Specialized Transit Client Manager
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is seeking a collaborative, detail-oriented professional to join our Rural Public Transit (RPT) team. The RPT team administers Federal Transit Administration (FTA) formula and discretionary grants on behalf of UDOT to support public transit agencies in rural areas across the state.
About the Role
This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to support rural Utah. You will join a passionate team dedicated to UDOT's mission: enhancing quality of life through high-quality transportation.
As the Specialized Transit Client Manager, you will report directly to the RPT Program Manager. In this role, you will collaborate with the FTA to manage formula grant awards for local subrecipients who provide critical transit services to elderly populations and individuals with disabilities in rural Utah.
Beyond managing federal funds, you will serve as a key advisor. You will deliver technical training to help rural transit providers navigate complex federal rules and software systems. To succeed, you must build strong, collaborative relationships with internal team members, external transit providers, and regional stakeholders.
Position Information
Here is some important information about this position:
- Salary Range: $33.37 - $59.01
- FT/PT Status: Full Time
- Background Check: You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
- Schedule Code: B - Competitive Career Service (12 month probationary period)
- Location: Calvin Rampton Building - 4501 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Utah
- Recruiter: Jill Barela I jbarela@utah.gov I 385-202-4484Application Deadline: 07/27/2026
- *This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
- Manage Grants & Contracts: Oversee subrecipient applications, awards, and contracts. Monitor active projects to ensure they remain on schedule, within budget, and high-performing.
- Review Funding & Procurements: Receive and evaluate transit planning funding requests in coordination with the RPT Program Manager. Assist subrecipients with regulatory reviews of their independent procurements.
- Deliver Training & Technical Support: Design and present program information to prospective subrecipients and regional Associations of Governments. Provide hands-on training and troubleshooting for RPT's online grant management systems.
- Ensure Federal Compliance: Help develop and administer policies that guarantee compliance with strict federal regulations (including Civil Rights/Title VI, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Buy America, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise rules).
- Collaborate & Coordinate: Partner with the RPT team to verify compliance reports, interpret federal program guidelines, and assist with Rural Technical Assistance Program requirements.
- Additional Duties:
- Assist with statewide transit planning and process improvement initiatives.
- Cross-train with other RPT staff to provide operational backup.
- Maintain digital files and organizational archives.
Qualifications
In order to be considered for this position, you must have:
- A Bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited institution in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field AND at least six (4) years of professional relevant experience.
- Note: Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis (e.g., 8 years of total related experience if no degree is held).
Preferred Qualifications
Our ideal candidate is someone who possess:
- Federal Grant & Compliance Expertise: At least five (5) years of experience working with FTA grants (such as Sections 5310, 5311, or 5307), federal compliance frameworks (FTA Circulars and Master Agreements), or the National Transit Database (NTD).
- Compliance Auditing: Proven experience monitoring or auditing subrecipient compliance within a public sector or non-profit transit environment.
- Instructional Capabilities: Experience translating complex federal rules into user-friendly guides, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), or training sessions for diverse, non-technical audiences.
- Technical Software Proficiency: Experience using complex grant management databases (such as FTA's TrAMS or BlackCat Transit) and guiding external users through multi-step software workflows.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
In order to be successful, the following are essential:
- Regulatory Compliance: A strong understanding of federal grant rules, civil rights laws, public procurement, and Buy America provisions.
- Financial & Analytical Aptitude: A working knowledge of basic accounting principles, contract administration, and internal controls, paired with strong research skills.
- Organization & Initiative: The ability to work independently under pressure, manage multiple projects with tight deadlines, and proactively find solutions.
- Communication & Training: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to explain highly complex processes to others in a clear, patient manner.
- Interpersonal Skills: A professional, respectful attitude dedicated to providing exceptional customer service to rural communities.
- Tech-Savviness: High proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications.
Why You Should Join Our Team
A Mission That Matters - At UDOT, our mission is to "Enhance quality of life through transportation." We help the traveling public get where they want, when they want, as safely as possible. By joining our team, you contribute to the framework of Good Health, Connected Communities, Better Mobility, and a Strong Economy for all of Utah.
Our Culture and Values - We aren't just a state agency; we are a team built on an internal culture of Trust, Teamwork, and Flexibility. We live by the values of Respect, Integrity, and Caring. If these values resonate with you, you will find a home here!
The Agency
For more information on the Utah Department of Transportation, click here.
Benefits at a Glance
- Exceptional Health Coverage: We offer some of the most competitive medical premiums in the industry, including comprehensive family plans with very low out-of-pocket costs and HSA options.
- Retirement Choice: Flexibility between a 10% employer-paid 401(k) (no match required) or a Pension/401(k) Hybrid plan.
- Generous Paid Time Off: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of combined leave (4 annual and 4 sick) accrued each pay period.
- Dental & Vision: Multiple high-quality plan options to fit your needs.
EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.