Transportation Supervisor The Transportation Supervisor oversees the daily operations of the district's student transportation program to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service. This role provides leadership to transportation staff, manages routing and scheduling, and ensures compliance with all safety and regulatory standards. The Supervisor partners with schools, families, and community stakeholders to support student success, while maintaining a well-prepared fleet and a responsive team. This position also assists the Transportation Coordinator with reporting, budgeting, and strategic planning to continually improve district transportation services. Supervision Reports to: Transportation Coordinator
Supervises:
Transportation staff, including foreman, drivers, mechanics, and support personnel
Essential Functions:
Operations & SafetyPlan, direct, and monitor daily bus operations to ensure safe, on-time service.
Assign routes, schedule activity trips, and adjust coverage for staffing changes, weather, or emergencies.
Oversee bus inspections, maintenance, fueling, and recordkeeping to ensure compliance with DOT and school bus safety standards.
Monitor road and weather conditions (including after hours as needed) and recommend route changes, delays, or closures.
Maintain and enforce operating procedures for routing, dispatch, pre/post-trip checks, shop safety, and incident reporting.
Staff Leadership:
Recruit, select, train, coach, and evaluate transportation staff.
Set clear expectations and address performance issues in accordance with district policy and collective bargaining agreements.
Conduct meetings and partner with HR/union representatives to resolve employee concerns and maintain positive labor relations.
Budget & Resource Management:
Assist with the transportation budget by forecasting staffing, equipment, parts, and fuel needs.
Monitor and approve expenditures; track costs, inventory, and vendor contracts.
Maintain shop inventory, set par levels, reconcile invoices, and coordinate procurement for timely parts and supplies.
Stakeholder & Community Relations:
Coordinate transportation services with schools, athletics, special education, and outside agencies.
Respond promptly and professionally to parent, school, and community concerns.
Communicate effectively with district officials, staff, and families to build trust and ensure service quality.
Professional Growth & Compliance:
Stay current with laws, regulations, and best practices in pupil transportation.
Participate in professional development, training, and industry meetings.
Prepare accurate reports, schedules, and correspondence for the Transportation Director and district leadership.
Coordinate with schools, activities/athletics, special education, and outside agencies to meet student needs and legal requirements.
Respond to questions or concerns from parents, schools, and the public; resolve service issues promptly and professionally.
Maintain accurate records and prepare clear reports, schedules, and correspondence.
Stay current on laws, regulations, and best practices in pupil transportation; participate in trainings and professional meetings.
Monitor parts and supplies inventory for the transportation shop; set par levels; reorder parts, tires, and fluids; reconcile invoices; track usage and shrinkage; and coordinate with Procurement for timely purchasing and vendor management.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of school transportation operations, routing, dispatch, and scheduling systems.
Bus fleet maintenance practices, inspections, and shop safety protocols.
Federal, state, and local regulations governing pupil transportation and DOT standards.
Budgeting, cost control, and inventory management processes.
Skills in: Supervising, training, and evaluating staff in a unionized environment.
Documenting performance, conducting meetings, and resolving workplace issues.
Using routing/dispatch, work-order, and inspection software; proficiency with spreadsheets, email, and word processing.
Ability to: Ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation services.
Make timely operational decisions under pressure while balancing safety, cost, and service.
Communicate clearly in writing and verbally with staff, schools, parents, and the community.
Build positive working relationships with district officials, employees, and external partners.
Qualifications: Minimum: Education: High school diploma or GED.
Experience:
At least three (3) years of combined experience in school bus or heavy-duty diesel mechanics, public transportation supervision, or dispatch operations, AND three (3) years of direct supervisory experience. Licensing: Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements.
Preferred:
Education/Training: Completion of a trade program or associate degree in automotive/diesel technology, transportation management, logistics, or a related field.
Experience:
Five (5) or more years of transportation operations experience, including supervision in a unionized environment governed by a collective bargaining agreement.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job and access transportation and shop environments. Duties may require: sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds, moving light furniture/equipment, and prolonged computer use (typing on a keyboard/terminal).Work Environment Work occurs in office, shop, and outdoor settings with varying noise, temperatures, and air quality. Interruptions are routine. Flexibility, patience, and independent follow-through are required. After-hours work may be required during weather events, emergencies, or special activities.
