Transportation Unit Leader

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.
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.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

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

   Bachelor’s Degree or 7 years of related job experience.

*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 as well as a valid Texas School Bus Driver Certification 
•    Must pass school bus driver physical examination. (Must obtain within 6 months of job)
•    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

Work is normally performed in interior and exterior work environments.
•    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