a union environment.
• A current U.S. Commercial Driver's License Class A or B with “P” endorsement is a plus.
• Requires ability to handle numerous activities at one time and move between tasks, organizing work in accordance with department priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is critical; must be comfortable working with all levels of staff and management.
• Must be willing to comply with MATA's Drug and Alcohol Policy.
• Must always comply with established safety protocols.
• Regular and consistent attendance is required.
Environment:
• Work is performed both in an office setting and in the field at the trolley barn, along the line, and at operations/maintenance facilities.
• Extensive sitting is required while using office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers; some standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and crouching will also be required.
• Should be able to tolerate changes in building environments (with or without air conditioning or heating) as well as outdoor conditions including weather extremes, dust, engine fumes, and extreme noise levels.
• May be required occasionally to move up to 25 pounds by lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise repositioning objects.
• Fingering and repetitive motions will be required for data entry, filing, and related tasks.
• Able to express and exchange ideas accurately through spoken words, and to receive detailed information through oral communication or by phone.
• Close visual acuity to perform detail-oriented activities such as preparing and analyzing data, viewing a computer screen, or reading documents and materials.
• Must be able to respond to unexpected or emergency situations during all hours of operation.
The above description is intended to describe the general content, identify the essential functions, and set forth the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. MTM reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary to meet business needs.
MTM is an Equal Opportunity M/F/H/V Employer and promotes a drug-free workplace.