Assistant to the Director of Transportation

Wabash Valley Online Application Consortium•West Lafayette, IN

About The Position

The Assistant to the Director of Transportation assists with the daily management, coordination, and oversight of safe, reliable, and efficient student transportation services. The role focuses on operational leadership, including route coverage, driver coordination, student ridership and behavior management, transportation safety, employee support, and communication with schools and families. The Assistant helps ensure operations comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements and district policies and procedures. The position serves as an operational resource for transportation staff and school administrators, resolves day-to-day challenges within assigned authority, and supports the Director with departmental administration, employee management, and continuous improvement. The position provides hands-on support for daily transportation operations, including driving a school bus when needed, and assists with route assignments, schedule changes, field trips, student behavior concerns, staff support, safety and emergency response, customer communication, records, reporting, and procedure improvements. It is a full-time, 220-day position with a schedule of 7.5 hours per day. The role reports to the Director of Transportation.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Valid Indiana driver's license in good standing.
Valid Indiana CDL Class B with air brakes and school bus endorsement, or willingness to obtain it within six months of the start of employment.
Excellent communication skills and professional demeanor.
Ability to communicate effectively with employees, students, families, administrators, and other stakeholders.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, resolve operational problems, and manage competing priorities.
Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
Ability to interpret and apply district policies, transportation procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Nice To Haves

Transportation work experience is preferred; the posting states 3+ years minimum.

Responsibilities

Support daily transportation operations, including driving a school bus when needed and providing temporary or ongoing route coverage.
Assist with driver assignments, route coverage, schedule adjustments, and last-minute transportation changes.
Monitor operations and help resolve driver absences, route disruptions, vehicle breakdowns, traffic delays, and other service interruptions.
Coordinate transportation for field trips, extracurricular activities, and district events as needed.
Communicate operational changes and information to drivers, school personnel, and other affected parties.
Oversee and support the student bus ridership program, including student and driver education, safety expectations, and behavior management procedures.
Communicate with administrators, staff, and families about ridership concerns, incidents, and established procedures.
Assist with investigating student behavior incidents and transportation concerns, documenting findings, and recommending follow-up when the Director is absent.
Support consistent application of district transportation rules and disciplinary procedures in coordination with school administrators and the Director.
Develop, implement, and communicate strategies that promote safe and appropriate behavior on school buses.
Provide day-to-day direction and support to drivers, dispatch personnel, mechanics, and office staff within assigned authority.
Address routine employee questions and concerns, referring significant matters to the Director as appropriate.
Support driver education, safety training, and understanding of district procedures and expectations.
Assist with investigations of vehicle accidents, student incidents, safety concerns, and other transportation-related events.
Support emergency response involving breakdowns, severe weather, accidents, and other service disruptions; coordinate notifications, alternate transportation, documentation, and follow-up within assigned authority.
Assist district personnel in evaluating transportation needs and operational decisions during inclement weather.
Review safety concerns involving routes, stops, loading areas, vehicles, and student transportation practices.
Serve as an additional point of contact for routine transportation questions and concerns; research issues, document follow-up, and coordinate resolution.
Refer matters requiring policy interpretation, exceptions, or decisions beyond assigned authority to the Director.
Assist the Director with departmental planning, daily priorities, and operational decision-making.
Maintain transportation records, incident reports, and other required operational information.
Monitor transportation data and prepare reports concerning ridership, route performance, safety, and service reliability.
Review bus video and other available documentation when investigating incidents or transportation concerns.
Assist with reviewing and improving operational procedures, student ridership practices, and staff training.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support the Transportation Department.