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. Department Leadership & Planning

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

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

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

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

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

2. Routing & Scheduling

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

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

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

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

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

3. Special & Extended Transportation Services

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

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

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

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

4. Communication & Stakeholder Coordination

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Staff Supervision & Development

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

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

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

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

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

6. Performance Management & Accountability

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

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

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

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

7. Safety, Compliance & Training

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

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

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

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

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

8. Accident, Incident & Emergency Response

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

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

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

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

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

9. Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

9.1Evaluate transportation operations and recommend improvements and modifications.

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

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

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

9.5Investigate 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.