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 Assistant  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 Assistant

• 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