Transportation Unit Leader - Safety

JOB SUMMARY

The Transportation Safety and Compliance Unit Leader will provide mid-level leadership and operational oversight for the district’s student transportation safety and compliance programs. This position manages transportation safety initiatives, regulatory compliance, risk management, driver accountability systems, and operational audits to ensure the safe and efficient transport of students districtwide.

The role collaborates closely with Transportation Operations, Fleet Maintenance, Human Resources, campus administration, and executive leadership to maintain compliance with all federal, state, local, and district transportation regulations and safety standards. Additionally, the position oversees investigations, monitors compliance performance metrics, and supports a culture of safety, accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement aligned with HISD’s commitment to high-performance student-centered service.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

    List most important duties first
1.        Supervise and provide operational oversight to Field Safety Investigators (FSIs) and Bus Driver Trainers, including assigning work priorities, monitoring performance, ensuring consistency in safety investigations and training delivery, and supporting the implementation of districtwide transportation safety, compliance, and driver development initiatives.
2.        Provide day-to-day management and oversight of transportation safety and compliance operations to ensure adherence to all federal, state, local, and district regulations governing student transportation services.
3.        Oversee operational safety audits, terminal inspections, ride-alongs, driver observations, and compliance reviews to evaluate operational effectiveness, safe driving practices, and adherence to district procedures.
4.        Lead investigations related to accidents, incidents, employee misconduct, student safety concerns, and regulatory violations; prepare detailed reports and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
5.        Supervise and coordinate compliance monitoring activities related to driver qualifications, CDL requirements, endorsements, medical certifications, annual certifications, and required training documentation.
6.        Provide oversight and accountability for pre-trip/post-trip inspections, child-check procedures, emergency equipment compliance, evacuation procedures, and overall fleet safety readiness.
7.        Analyze transportation safety data, operational trends, accident frequency, driver performance metrics, and compliance indicators to identify operational risks and implement corrective action strategies.
8.        Support Transportation leadership with the implementation of districtwide safety initiatives, compliance improvement plans, and operational accountability systems.
9.        Coordinate and facilitate required transportation safety and compliance training programs for drivers, attendants, dispatchers, supervisors, and transportation staff.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

10.        Assist with onboarding and operational readiness of new transportation employees through safety orientation, compliance verification, behind-the-wheel evaluations, and required certification tracking.
11.        Monitor fleet safety readiness in partnership with Fleet Maintenance to ensure all buses and district vehicles meet required inspection, maintenance, and operational safety standards.
12.        Collaborate with Operations leadership, Fleet Maintenance, Human Resources, and campus administrators to resolve operational safety concerns, student behavior issues, and compliance deficiencies.
13.        Ensure compliance with pre-trip/post-trip inspections, child-check procedures, emergency equipment standards, and emergency preparedness protocols.
14.        Prepare, monitor, and present transportation safety reports, compliance dashboards, key performance indicators (KPIs), and operational updates to Transportation leadership and executive administration.
15.        Maintain accurate, detailed, and audit-ready safety records and documentation, including:
•    Accident and incident reports 
•    Investigation findings and corrective actions 
•    Driver qualification files and training records 
•    Safety audit results and compliance documentation
16.        Provide guidance, coaching, and operational support to supervisors and front-line leadership regarding compliance expectations, policy implementation, and safety performance management.
17.        Ensure consistent application of district policies, standard operating procedures, and regulatory requirements across all transportation terminals and operational areas.
18.        Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree, preferred

Applicants who do not meet the education 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

7+ years of experience in school transportation, safety compliance, or driver training.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Software
SAP
Microsoft Office
Oracle
Certifications/Licensure
Valid Class B Commerical Driver’s License (CDL), with School Bus (S) & Passenger (P) endorsements
Certified School Bus Driver Trainer 
Certification in defensive driving or accident investigation is a plus.
Equipment
Office equipment (e.g., computer, copier)
Vehicles (e.g., automobile, truck, tractor, forklift)

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Work Leadership. Regularly provides project management or team leadership to a group of two or more employees but does not have formal supervisory responsibility. Leading and directing is restricted to monitoring work and providing guidance on escalated issues. Most of work time is spent performing many of the same duties they are leading.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work involves the application of moderately complex procedures and tasks that are quite varied. Independent judgment is often required to select and apply the most appropriate of available resources. Ongoing supervision is provided on an "as needed" basis.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

No budget development activity is required. 

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made on both routine and non-routine matters with some latitude but are still subject to approval. Job is occasionally expected to recommend new solutions to problems and improve existing methods or generate new ideas.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have moderate impact to the facility/department or division, causing increased satisfaction or dissatisfaction; producing efficiencies or delays; promoting or inhibiting personal intellectual or professional development; and/or contributing to financial gain or expense. Errors may be serious, usually not subject to direct verification or check, causing losses such as improper cost calculations, overpayment or improper utilization of labor, materials, or equipment. Effects are usually confined to the organization itself and is short term.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Collaborate and solve problems - work with others to resolve problems, clarify, or interpret complex information/policies, and provide initial screening/negotiations without approval authority. Interactions are typically with customers, senior level professional staff, and managers.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Regularly assesses and diffuses complex and escalate customer issues. Takes personal responsibility and accountability for solving systemic customer service problems. Regularly explores alternative and creative solutions to meeting the needs of the customer within HISD's policies and guidelines.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior environment without exposure to hazardous or unpleasant elements, with a combination of office, yard, and field settings including ride-alongs, accident sites, and maintenance facilities.
•    Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting 
•    Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching 
•    Ability to carry and/or lift up to 25 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