Transportation Director

Transportation Director

Alma School District is seeking a qualified, dependable, and organized professional to serve as Transportation Director beginning on January 4, 2027, for the remainder of the 2026–2027 school year. The Transportation Director is responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and administration of the district's transportation program.

This position oversees daily transportation operations, including bus routes, driver assignments, student transportation safety, regulatory compliance, and fleet maintenance operations. The Transportation Director will supervise transportation personnel and provide oversight of the district's diesel mechanics and maintenance functions to ensure that all district vehicles are properly maintained, reliable, and available for student transportation.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, organizational and communication skills, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to student safety and efficient operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Transportation Administration and Operations

• Direct and supervise all daily transportation operations for the district.
• Develop, evaluate, and manage bus routes, schedules, stops, and driver assignments.
• Monitor transportation operations to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable service for students and staff.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and Arkansas Department of Education transportation regulations.
• Maintain appropriate transportation records, including driver certifications, training records, inspections, accident reports, and other required documentation.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate transportation personnel.
• Conduct regular transportation staff meetings and safety training.
• Coordinate and oversee required driver training, safety drills, and professional development.
• Investigate transportation-related accidents, incidents, complaints, and concerns and recommend appropriate corrective action.
• Respond to transportation emergencies and operational issues as needed.
• Communicate effectively with administrators, school personnel, parents, students, drivers, and community members regarding transportation matters.
• Monitor transportation needs related to extracurricular activities, field trips, and other district events.
• Recommend policies, procedures, and operational improvements to enhance safety and efficiency.
• Assist with transportation budget development and management, including fuel, maintenance, equipment, and fleet replacement planning.
• Prepare reports and provide recommendations to the Superintendent or designee regarding transportation operations and needs.

Fleet Maintenance Oversight

• Provide administrative oversight of the district's fleet maintenance and diesel mechanic operations.
• Work collaboratively with transportation maintenance personnel to ensure buses and district vehicles receive timely preventative maintenance and necessary repairs.
• Monitor vehicle maintenance schedules, repair records, inspections, and overall fleet condition.
• Ensure district buses and transportation vehicles are properly prepared for required state inspections.
• Assist in establishing procedures to minimize vehicle downtime and maximize fleet reliability.
• Monitor maintenance and repair expenditures and assist with purchasing parts, equipment, and supplies.
• Participate in long-term fleet replacement planning and make recommendations regarding vehicle purchases and replacements.
• Ensure transportation vehicles meet applicable safety standards prior to student operation.
• Coordinate with maintenance personnel regarding emergency repairs and vehicle availability.

Leadership and Supervision

• Provide leadership and direction to transportation personnel.
• Establish clear expectations for employee performance, safety, professionalism, and customer service.
• Promote a positive, respectful, and safety-focused transportation culture.
• Address personnel concerns and recommend appropriate actions to the Superintendent or designee.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all personnel and student matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements, or ability to obtain within a timeframe established by the district.
• Demonstrated knowledge of transportation safety practices and regulations.
• Ability to supervise employees and manage daily operations.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively respond to emergencies and changing operational needs.
• Ability to pass all required background checks, drug screenings, and other employment requirements.

Preferred

• Previous experience in school transportation leadership, fleet management, or transportation operations.
• Experience supervising transportation personnel.
• Familiarity with Arkansas Department of Education transportation requirements and school bus regulations.
• Knowledge of diesel fleet maintenance and preventative maintenance programs.
• Experience working in a school district, public service, or transportation-related setting.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform duties in an office, transportation facility, and outdoor environment.
• Ability to periodically inspect buses and transportation equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to respond to transportation emergencies or operational needs outside normal work hours when necessary.

Contract and Salary

• Contract length: 240 days.
• Salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience, certifications, and the Alma School District salary schedule.
• Benefits provided in accordance with Alma School District policies and applicable employment agreements.

Alma School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.