Director of Transportation

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Transportation commits to support the vision of The Bellingham Promise by planning, organizing, and directing all operations of school transportation to assure safe and efficient school transportation services that meet or exceed all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. Ensures the development and implementation of active routes to schools plans.

Provide expertise, vision, and leadership on all matters within school transportation in collaboration with the Chief Operations Officer. Establish and implement policies, procedures, and standards for the efficient, safe, and effective operation of transportation. Provide leadership and vision through the development of short and long‑range goals and objectives. Ensure effective operations and administration of school transportation, including budget administration, personnel management, and fleet management, including acquisition of buses and motor pool vehicles, maintenance and repair of buses and maintenance district wide.

Supervision and oversight of the vehicle maintenance shop operations and staff. Manage personnel matters relating to school transportation including hiring, discipline, evaluation, training, testing, contract negotiations and compliance, and payroll. Respond to and investigate all emergencies and accidents involving district vehicles. Work cooperatively with law enforcement and insurance representatives. Advise the Superintendent on road conditions for decisions relating to school closures, modified bus routes, and/or scheduling of alternate school hours during inclement weather.

Prepare and manage a departmental budget which applies the proper funding formulas to ensure maximum allowable revenue from the state. Develop, coordinate, and maintain a comprehensive training program for new and existing personnel. Prepare, analyze, and submit reports as required by the District, OSPI, WSDOT and other governmental agencies. Develop and supervise a system for student behavior expectations and confer with building administrators, parents, drivers, para educators, and students regarding restorative justice issues.

Maintain knowledge of federal, state, and local laws relating to basic and special education transportation. Establish and maintain effective communication within the department, the district, and the public. Communicate and enforce work rules, safety requirements, collective bargaining agreement language, and performance standards for all transportation employees. Inform district administration of matters related to transportation and student safety. Coordinate the use of a computerized routing and locating program to assist in completing state reports, analyzing routes and stops, and providing for cost‑effective operations.

Interpret and enforce collective bargaining agreements pertinent to transportation employees. Establish and maintain positive relationships and communication with Bellingham Public Schools safety personnel and other stakeholders, including NWESD 189, Whatcom County Emergency Management, Bellingham Police Department, and the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office for various transportation matters and to support district safety plans. Use a computer and telecommunication devices for various office functions i.e., planning, scheduling, communicating, word processing, researching, spreadsheet applications, and presentations as well as monitoring of daily operations.

Uses specialized transportation planning/scheduling software and a radio to monitor transport plans and operations. Other duties consistent with the intent and scope of this position.

Advanced training or education beyond high school. A minimum of three years’ experience supervising a major aspect of a transportation program involving a significant fleet of vehicles. Possess a valid Washington State Commercial Driver’s License and have a satisfactory driving record. Possess a Washington State School Bus Driver’s Authorization. Possess or be qualified and willing to obtain a Washington State School Bus Driver Trainer Certification.

Possess or be qualified and willing to…