Transporation Manager

TRANSPORTATION MANAGER

Location: Gilbert Community School District, Gilbert, Iowa

Employment Status: Salaried 260 Days

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Reports to: Superintendent 

Pay Range- 65,000-75,000

Position Purpose

The Transportation Manager oversees safe, reliable, efficient, and legally compliant district transportation. The Manager supervises staff, coordinates routes and fleet operations, communicates proactively with parents and administrators, and makes fiscally responsible decisions about staffing, routes, vehicles, and equipment in support of Every Student, Every Day.

Qualifications Profile

• High school diploma or equivalent; valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Possess or obtain within 60 calendar days of hire a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements, appropriate air brake qualification, and Iowa school bus driver authorization; maintain applicable medical, training, and licensing qualifications. School bus operation is prohibited until all required credentials and authorizations are obtained.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, organization, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use transportation technology and apply relevant federal and Iowa transportation requirements.
• Preferred: experience in pupil transportation, fleet management, logistics, public works, or related operations; supervisory experience; mechanical and routing knowledge; related education or training.

Essential Functions

• Recruit, schedule, train, supervise, and evaluate transportation personnel; manage staffing and substitute coverage based on service needs, operational efficiency, and responsible use of district funds; address performance concerns in coordination with Human Resources and administration.
• Plan and evaluate regular, specialized, and activity transportation, including routes, stops, schedules, student assignments, and driver coverage; balance safety, student needs, service reliability, and cost efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and Iowa transportation laws, Board policies, and safety requirements, including driver licensing, authorization, qualifications, screening, training, drug and alcohol testing, and required records.
• Oversee transportation safety programs, student safety instruction and evacuation procedures, incident and accident response, reporting, corrective actions, and emergency preparedness.
• Coordinate transportation required for students with disabilities, including IEP-related services, specialized equipment, staff training, confidentiality, and collaboration with appropriate personnel.
• Manage district fleet safety, inspections, preventive maintenance, repairs, fuel availability, inventory, vendor services, and required vehicle records; remove unsafe vehicles from service.
• Assess fleet condition, utilization, maintenance costs, and replacement needs; develop fiscally responsible long-range plans and recommend bus, vehicle, and equipment purchases, specifications, replacement, and disposition.
• Manage transportation purchasing and competitive bidding, including the district fuel bid; evaluate costs, vendor proposals, and lifecycle value and recommend responsible purchasing decisions.
• Develop and monitor transportation budgets, staffing costs, route efficiency, fleet expenditures, and required state, federal, insurance, and district reports; identify opportunities to control costs without compromising safety or required services.
• Maintain timely, clear, professional, and proactive communication with parents, guardians, principals, and district administration about routes, delays, changes, student concerns, and transportation decisions; collaborate to resolve concerns and support student needs.
• Assess road and weather conditions and advise the Superintendent on transportation safety, delays, closures, and emergency operations.
• Maintain the qualifications to operate a school bus and provide substitute route or activity driving when necessary for operational coverage.
• Keep the Superintendent informed of significant transportation, staffing, safety, service, and financial matters; provide reports and recommendations to administration and the Board as requested.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of pupil transportation safety and regulations, fleet and routing operations, employee supervision, budgeting, purchasing, and recordkeeping. Ability to communicate effectively with parents and administrators; lead staff; evaluate staffing, routes, and equipment for cost effectiveness; interpret requirements; make sound decisions; manage competing priorities; and maintain confidentiality.

Additional Duties

Perform related duties as assigned by the Superintendent, including occasional operational support such as transportation facility access and snow removal.

Physical and Mental Demands / Work Hazards

Work includes office, vehicle, shop, and outdoor settings; driving and entering/exiting buses; walking, standing, sitting, bending, reaching, and exposure to traffic, moving equipment, fumes, noise, and Iowa weather. Occasional handling of equipment up to approximately 50 pounds may be required; heavier items may be moved with assistance or mechanical equipment. Driving duties require applicable medical and physical qualifications. The employee must be able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Hours may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and emergencies.

Evaluation and General Statement

The Superintendent evaluates performance under applicable Board policy. This description identifies the position's general scope and essential functions, not every task. The district may assign related duties consistent with law, policy, and applicable employment agreements.