Manager VIII, Deputy Chief Maintenance Officer - SF Municipal Transportation Agency (9182) - job 1 of 2

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA or “the agency”) connects San Franciscans with their communities to enhance the economy, environment and, ultimately, the quality of life in the city. As an agency within the City and County of San Francisco, the SFMTA is responsible for managing the city’s transportation network. The agency has more than 6,000 employees who are responsible for the management of all ground and some underground transportation in the city. The SFMTA has oversight over public transit, as well as bicycling, paratransit, parking and curb management, street operations, walking, and taxis.

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Permanent Exempt. Permanent-Exempt (PEX) Appointment.  Pursuant to the City & County of San Francisco Charter, Section 10.104.13, any person occupying a position under exempt appointment shall not be subject to civil service selection, appointment and removal procedures.  Exempt employees shall serve at the pleasure of the Appointing Officer.  

Application Opening: Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Deadline to Apply: Application filing will close on or after Thursday, December 11, 2025

Recruitment ID: PEX-9182-162224

Salary: $210,678 - $268,814annually (Range A) 

Division:                       Transit

Section/Unit:                Maintenance of Way (MOW)

Work Location:            700 Pennsylvania Ave, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA

Work Hours:                 Monday – Friday, 7AM - 4PM

⚠️IMPORTANT⚠️: Your application MUST include responses to the supplemental questionnaire found here: https://forms.office.com/r/ysyP75KTEi

Applicants must complete the supplemental questionnaire and the online application by the filing deadline. A cover letter and resume must be attached to the online application. The application, resume, and cover letter will not be reviewed without a completed supplemental questionnaire and vice versa.

The SFMTA Transit Division’s Maintenance of Way (MOW) Section is seeking an experienced, dependable, and strategic Deputy Chief Maintenance Officer (DCMO) of MOW Operations. The DCMO will provide high level leadership and strategic oversight for three functional units responsible for critical maintenance of all transit assets and infrastructure; Mechanical Infrastructure (comprised of Cable Car Track, Cable Car Propulsion, Light Rail Track, and Mechanical Systems), Electrical Infrastructure (comprised of Motive Power, Overhead Lines, Signals and Digital Systems) and Facilities Maintenance (comprised of Custodial Operations, Building Systems Maintenance, Skilled Trades, External Program Support and Shelter Platform and Maintenance). This position directs the work of Senior Operations Managers of these units and provides leadership across a workforce of maintenance professionals spanning multiple technical classifications. The ideal candidate is highly self-motivated, professional, with extensive experience working at a large transit agency with both rail and trolley vehicles.

Under the direction of the Chief Maintenance Officer (CMO), the DCMO, stewards the agency’s fixed-guideway infrastructure integrity and drives operational excellence through comprehensive planning, performance management, and analytical decision-making. Leads the development and execution of complex, high-impact programs that ensure safe, reliable, and high-quality transit infrastructure in support of SFMTA’s multimodal operations. The DCMO advises and reports to the CMO on the state of critical guideway systems. The DCMO works closely with SFMTA engineering and project delivery stakeholders on capital projects, including review and recommendations related to all aspects of the projects. The DCMO provides direction on emergency response and resolution strategies for critical infrastructure incidents. The DCMO may be called upon to act on behalf of the CMO during their absence and cover the operational needs of the MOW section.

The DCMO oversees the implementation of robust preventive and corrective maintenance programs and provides strategic direction to MOW functional units Senior Operations Managers. The DCMO ensures all standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements are upheld and serves as representative to regulatory bodies and key stakeholders, including the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), and San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH).

The MOW section of the SFMTA Transit Division directly oversees the fixed guideway infrastructure to ensure smooth and safe operations of our rail and trolley-bus lines. MOW is comprised of three functional operation units (Mechanical Infrastructure, Electrical Infrastructure, Facilities Maintenance) as well as Engineering, Compliance and Administration units. Together these teams directly support four of the five SFMTA transit modes including trolley bus, light rail, historic streetcar, and cable car. The mission of the SFMTA Transit Division is to provide safe, reliable, clean, efficient, accessible, and convenient public transportation to any destination in San Francisco. The Maintenance of Way Section works collaboratively with other SFMTA divisions and other city departments to provide services to our customers by operating and maintaining over 100 track miles of railway, 500 miles of electrical overhead and critical supporting systems.

Transportation connects us all. That is why every single day the SFMTA is working hard to build a safer, more reliable transportation system for our city. We strive to ensure that our community, and the nearly 25 million visitors that our city receives each year, have access to safe and reliable transportation options. Join us to be a part of delivering this mission!

Examples of Important and Essential Duties for the 9182 - Manager VIII:

• Provides high-level oversight on all day-to-day Maintenance of Way infrastructure functions.
• Provides direction to subordinate managers regarding activities and operations of their functional areas; assumes responsibility for improving the maintenance measures; coordinates with maintenance manager to maintain an effective maintenance program.
• Adjusts plans and programs activities to meet maintenance needs and emerging problems; establishes new programs, while continuing to address major departmental policies; plans, organizes, directs, controls, and reviews the operation of departmental functions and activities.
• Coordinates with MOW Administration Manager to monitor and make recommendations to the CMO on the efficiency and effectiveness of the departmental organization structure, staff assignments and service levels.
• Identifies and analyzes opportunities for improvement and implements those improvements.
• Contributes to budget development with strong justifications for proposals; manages and monitors operating budgets across multiple divisions.
• Oversees and supports Senior Operations Managers in planning, assigning, and directing the activities of a large group of subordinate personnel engaged in the maintenance and repair of transit infrastructure.
• Coordinates and directs subordinate supervisory personnel in the maintenance and repair of a variety of MOW fixed guideway facilities.
• Approves requisitions for materials and supplies; prepares and checks cost estimates and makes recommendations for repairs.
• Directs investigation of complaints and makes recommendations as to their adjustment; investigates fieldwork in process for compliance with proper procedures and methods; ensures that all facilities of the SFMTA MOW unit are inspected at regular intervals for compliance with safety laws, rules, regulations, and fire protection safeguards; confers with engineering personnel, Transit Division management, consultants, contractors and vendors on maintenance and repair projects, methods and procedures.
• Assists in the development and advancement of subordinates through training and effective use of employee development program; through subordinate supervisory personnel directs the work of janitorial, maintenance and repair crews and related support staff.

The 9182 – Manager VIII may perform other duties as assigned/required. 

1. Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; AND

2. Eight (8) years of full-time experience at a mass transit agency in the operation, maintenance and repair in any of the following:  power generating and related distribution systems; and/or electronic  systems; and/or  buildings, stations or passenger infrastructure; and/or  use of heavy construction equipment; and/or track work; and/or maintenance engineering, which must have included five (5) years at the second supervisory level or management level which includes responsibility for supervising staff; AND

3. Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Education Substitution: Additional years of qualifying experience (both second-level supervisory/management or non-supervisory) may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. One year (2,000 hours) will be considered equivalent to thirty (30) semester units/forty-five (45) quarter units.

Notes:

1. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

2. One (1) year full-time experience is equivalent to 2,000 hours. (2,000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40-hour work week). Any overtime hours that you work above forty (40) hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full-time experience.

Desirable Qualifications

• Ability to lead and direct the maintenance and repair activities of cross-functional teams with a large group of subordinate personnel.
• Experience overseeing the preparation of detailed operational reports for decision-making.
• Background in managing budgets, resources, contracts, or programs in a complex organization.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to work well with staff, peers, executive leadership, elected officials, and the public.
• Ability to handle shifting priorities, emergencies, and operational challenges with good judgment and professionalism.
• Well-rounded leader, with substantial successful leadership experience in a senior level position within a complex organizational environment.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; advanced degree preferred.
• Well-rounded leader, with substantial successful leadership experience in a senior level position within a complex organizational environment.
• Experience working with oversight boards or commissions such as Board of Directors.
• Familiarity with transit systems, infrastructure, or project delivery in an urban setting.
• Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal regulations or policies.
• Commitment to equity, safety, sustainability, and improved mobility for all San Franciscans.

Verification: Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. More information can be found at: https://sfdhr.org/information-about-hiring-process#verification. Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

All work experience, education, training, and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included in your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.

Selection Process: Applications will be screened for relevant qualifying experience. Additional screening mechanisms may be used to determine candidates' qualifications. Only those applicants who most closely meet the needs of the Agency will be invited to move forward in the selection process.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed to advance through all the steps in the selection process.

Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire (MQSQ): Candidates will be required to complete an MQSQ as part of the employment application at a later time. This MQSQ is designed to obtain specific information regarding an applicant's experience in relation to the Minimum Qualifications (MQ) for this position. The MQSQ will be used to evaluate if the applicant possesses the required minimum qualifications.

Terms of Announcement and Appeal Rights: Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods, and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state, or local laws, rules, or regulations. [Note: The correction of clerical errors in an announcement may be posted on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov/.

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:

• Information About the Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

This recruitment may be utilized to fill similar positions in this classification at SFMTA.

Applicants will receive a confirmation email from [email protected] that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

For questions or inquiries, please contact: Maggie Gonzalez Diaz, at [email protected].

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.