Transportation Unit Leader

Location: Central Bus Repair & Dist.

Department: Transportation AM- Central C1 U3

Area:District Wide

Contract Months:12

Salary Range: $60,000.00 – $80,000.00

Academic Year: 25-26

JOB SUMMARY

The Transportation Unit Leader serves as a frontline operations leader within HISD’s Transportation Department, directly overseeing the daily performance and compliance of approximately 20 bus drivers and transportation attendants. This position plays a vital role in ensuring safe, efficient, and student-centered transportation services that support the district’s instructional mission.

Aligned with HISD’s high-performance culture and commitment to equity, the Transportation Unit Leader is responsible for monitoring attendance, supporting fleet readiness, addressing student-specific needs, and fostering a culture of teamwork and accountability. This role ensures daily operations meet the district’s expectations for service reliability, regulatory compliance, and safe student travel.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Monitor Attendance & Time Compliance
• Track and oversee clock-in/out activity to ensure staff punctuality and attendance accuracy.
• Review timekeeping reports, resolve discrepancies, and monitor overtime to manage direct and indirect labor hours effectively.
2. Ensure Fleet Readiness & Operational Coordination
• Collaborate with the Fleet Department to confirm all assigned buses are road-ready each day.
• Ensure drivers complete pre-trip inspections, follow vehicle cleanliness protocols, maintain appropriate fuel levels, and park according to terminal procedures.
3. Support Safe Transportation for Special Populations
• Help implement transportation procedures tailored to students with disabilities, ensuring alignment with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Reinforce staff understanding of medical, behavioral, or physical accommodations required for specific student riders.
4. Promote Student Safety & Attendant Development
• Support and train attendants in student supervision and safety practices during transport.
• Participate in professional development and departmental training to remain informed and responsive to student needs.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

5. Complete Administrative & Compliance Functions
• Maintain accurate records and support clerical tasks related to routing, service delivery, and operational tracking.
• Prepare monthly schedules and generate reports that support documentation requirements, including those tied to Medicaid reimbursement.
6. Provide Operational Flexibility & Coverage
• Secure substitute coverage for driver absences and be available to operate routes during emergencies or staff shortages, ensuring uninterrupted student transportation.
7 Foster Effective Communication & Team Engagement
• Promote respectful, two-way communication with drivers and attendants to build trust, alignment, and shared accountability.
• Collaborate with dispatch, terminal leadership, and Transportation Coordinators to address challenges and improve overall service quality.
8. Perform Other Duties as Assigned
• Demonstrate flexibility, initiative, and professionalism in supporting additional tasks or projects that contribute to the department’s mission of safe, reliable service for all HISD students.

EDUCATION

Associate’s Degree, preferred.

*Applicants who do not meet these qualifications may be considered if they have a unique combination of education and work experience that indicate potential for success in this role.

WORK EXPERIENCE

3 -5 years of related job experience.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

• Class B CDL with Passenger and School Bus Endorsement, Texas School Bus Driver Certification and Federal DOT certification within 60 days.
• Possess and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

• Regularly manages staff in the completion of large-scale projects or a very closely related set of projects/initiatives often spanning multiple disciplines.
• Receives strategies and broad departmental objectives from senior leadership; establishes operational objectives and work plans; delegates assignments to subordinate management and staff.
• Allocates resources according to priorities and serves as the primary decision maker regarding hiring, performance and budget.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

• Work is substantially complex, varied and regularly requires the selection and application of technical and detailed guidelines.
• Independent judgment is required to identify, select, and apply the most appropriate methods as well as interpret precedent.
• Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the department.
• Supervision received typically consists of providing direction on the more complex projects and new job duties and priorities.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

• Advice on budget development for department.

PROBLEM SOLVING

• Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD.
• Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas.
• May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

N/A

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

• Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level.
• Interactions include schools, non-school departments, central office, senior, and executive management.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

• Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department.
• Acts as a trusted advisor and becomes involved in the customer's decision-making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems.
• Monitors customer service standards.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Valid Texas driver’s license with applicable insurance coverage.
• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including personal computer and peripherals
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
• Environment: Prolonged or irregular hours, including some weekends; frequent districtwide travel
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress, fast-paced

Houston Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer.