Transportation Operations Assistant

Transportation Operations Assistant

Schedule: Monday–Friday | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Compensation: $65,000–$80,000 annually
Industry: Student Transportation
Experience: 3+ Years of Student Transportation Operations Preferred
Leadership Focus: Operations | Dispatch | Driver Management | Customer Relations | Safety | Financial Oversight

About the Opportunity

Our client is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the daily operations of a student transportation facility.

This leadership role is responsible for ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient transportation services while managing day-to-day operations, supporting employees, maintaining strong relationships with school district partners, and driving operational excellence.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with experience in student transportation who can successfully balance operations, employee development, customer service, compliance, and financial responsibilities.

What You'll Do

Operations Leadership

• Oversee the daily operations of the transportation facility and assigned teams
• Lead, coach, and support dispatch personnel, operations staff, and drivers to achieve performance goals
• Conduct regular team meetings to communicate company initiatives, operational updates, and performance expectations
• Monitor route coverage and ensure all daily routes and extracurricular trips are fully staffed
• Step in to operate a school bus and provide route coverage when necessary

Customer & School District Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with school district representatives and transportation partners
• Deliver exceptional customer service while ensuring contract expectations are consistently met
• Provide required reports, documentation, and operational updates to customers
• Support contract compliance and maintain positive client relationships

Team Leadership & Employee Development

• Assist with driver recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention efforts
• Observe employee performance and provide coaching, recognition, and corrective action when appropriate
• Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture
• Support employee engagement and ongoing professional development

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist with payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, and month-end financial reporting
• Review transportation contracts, leases, and vendor agreements to ensure operational compliance
• Monitor operational performance while identifying opportunities for greater efficiency and cost control

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Promote a strong safety culture throughout the transportation operation
• Champion new technologies and process improvements that improve safety, operational efficiency, and customer service
• Maintain qualifications necessary to operate a school bus and assist with route coverage as needed

What You'll Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor's degree preferred (may substitute for up to two years of related experience)
• Three or more years of student transportation operations experience preferred
• Leadership experience within transportation, dispatch, safety, maintenance, training, or related operations
• Ability to lead, motivate, and develop employees in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional customer service
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business software
• Commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement

Required Qualifications

• Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) with:

• Passenger (P) Endorsement
• School Bus (S) Endorsement
• Air Brake Endorsement

within six months of hire

• Ability to pass all required background screenings, drug testing, and physical examinations

Preferred Qualifications

• Student transportation leadership experience
• Dispatch operations experience
• Driver training or safety management experience
• Fleet maintenance or transportation operations experience
• Working knowledge of DOT, OSHA, EPA, DOL, and applicable state transportation regulations
• Experience managing customer contracts and school district partnerships

Why Join?

• Competitive Compensation: $65,000–$80,000 annually
• Consistent Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM–5:00 PM
• Leadership Opportunity: Lead daily operations while developing drivers, dispatchers, and operations staff
• Community Impact: Help ensure students receive safe, dependable transportation every day
• Customer-Focused Role: Build long-term partnerships with local school districts and community stakeholders
• Operational Ownership: Influence staffing, safety, compliance, financial performance, and customer satisfaction
• Career Growth: Join an organization committed to operational excellence, employee development, and continuous improvement

If you're an experienced transportation leader who enjoys developing teams, improving operations, and ensuring safe, reliable service for students and school districts, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply today to learn more about this opportunity.