Transportation Manager

The Transportation Manager will review and oversee safe and timely transportation for Sugar Creek Charter School students to and from school, approved field trips, extended day tutorials, Saturday Academy, athletic events, and all other approved events requiring transportation service.

The Transportation Manager leads the Transportation Department and reports directly to the Chief of Operations. The individual is responsible for decisions regarding the daily operation of the department; decisions must align with SCCS policies and the practices set forth by department guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

These duties represent a sample and may vary by position.

1.1         Establish department goals and objectives that align with the SCCS mission and operational priorities set by the Chief of Operations.

1.2         Implement annual department goals, initiatives, and improvement plans, and report progress to the Chief of Operations.

1.3         Serve as the department’s primary decision-maker for daily operations, consistent with SCCS policies, procedures, and guidelines.

1.4         Plan, prioritize, and assign daily, weekly, and seasonal work for transportation staff.

1.5         Own, maintain, and update the Transportation Department Operating Instructions and related procedures.

2.1         Develop, review, and maintain efficient and timely bus routes, runs, and stops.

2.2         Review routes regularly for ridership changes, stop safety, travel times, and capacity.

2.3         Build and adjust daily driver and bus assignments to cover all routes, including absences and vacancies.

2.4         Monitor on-time performance for arrivals at stops and at campus, and correct recurring delays.

2.5         Coordinate route adjustments with dismissal procedures and campus arrival and dismissal times.

3.1         Schedule and staff transportation for approved field trips according to the school’s approval process.

3.2         Coordinate transportation for athletic events, extended day tutorials, Saturday Academy, and other approved events.

3.3         Confirm trip details (departure times, destinations, rosters, driver and vehicle assignments) with requesting staff before each trip.

3.4         Keep a master calendar of all non-routine transportation requests and assignments.

4.1         Communicate any changes to bus stops, runs, or routes clearly, accurately, and promptly to schools, drivers, students, and parents.

4.2         Answer transportation questions from administrators, staff, parents, and the public in a professional and timely way.

4.3         Attend parent and school-level meetings on transportation issues or service levels as required.

4.4         Coordinate with administrators, principals, parents, students, and drivers to improve the safety and quality of transportation services.

4.5         Keep positive working relationships with other SCCS departments (Operations, Facilities, Child Nutrition, Technology, and school leadership).

4.6         Keep the Chief of Operations informed of significant issues, complaints, incidents, and service disruptions.

5.1         Supervise bus drivers, monitors, and office staff in carrying out daily assignments and required service levels.

5.2         Review staff work to confirm tasks are completed on time and correctly.

5.3         Coach and mentor employees consistently and fairly, including on-the-job correction of deficiencies.

5.4         Develop office paraprofessional staff with varying experience levels into a cohesive, cross-trained team.

5.5         Lead recruitment, hiring recommendations, onboarding, and orientation of new transportation staff.

6.1         Hold all staff accountable for required department operations, service levels, and department goals.

6.2         Conduct employee evaluations according to Human Resources timelines and procedures.

6.3         Carry out progressive discipline for employees with performance or conduct issues, in coordination with Human Resources and the Chief of Operations.

6.4         Document performance concerns, coaching conversations, and corrective actions accurately and confidentially.

7.1         Ensure department operations comply with North Carolina traffic laws, school bus regulations, and school bus safety standards.

7.2         Plan and lead regular safety meetings and required training for drivers and office staff.

7.3         Monitor driver compliance with licensing, certification, and training requirements.

7.4         Coordinate with maintenance and vendors so that buses and vehicles are inspected, safe, and in service.

7.5         Enforce student behavior expectations on buses in partnership with school administrators.

8.1         Investigate accidents involving school buses and other school vehicles, and complete the required documentation.

8.2         Respond to on-bus incidents (student conduct, injuries, breakdowns) and coordinate support with school leadership and law enforcement as needed.

8.3         Provide 24-hour on-call response for transportation emergencies and unusual situations.

8.4         Coordinate emergency transportation, including evacuations and early dismissals, under the school safety plan.

8.5         Assist in decisions about school closings or delays due to inclement weather conditions.

9.1         Evaluate transportation operations and recommend improvements and modifications.

9.2         Compile and analyze operational data such as on-time performance, ridership, incidents, and staffing coverage.

9.3         Prepare regular reports, charts, and graphs on department operations for the Chief of Operations and school leadership.

9.4         Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential records (routes, rosters, trip logs, incident and accident reports, personnel files).

9.5         Investigate operational problems and recommend corrective action.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

1.       Considerable knowledge of safe and efficient practices and/or procedures used in the operation of the school bus.

2.       Considerable knowledge of traffic laws and school bus regulations.

3.       Considerable knowledge of safety regulations and standards for school buses.

4.       Knowledge of principles of organization and supervision.

5.       General knowledge of Transportation Department Operating Instructions.

6.       Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including the ability to respond professionally to requests, concerns, and inquiries from department staff and the general public.

7.       Ability to make effective and immediate decisions under pressure with proper levels of accountability for all assigned staff.

8.       Ability to compile and analyze management data to maintain effective and timely operations (for example, on-time arrival of buses at stops and schools).

9.       Ability to maintain complete and accurate records and to develop meaningful reports, charts, and graphs from them.

10.   Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

11.   Ability to implement strategies that ensure the provision of world-class service to customers.

12.   Ability to maintain positive internal relationships with other departments and staff members.

13.   Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

14.   Ability to work confidentially and with discretion.

15.   Demonstrated organizational and management skills with both projects and staff.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1.       Required to walk, stand, sit, and use repetitive motor coordination with finger dexterity for most of a normal work shift.

2.       Occasionally (less than 2 hours) required to bend and stoop, lift, carry, grasp, twist, reach, push and pull, climb, balance, crawl, and kneel.

3.       Rarely (not a regular part of the job) required to exert physical effort in handling objects over 30 pounds during a normal work shift.

4.       Rarely (not a regular part of the job) required to handle or work with biohazards or risk potential job-related injury.

5.       There are occasional unpleasant work elements, but the work environment is generally comfortable.

6.       Perform 24-hour on-call response support for transportation services to handle emergencies and unusual situations within Sugar Creek Charter School.

7.       Perform related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications

Option A

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with emphasis in business management, logistics, and/or transportation management.

OR

Option B

▪       High school diploma or GED with ten years of transportation-related experience with increasing supervisory responsibilities; and

▪       Three to five years of previous management/supervisory experience.

Desirable Qualifications

1.       Master’s degree with emphasis in business management, logistics, and/or transportation management.

2.       Ten years of work experience in pupil transportation, with at least five years in management and transportation supervision.

Licensing / Certification Requirements

▪       Must possess or be eligible to obtain a valid North Carolina driver’s license.