Director, Operations Training & Workforce Development

Director, Operations Training & Workforce Development

Salary

$134,971.20 - $219,128.00 Annually

Location

Heywood Office and Operations Facility, Minneapolis, MN

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00253

Division

Metro Transit

Department

Bus Operations Admin

Opening Date

07/17/2026

Closing Date

7/31/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

WHO WE ARE

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Metro Transit is one of the countrys largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Director, Operations Training & Workforce Development, will lead the creation of unified operations training, onboarding, workforce development, and employee readiness team. This position will be the strategic leader in bringing together these functions within one team, while ensuring a close connection to the teams and people they serve. The position ensures operations employees are prepared, qualified, and developed to safely and effectively deliver transit services, and that the operations team has a high-quality and consistent training and workforce development arm throughout the team

This role oversees operational training programs, onboarding systems, apprenticeship pathways, leadership development initiatives, and workforce advancement strategies supporting Metro Transit's long-term operational and workforce needs.

The Director ensures training and workforce development programs align with operational priorities, labor agreements, regulatory requirements, safety standards, and organizational goals while promoting workforce sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Anticipated Starting Salary Range (DOQ*): $150,000-$190,000

Full Salary Range: $134,971.20-$219,128.00

What you would do in this job

Create a Unified Operations Training and Workforce Development Team

• Operations training and workforce functions exist throughout operations-maintenance, transportation, materials management, facilities and more
• As Metro Transit continues to grow in size and complexity, there is a plan to unify these teams to ensure a cohesive, best-in-class training and workforce development team
• This will require strategy, vision, communication, change management and organizational development experience.

Provide Strategic Leadership for Operations Training

• Lead enterprise-wide operations training programs supporting safe, compliant, and effective workforce performance.
• Develop and implement training strategies, standards, policies, and curriculum for operations, maintenance, facilities, onboarding, and leadership development programs.
• Evaluate training effectiveness using operational data, workforce outcomes, and performance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and industry regulations including FTA, FRA, OSHA, EPA, and CDL requirements.
• Lead modernization of training systems and instructional methods including simulation technology, learning management systems, and blended learning strategies.
• Partner with internal partners to align training and workforce development programs with organizational needs.

Oversee Operations Onboarding and Workforce Readiness

• Direct onboarding and workforce readiness programs for operations employees including operators, technicians, facilities staff, supervisors, and leaders.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition and operational leadership to forecast hiring needs and coordinate onboarding and training schedules.
• Ensure onboarding materials, qualification standards, and safety information remain accurate and current.
• Oversee qualification tracking, readiness assessments, recertification requirements, and training documentation systems.
• Evaluate and improve onboarding processes to support employee preparedness and operational readiness.
• Support operational staffing and workforce readiness through effective onboarding and training coordination.

Lead Workforce Development and Employee Advancement Strategies

• Develop and implement workforce development strategies supporting employee development, succession planning, and workforce sustainability.
• Oversee workforce development programs including apprenticeships, mentoring, internships, certifications, career pathways, and leadership development initiatives.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, labor partners, and operational leadership to identify workforce needs and implement employee development solutions.
• Establish employee advancement pathways and leadership pipelines supporting workforce retention and organizational growth.
• Partner with educational institutions, workforce agencies, and community organizations to support workforce pipelines and recruitment initiatives.
• Evaluate workforce development programs to ensure effectiveness and alignment with organizational goals and labor agreements.

Direct Division Operations and Staff Management

• Maintain systems supporting employee qualifications, certifications, recertifications, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of training curriculum, instructional methods, training programs, and instructor performance.
• Partner with Safety and operational departments to integrate safety protocols and regulatory requirements into training programs.
• Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets for the division.
• Oversee training facilities, vehicles, simulators, equipment, instructional technology, and other division assets.
• Respond to regulatory audits, reviews, and compliance inquiries and implement corrective actions as necessary.

Ensure Compliance, Safety, and Resource Management

• Maintain systems supporting employee qualifications, certifications, recertifications, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of training curriculum, instructional methods, training programs, and instructor performance.
• Partner with Safety and operational departments to integrate safety protocols and regulatory requirements into training programs.
• Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets for the division.
• Oversee training facilities, vehicles, simulators, equipment, instructional technology, and other division assets.
• Respond to regulatory audits, reviews, and compliance inquiries and implement corrective actions as necessary.

Lead Cross-Agency Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with Operations leadership, Human Resources, Labor Relations, Talent Acquisition, Safety, Equity & Inclusion, and Technology departments on workforce and training initiatives.
• Partner with executive leadership to align workforce development strategies with organizational priorities and operational needs.
• Serve as Metro Transit's subject matter expert on operational training, workforce readiness, and employee development strategies.
• Provide reports, presentations, recommendations, and strategic updates to leadership and organizational stakeholders.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with labor partners, educational institutions, workforce agencies, and industry organizations.
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement through modern training technologies, operational data, and industry best practices.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Any of the following combinations of experience and completed education (degree field of study in or closely related field:

• High school diploma/GED with thirteen (13) years of experience, including five (5) years or more of experience of supervisory experience.

• Associate degree with eleven (11) years of experience, including five (5) year of experience or more supervisory experience of supervisory experience.

• Master's degree or higher with seven (7) or more years of related experience, including five (5) or more years of supervisory experience. to others.

Desired Qualifications

• Industry training certifications (e.g., transit safety or instructor certifications) preferred.
• Extensive transit industry experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Operations training principles, adult learning methodologies, and instructional design practices.
• Federal, state, and industry safety regulations including FTA, FRA, OSHA, EPA, CDL, and other regulatory requirements.
• Workforce development strategies, apprenticeship programs, career pathway development, and succession planning practices.
• Organizational development, leadership development, and change management principles.
• Data analysis, program evaluation methodologies, performance metrics, and continuous improvement practices.
• Budget development, financial management, procurement processes, and contract administration.
• Learning management systems, simulation technology, and modern instructional delivery methods.

Skill in:

• Executive-level leadership, supervision, coaching, and staff development.
• Curriculum development, instructional delivery, facilitation, and workforce training program management.
• Strategic planning, organizational analysis, and operational problem-solving.
• Budget management, resource allocation, and vendor and contract oversight.
• Building collaborative partnerships and engaging diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Written and verbal communication, executive presentations, and organizational reporting.
• Analyzing operational data and using performance metrics to improve workforce and training outcomes.

Ability to:

• Create and lead large, diverse teams and foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Develop and implement long-term workforce development, apprenticeship, and employee advancement strategies.
• Interpret and apply complex operational, regulatory, labor, and safety requirements.
• Lead organizational change and implement innovative workforce and training solutions.
• Balance strategic priorities with operational and workforce needs.
• Resolve complex operational, personnel, training, and organizational issues using sound judgment and decision-making.
• Promote workforce readiness, continuous improvement, and operational excellence across the organization.

Additional information

Union(s): Non-Rep, Grade M

FLSA Status: Exempt

Safety Sensitive: No

Working Conditions:

• Office-based
• Periodic after-hours and weekend availability for hiring and training events, incident escalations or major service disruptions

What steps the recruitment process involves:

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We request your Work Record Evaluation (ATU employees only)
• We rate your education and experience.
• We conduct a structured panel interview.
• We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job youre applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

PD/TCC postings that require fingerprinting:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council,you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. All applicants background checks and fingerprints must be cleared by the Bureau ofCriminalApprehension in order to be a user of their CJIS system. Failure to be cleared by BCA will automatically nullify any job offer extended. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job youre applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. All applicants background checks and fingerprints must be cleared by the Bureau ofCriminalApprehension in order to be a user of their CJIS system. Failure to be cleared by BCA will automatically nullify any job offer extended. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, pleaseemailHR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.

We believe our employees are a key to our agencys success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

• Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
• Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
• Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
• Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:

• Well@Work clinic
• bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
• parking at many job locations
• fitness centers at many job locations
• Employee Assistance Program
• extensive health and wellness programs and resources

01

Applicant Instructions: It is important that your application shows all relevant education and experience you possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely, and please do not type "see resume." Otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a resume and/or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.

• Yes
• No

02

How did you first hear about this job opening?

• CareerForce Center
• Community Event/Organization
• Employee Referral
• Facebook
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Metro Transit Bus Advertisement
• X (formerly known as Twitter)
• Website: governmentjobs.com
• Website: metrocouncil.org
• Website: metrotransit.org
• Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com
• Other

03

If you selected Other, please describe where you first heard about this job. if you selected Employee Referral please enter the employees first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title. Type N/A if not applicable.

04

Please select the option below that reflects your education and experience level.

• A high school diploma AND 13 years of related experience
• An associate degree AND 11 years of related experience
• A bachelors degree AND 9 years of related experience
• A masters degree AND 7 years of related experience
• None of the above

05

Describe in detail your experience developing and implementing workforce development plans, apprenticeships, and employee advancement programs.

06

Describe your experience leading teams and share an example of when you led a team through change.

07

Describe in detail your knowledge of Federal, state, and industry safety regulations including FTA, FRA, OSHA, EPA, CDL, and other regulatory requirements.

08

Describe to us how you have shown commitment to promoting equity in your current or previous position.

09

The Metropolitan Council recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative tools are increasingly used in application processes. While the Council permits the use of AI to assist in the preparation of application materials, all applicants must certify the following statement:

• I affirm that all information provided in my application including any uploaded documentation is true and accurate. I further affirm that I have personally reviewed, verified, and approved all content, including any content generated with the assistance of AI. I will provide all interview responses directly and in real-time without unauthorized assistance. I will not use AI avatars, external assistance in answering including computer-generated suggestions, or any recording and transcription tools during the interview process unless I have received prior approval from Human Resources for a disability-related reasonable accommodation.

Required Question

Employer Metropolitan Council

Address 390 Robert St. N.

St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Website https://metrocouncil.org