POSITION SUMMARY:
Manage all day-to-day functions and activities of the school bus transportation and central vehicle maintenance areas to include all bus lots and vehicle garages. Oversees the screening and training of bus drivers and bus attendants and ensures that all transportation staff are in full compliance with PGCPS performance standards and procedures and all Maryland DOT rules and regulations regarding the safe operation of school buses. Ensures that the critical special education transportation needs and requirements are met and that all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to these transportation operations are complied with at all times. Creates and manages budget for area of responsibility. Develops and monitors time and expense project budgets. Develops project plans, work breakdown, structures and schedules required to successfully complete bus transportation projects on time and within budget constraints. Plans and controls staffing and performs other human resources, finance, and payroll related functions for assigned employees. Provides approved supervision, mentoring and professional growth and development opportunities to assigned staff. Such responsibilities include staff performance reviews, and the development and implementation of professional growth plans to include keeping abreast of current developments, literature and technical sources of information. Manages assigned staff in the development, design, review, implementation and periodic evaluation of department performance plans, metric and strategies to support the achievement of goals and objectives.
DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Directs system-wide transportation services and ensures the safe, timely and cost effective transportation of school children throughout the Prince George's County Public Schools, within approved budget limits;
Plan, organize, control and direct the scheduling, operations, personnel, budgets, contracts administration, community relations and safety of the District's Transportation Services and fleet maintenance program;
Develop immediate and long-range facility, equipment, manpower, operating and service plans and objectives for pupil transportation services and supporting transportation service of the district; initiate and assist in the formulation, review and modification of District policies and procedures governing transportation services;
Direct the facility, equipment, manpower and service plans and objectives for fleet maintenance for the District; assist in the development, review and modification of District policies and procedures governing fleet maintenance and replacement of vehicles for the District;
Manage and monitor the operations of the Central Vehicle Maintenance Garage and make recommendations to the Associate Superintendent of Supporting Services on the continual improvement of processes and procedures in this area;
Review appropriate school bus transportation routing and vehicle utilization software for implementation in Prince George's County Public Schools. This analysis will include GPS and student identification and tracking systems;
Review and approve criteria for evaluating transportation service and fleet maintenance performance, cost effectiveness and policy compliance; establish and enforce operating standards, productivity standards, work rules and procedures that assure service efficiency and effectiveness;
Develop, review and recommend contract specifications for bus services and agency contracts; evaluate bids, recommend awards and assure compliance with contract specification; arrange for staff to be on-site during the construction of buses by vendors;
Direct the preparation of and approved specifications and contracts for vehicles, equipment and parts purchase, vendor maintenance services and supply purchases; direct the material control and inventory of fleet maintenance equipment, parts and supplies;
Represent the District in negotiating agreement, regulatory agency demands, contract carrier service standards, service disputes, pricing structures, contract renewals, rate adjustments, service obligation reassignments, suspensions and enforcement sanctions;
Assist the legal office in conducting applicable litigations, employment hearings and State agency reviews; participate in legislative planning and proposal development; represent the District at State regulation hearings regarding transportation services;
Develop and prepare the annual budget for the Transportation Service department; analyze and review budgetary and financial data; control and authorize expenditures in accordance with established limitations;
Review, modify and enforce cost allocations and billing to programs, agencies and service users; develop, recommend and direct the collection of agency fees and other revenue abatements to transportation services;
Direct the design, development, implementation and maintenance of data systems in support of transportation services and fleet maintenance; develop records and administer requests for proposals and consultant services contracts; coordinate data systems of the department with the Information Technology Department to support long-range District objectives and goals;
Develop staff, organization structure and reporting and communications procedures for the department; evaluate and modify personnel, employment, training, certification, transfer, assignment and discipline practices for Transportation Services Department employees;
Train and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; provide for continuing departmental staff training programs in bus driver training, license renewal and related functions; interview and select employees and recommend transfers, reassignment, termination and disciplinary actions;
Represent department in collective bargaining conferences, mediations, grievance hearings and complaint actions; develop and recommend collective bargaining contract revisions; represent department in negotiations;
Provide technical expertise, information and assistance to the Associate Superintendent of Supporting Services regarding assigned functions, assist in the formulation and development of policies, procedures and programs; advise the Associate Superintendent of Supporting Services of unusual trends or problems and recommend appropriate corrective actions;
Direct the preparation and maintenance of a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records and files related to assigned activities and personnel;
Communicate with other administrative, personnel and outside organizations to coordinate activities and programs, resolve issues and conflicts and exchange information; develop policies and procedures to encourage effective and efficient management controls;
Review, approve and authorize department safety practices and standards and conduct independent investigations and inspections of safety programs; direct the transportation safety instruction of pupils and school staffs;
Attend and conduct a variety of meetings as assigned; establish and maintain relations/membership with local, state, and federal agencies and associations to remain current on programs and issues that affect Transportation Services; present reports and initial findings as assigned;
Respond to media and public inquires and interpret pupil transportation policies and procedures; and
Perform related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Considerable knowledge of public school administration policies and procedures; demonstrated managerial and leadership skills;
Demonstrated ability to analyze data and provide alternative solutions to problems;
Familiarity and competence in the development and use of automated data tracking in support of the office of transportation;
Proven ability to develop and maintain an excellent working relationship with all levels of employees and senior management;
Ability to work in a fast paced environment with attention to detail;
Ability to perform, use, and present quantitative analysis in the evaluation, and recommendation of complex operational functions;
Knowledge of Transportation laws and bus transportation best practices and procedures;
Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and mandates relating to school transportation; and
Excellent written and oral communication skills and effective human relations skills.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's Degree required in business administration, public administration, transportation or a related field from an accredited institution, Master's preferred. Six years of progressively responsible experience managing a large unit in business, government or transportation services.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Valid Driver's licenses.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Oversees and provides guidance and direction to the unit staff.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
None.