Service Manager - Bus Service Center Operations (Foreman)

Service Manager

The South Carolina Department of Education is seeking an experienced, solutions-oriented Service Manager to lead daily school bus maintenance and repair operations within an assigned service center. This role focuses on hands-on shop leadership, technician supervision, maintenance quality, fleet readiness, and safety compliance, ensuring vehicles are safe, reliable, and available to support student transportation needs.

The Service Manager provides service-center-level leadership and direct oversight of school bus maintenance activities. This position ensures fleet readiness, effective technician performance, safety compliance, and facilities and equipment integrity through active supervision, technical expertise, and consistent operational standards.

The Service Manager works closely with Operations Managers, service center leadership, and regional management to align shop-level maintenance performance with statewide transportation priorities, regulatory requirements, and service expectations in support of South Carolina's pupil transportation mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Ensure fleet readiness:

Manage and perform preventive maintenance and complex repair activities to keep fleet assets service-ready, minimize downtime, and ensure accurate, complete, and timely maintenance documentation.

• Schedule, assign, and oversee daily maintenance and repair workloads
• Perform preventive maintenance services and assist with repairs as operational demands require
• Diagnose and repair computer-controlled vehicle systems using advanced diagnostic tools
• Perform advanced diagnostics and repairs on engines, transmissions, brake systems, exhaust systems, electrical systems, and cooling systems
• Diagnose, evacuate, recharge, and repair air-conditioning and climate-control systems
• Reduce out-of-service vehicle counts and ensure timely return to service
• Conduct required 30-day, quarterly, and annual vehicle inspections and ensure corrective actions are completed
• Verify accuracy and completeness of AssetWorks work orders and maintenance documentation

Maintain facility integrity:

Maintain safe, compliant service center facilities, tools, and equipment through inspections and consistent shop cleanliness and readiness standards.

• Conduct shop and equipment inspections to ensure compliance with standards
• Maintain clean, safe, and compliant shop and work environments
• Ensure tools, equipment, and facilities meet operational and regulatory requirements
• Ensure facilities and shop practices comply with environmental, safety, and departmental standards

Lead personnel effectiveness:

Supervise, train, and support maintenance staff by managing workloads, attendance, technical development, and performance expectations while serving as the senior technical authority in the shop.

• Supervise maintenance technicians and support staff
• Monitor attendance, schedules, and workload distribution
• Provide instruction, mentoring, and technical guidance to technicians
• Identify training needs and support certification and skill development
• Serve as a technical resource for complex diagnostics and repairs
• Support required certifications, CDL compliance, and professional development
• Address performance concerns and participate in employee-relations processes
• Provide instruction to school bus drivers regarding vehicle operation, defect reporting, and the impact of maintenance practices on safety and reliability

Enforce safety compliance:

Promote a safe maintenance environment by enforcing OSHA and environmental standards, ensuring PPE use, investigating incidents, and responding appropriately to emergencies.

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and safety regulations
• Enforce PPE and safety procedures across shop operations
• Respond to road calls and emergency service situations as required
• Support accident investigations and required documentation

Deliver consistent service:

Support reliable maintenance service delivery through coordination, communication, inventory control, and accurate recordkeeping.

• Coordinate with Operations Managers and service center leadership regarding maintenance priorities
• Support inventory management, parts usage tracking, and supply control
• Assist with emergency, weather-related, and seasonal transportation operations
• Maintain permits, inspections, and maintenance records in audit-ready condition
• Perform other duties supporting statewide transportation services and agency priorities

This position is located in the Office of Transportation/Chester Bus Shop.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

Work experience involving the independent performance of job duties directly related to the area of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Four (4) years of mechanical and repair experience in automotive, diesel, or related fields

Ability to obtain and maintain a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Passenger, Tank Vehicle, and Air Brake endorsements within 120 days of employment

Ability to operate power, hydraulic, electronic, and computerized diagnostic equipment

Ability to pass required drug screenings, background checks, and USDOT medical examination

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of school bus maintenance and fleet repair practices
• Ability to supervise maintenance personnel and manage shop operations
• Experience with preventive maintenance programs and inspection systems
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain accurate documentation
• Commitment to safety, accountability, and public service

Additional Comments

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in indoor and outdoor maintenance environments with exposure to noise, grease, fumes, weather conditions, and confined spaces. Adherence to all safety, environmental, and PPE requirements is mandatory.

Career Growth at SCDE Transportation:

SCDE Transportation values practical experience, operational knowledge, and leadership readiness. Technical expertise is a strong foundation for effective supervision, and internal advancement is supported through training, mentorship, and clear role progression. SCDE Transportation promotes long-term career growth by helping employees build on hands-on experience, expand skills, and pursue advancement in a stable, mission-driven statewide organization.

Benefits:

As part of a comprehensive state compensation package, the South Carolina Department of Education offers:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance options
• Fifteen (15) days annual leave per year
• Fifteen (15) days sick leave per year
• Thirteen (13) paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation (401k) programs
• Professional development and leadership training opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The South Carolina Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS CHOSEN FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER THAT THE POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED.