Director of Transportation

SUMMARY Responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable student and community transportation services for a regional terminal. This leadership role involves working directly with students, families, employees, and school administrators to oversee operations, enhance service quality, and plan for future needs. The position includes managing staff, ensuring compliance with all regulations; overseeing hiring and performance management; and fostering a culture of safety and efficiency within the terminal. Responsible for collaborating with other Directors to ensure consistency across the department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Manage daily and long-term activities of Transportation Supervisors, office staff, terminal Shop Foremen, and Fleet Mechanics to ensure timely and efficient routing services for district schools and the community.

Evaluate and approve employee performance appraisals. Conduct personnel actions including hiring, promotions, discipline, and terminations; and participate in grievance resolutions.

Responsible for providing a safe transportation environment by working directly with multiple agencies to ensure safety for students, parents, employees, school-based staff, and the community.

Develop and present training programs for students and employees in compliance with all District, State, and Governmental requirements.

Develop programs, directly analyze, and administer all student disciplinary actions up to and including suspensions. Initiate contact with students, parents, community members, law enforcement agencies, media, and school-based administrators.

Assist the Executive Director in the preparation and administration of budgets and cost analysis. Establish controls to ensure compliance within budget limits.

Responsible for determining transportation boundaries and the provision of safe bus stops.

Responsible for the investigation and required reporting of vehicular and workers' compensation accidents and incidents. Work closely with Risk Management and Legal Counsel towards the protection of School District integrity.

Coordinate with governmental agencies; District Support and Administrative Staff; and other school districts in matters of weather-related safety issues, public relations, and school / snow closures.

Ensure compliance with all district, state, and federal transportation regulations; and oversee the development of transportation programs that align with legal requirements and district goals.

Act as Executive Director of Transportation and Fleet Services in his / her absence.

Perform other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE 5 years of experience in transportation management with at least three years supervising teams.

EDUCATION & TRAINING Bachelor's degree required. Preferred field of study of Business Administration, Transportation, Communications, or other related field. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Drug and Alcohol Supervisor Certificate; First Aid and CPR, and School Bus Driver Training Certificate required for hire. Valid commercial driver's license (BP2S) preferred. Accident Investigation Training within 6 months of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of school bus operations, vehicle maintenance, and fleet management best practices. Knowledge of federal, state, and local transportation regulations (e.g., DOT / FMCSR, Special Needs Legislation, ADA). Knowledge of safety protocols, emergency response procedures, and unique requirements in transporting special education students. Knowledge of technology systems used in transportation, such as GPS tracking, routing software, and student ridership systems. Skilled in leadership, conflict resolution, and team management; including supervising drivers, dispatchers, and support staff. Skilled in data analysis and reporting to monitor efficiency and compliance. Ability to work collaboratively with schools, parents, and district leadership to address concerns. Ability to handle emergency situations calmly and efficiently. Ability to adapt to changing schedules, weather conditions, and staffing challenges. Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in personnel and student-related matters.

SPAN OF CONTROL Directly and indirectly supervises approximately 100 employees in a regional Transportation Terminal. Positions supervised include terminal Shop Foremen, Lead Mechanic, Fleet Mechanics, Service Specialist, Transportation Trainer, Secretary, School Bus Drivers, and School Bus Assistants. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems. Assist in budget development and accountability.

The physical demands, mental functions, and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Ability to focus on objects at varying distances and distinguish between colors (with corrective lenses). Perform tasks that require manual dexterity, including operation of computers & small office equipment. Basic mobility and the ability to navigate the office environment safely. Ability to speak clearly, listen attentively (with assistance devices), and convey information accurately. May be required to give presentations to groups.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS Ability to analyze complex situations, identify potential risks, and devise effective solutions. Ability to remain flexible in dynamic environments, adjusting plans and strategies as necessary to accommodate changing requirements or circumstances. Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with other teams. Ability to manage time and priorities to meet deadlines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is primarily performed in a semi-secured office building with a typical office environment and risk factors. Will frequently visit transportation terminals and vehicle repair shops that contain power tools, hydraulic lifts, compressed air systems, paint booths, welding & cutting equipment, partially disassembled vehicles, and hazardous and combustible materials. Shop environment may require use of hearing protection and other PPE. Close proximity to moving and / or hoisted vehicles.