Safety Manager

Safety Director – School Bus & Student Transportation

The Safety Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing all safety programs for the company’s school bus, school van, and student transportation operations. This position ensures that drivers, vehicles, and transportation procedures meet applicable federal, state, and local regulations while maintaining the highest standards of safety for students, employees, and the public.

The Safety Director promotes a company-wide culture of safety, accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Driver Safety and Compliance

• Ensure all school bus and van drivers meet applicable licensing, certification, training, and qualification requirements.
• Maintain and review driver qualification files, driving records, background clearances, and required certifications.
• Monitor driver compliance with company safety policies and applicable regulations.
• Conduct periodic driver safety reviews and identify areas for improvement.
• Coordinate new-driver orientation, safety training, and ongoing education.
• Ensure drivers understand and follow proper student loading, unloading, crossing, backing, and emergency procedures.

2. Vehicle Safety and Maintenance

• Oversee vehicle inspection and maintenance compliance.
• Ensure required pre-trip, post-trip, and periodic inspections are completed and documented.
• Ensure emergency equipment, first-aid supplies, and other required safety equipment are maintained as applicable.

3. Accident and Incident Investigation

• Lead investigations of accidents, student injuries, near misses, and other safety incidents.
• Ensure incidents are reported promptly and documented accurately.
• Identify contributing factors and develop corrective action plans.
• Coordinate with management, insurance representatives, law enforcement, school districts, and other parties when appropriate.
• Track accident trends and implement preventive measures to reduce future incidents.

4. Regulatory Compliance

• Monitor compliance with applicable Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania Department of Education, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and other relevant requirements, as applicable to the company's operations.
• Maintain accurate safety records and documentation.
• Prepare for regulatory inspections, audits, and reviews.
• Monitor required driver physical qualifications, drug and alcohol testing programs where applicable, licensing, clearances, and training records.
• Communicate regulatory changes to management and affected employees.

5. Safety Training and Policy Development

• Develop, update, and enforce company safety policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular safety meetings and training sessions.
• Provide training on defensive driving, student management, emergency response, railroad crossings, distracted driving, and accident prevention.
• Ensure drivers receive required training before performing assigned duties.
• Promote safe driving habits and professional conduct.

6. School District and Customer Relations

• Work with school districts and transportation partners to address safety concerns.
• Respond to reported driver or vehicle safety issues.
• Assist management with safety-related complaints and corrective actions.
• Support compliance with transportation contracts and district-specific safety requirements.

7. Safety Performance and Accountability

• Monitor preventable accidents, inspection results, driver violations, complaints, and training completion.
• Conduct ride-alongs, observations, and safety audits as needed.
• Recommend disciplinary or corrective action when safety policies are violated, in coordination with management.
• Recognize safe performance and encourage continuous improvement.
• Provide regular safety reports and recommendations to company leadership. Unannounced safety checks at bus yards, schools, and loading zones.
• Driver file audits to ensure all required certifications, clearances, and training remain current.
• School bus camera review for safety incidents and reported student concerns.
• Emergency preparedness, including evacuation drills and accident response procedures.
• Direct reporting to ownership on serious incidents, compliance risks, and recurring safety problems.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in school bus transportation, fleet safety, transportation operations, or a related field preferred.
• Strong knowledge of school bus safety procedures and applicable transportation regulations.
• Familiarity with driver qualification requirements, vehicle inspections, accident investigations, and safety documentation.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to train, coach, and hold drivers accountable for safe performance.
• Proficiency in maintaining records and preparing reports.
• Valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Appropriate school bus driver qualifications or a commercial driver's license (CDL) may be required depending on assigned duties.
• Ability to travel between company locations and transportation facilities as needed.

Key Performance Expectations

The Safety Director will be evaluated on:

• Reduction in preventable accidents and safety incidents.
• Completion and accuracy of required safety documentation.
• Driver training and compliance rates.
• Timely investigation and resolution of incidents.
• Vehicle inspection and maintenance compliance.
• Results of internal and external safety audits.
• Effectiveness of corrective actions and safety improvement initiatives.

Work Environment

This position involves office work, transportation facility visits, vehicle inspections, driver meetings, and occasional field observations at school bus stops, schools, and other transportation locations. Occasional early morning or afternoon availability may be necessary to support school transportation operations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees in accordance with applicable law.

Disclaimer

This job description summarizes the primary responsibilities and qualifications of the Safety Director position. Duties may be modified as business needs change. All responsibilities must be performed in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, company policies, and contractual requirements.

Pay: $54,000.00 - $65,100.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) 4% Match
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Language:

• English (Required)

Location:

• Finleyville, PA 15332 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person