2026-2027 SY - Director of Transportation

Gallup-McKinley County Schools; Gallup (NM); On-site; USD 114,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

Gallup-McKinley County Schools in Gallup, NM, seeks a Transportation Director to lead the District Transportation Department. The role oversees bus operations, routing, fleet maintenance, safety and compliance, ensuring on-time, safe student transport and strong staff development.

The Director reports to the Assistant Superintendent, manages budgets, coordinates with principals and vendors, and directs strategic improvements across all transportation sites to support district goals.

Job description

Transportation Director

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed with the job.

Definition To provide leadership, management and oversight for the District Transportation Department, including bus operations, routing, fleet maintenance, safety and compliance; to organize, strengthen and support department staff and systems so that students are transported safely, reliably and on time; and to provide highly responsible administrative support to the Assistant Superintendent.

TITLE: Director of Transportation CLASSIFICATION: Administration DEPARTMENT: Transportation WORK HOURS: 37.5 hrs per week CONTRACT LENGTH: 236 Days SALARY SCHEDULE: $134,212.00 Transportation Director Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed with the job. Definition To provide leadership, management and oversight for the District Transportation Department, including bus operations, routing, fleet maintenance, safety and compliance; to organize, strengthen and support department staff and systems so that students are transported safely, reliably and on time; and to provide highly responsible administrative support to the Assistant Superintendent.

Supervision Received and Exercised Receives administrative direction from the Assistant Superintendent and works under the overall direction of the Superintendent. Authority is delegated and is exercised within Board policy, District procedures and applicable law. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, clerical, bus driver, bus assistant and mechanic staff.

Essential Function Statements: Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assume management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the Transportation Department including planning, implementing, revising and evaluating bus operations, routes, schedules, maintenance and student transportation services.
• Follow Board policy, District procedures and the lawful directives of the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent; carry out assigned direction promptly and professionally; raise concerns or questions through the appropriate chain of command; and model this expectation for staff.
• Assess department operations, systems and workflows; develop and implement a plan to establish clear procedures, expectations, accountability and consistent practices across all transportation sites and staff.
• Provide direction, supervision, coaching and evaluation for supervisors, lead drivers, drivers, assistants, mechanics and office staff; set priorities, delegate responsibility, develop staff and hold staff accountable for results and conduct.
• Support all department staff by listening, communicating clearly, providing training, removing barriers and ensuring fair, consistent and respectful treatment of every employee.
• Manage performance, employee relations, complaints, conflict and operational challenges in coordination with the Personnel Department and District policy; address concerns promptly and professionally, maintain appropriate confidentiality and guide employees toward ownership and improvement.
• Build a culture of safety, service, responsibility, staff development and improvement.
• Ensure staff follow established procedures and supervisory direction, and that concerns raised by employees are received, reviewed and addressed in accordance with policy.
• Ensure compliance with all Federal, State and local laws and regulations, including New Mexico Public Education Department transportation requirements, commercial driver licensing, drug and alcohol testing, driver training, vehicle inspection and student safety requirements.
• Plan, review and approve bus routes, stops, schedules and service levels; balance student needs, safety, efficiency and available resources; respond to route changes, delays, emergencies and special trips.
• Oversee fleet maintenance, inspection, repair, fueling, parts and replacement planning; ensure buses and equipment are safe, documented and in service‑ready condition.
• Oversee driver recruitment, hiring, licensing, training, scheduling, assignment of routes and coverage; develop systems that fairly and consistently assign work and manage substitutes and absences.
• Develop and enforce safety procedures; oversee accident and incident reporting and investigation, student behavior reports, and corrective action and follow‑up.
• Create, monitor and administer the department budget and funding sources; oversee expenditures, reporting, mileage and ridership data, reimbursement and grant requirements.
• Maintain records and process documents for audit and compliance review; coordinate audit responses; ensure deficiencies are corrected and monitored to resolution.
• Communicate and coordinate with school principals, District departments, parents, students and community members; respond to and resolve inquiries and complaints.
• Advise the Assistant Superintendent and other District leaders on transportation matters; provide options and recommendations.
• Refer matters affecting District policy, contracts, finances, personnel or the Board to the Superintendent or designee as required.
• Represent the District with agencies, vendors, contractors, professional organizations and other partners as assigned.
• Maintain working knowledge of school bus operation and maintenance; operate a school bus when needed for training, coverage, inspection or emergency purposes.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications Knowledge of: Operational characteristics, services and activities of a school district transportation department. Principles and practices of school bus routing, scheduling and fleet management. School bus operation, inspection, maintenance and repair requirements. Student transportation safety practices, including special needs and emergency transportation. Principles and practices of public school budget preparation and administration. Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation. Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes, regulations and Board policy.

Ability To Organize, direct and improve a department, create clear systems and procedures, and hold staff accountable and responsible for results. Support, train and develop all department staff and treat all employees fairly, consistently and respectfully. Lead drivers, mechanics, clerical and supervisory staff, including represented employees; set expectations; delegate; and address performance and conduct. Follow policy and lawful directives, and raise concerns through the appropriate chain of command. Exercise judgment and sound decision‑making, assess risk, manage priorities and respond calmly to emergencies and recognize when matters require administrative review. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; build trust, address conflict and maintain effective working relationships with employees, school administrators, parents and external partners. Analyze problems, use data, routing and fleet software and technology, evaluate alternatives and implement improvements. Prepare and administer budgets and prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports. Interpret and apply policies, laws, regulations and technical information; maintain confidentiality; and recognize when additional guidance is needed. Obtain and maintain a valid commercial driver license with school bus and passenger endorsements, and operate a school bus safely within 90 days of hire. Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities. Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Experience And Training Guidelines Experience Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Five years of experience in public school administration, transportation, operations or a related field, including at least three years in a New Mexico public education or public‑sector environment. Three years of leadership or supervisory experience, including responsibility for employee performance, development and evaluation, and experience organizing or improving a department or operation. Training Master's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, public administration, education administration, or a related business or education field. License or Certificate Possession of, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire any and all required licensure. Preferred Qualifications Experience in a public school district transportation department. Current New Mexico School Administrator license. Experience supervising bus drivers, mechanics or fleet maintenance staff, or turning around or reorganizing an operation. Experience as a school bus driver or school bus trainer. Work Environment On‑site attendance is mandatory for this position. Ability to work in office, school, bus yard, shop and other settings, including indoor and outdoor locations. Ability to work with frequent interruptions, shifting priorities and competing deadlines, and to maintain focus and professionalism. Ability to lift, push and pull up to 50 pounds, and to stand, walk, bend, reach and climb as needed in the bus yard and shop areas. Exposure to varying degrees of noise, temperature and weather, and to buses, vehicles, fuel, exhaust and shop equipment. Ability to sit for extended periods and to use a computer, phone and standard office equipment. Ability to drive or travel to District sites and to meetings, trainings and conferences. Travel and after‑hours work, including early morning, evening and emergency response, may be required. All GMCS schools are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). Terms of Employment: Salary and work calendar established yearly by the district.