Assistant Service Manager - Bus Service Center Operations - 60026314

State of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Retirement plan (401k)

Job summary

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) Transportation team seeks an experienced Assistant Service Manager to support daily school bus maintenance and repair operations from the Charleston Bus Service Center. This role leads technicians, schedules workloads, and ensures safety and compliance while hands-on diagnosing and repairing vehicles.

Major responsibilities include coordinating preventive maintenance, maintaining accurate records, and guiding a team to uphold fleet readiness.

Qualifications

• Two years of mechanical or automotive repair experience or equivalent training.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Class A or B CDL with required endorsements within 120 days of employment.
• Ability to operate power, hydraulic, electronic, and computerized diagnostic equipment.
• Willingness to follow OSHA, environmental, and PPE requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist with scheduling and assigning daily maintenance and repair workloads.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on fleet assets.
• Diagnose vehicle systems using advanced diagnostic equipment.
• Support inspections and corrective actions for fleet readiness.
• Coordinate with the Service Manager regarding priorities and shop needs.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to technicians and track certification needs.

Skills

Mechanical diagnostics

School bus maintenance knowledge

Leadership and mentoring

Task coordination

Effective communication

Job description

The mission of the South Carolina Department of Education is to serve students, support teachers, empower parents, and engage the community so that every student graduates prepared to reach their full potential.

At the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE), transportation plays a critical role in student access, safety, and opportunity across the state. Our work ensures that students arrive at school safely, reliably, and ready to learn—every day. SCDE Transportation helps districts statewide deliver safe, reliable, compliant service through operations, maintenance, safety, training, fleet management, and leadership. As a state agency, SCDE offers career pathways, professional development, and long-term stability—plus experience with modern systems, statewide operations, and data-driven decision-making.

Job Purpose

The South Carolina Department of Education is seeking an experienced, service-focused Assistant Service Manager to support daily school bus maintenance and repair operations within an assigned service center. This role serves as a working lead and technical specialist, assisting the Service Manager with supervision, scheduling, inspections, and compliance while maintaining hands-on responsibility for diagnostics, repairs, and preventive maintenance.

The Assistant Service Manager provides shop-level support and operational continuity by ensuring maintenance tasks are completed accurately, safely, and on time. This position reinforces fleet readiness, technician effectiveness, and safety compliance through direct technical work, task coordination, and consistent application of maintenance standards.

The Assistant Service Manager works under the direction of the Service Manager and in coordination with Operations Managers and regional leadership to support statewide transportation priorities and reliable service delivery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure fleet readiness

Summary: Perform and support preventive maintenance and repair activities to keep fleet assets service-ready, reduce downtime, and ensure accurate maintenance documentation.

• Assist with scheduling and assigning daily maintenance and repair workloads
• Perform preventive maintenance services and repairs as assigned
• Diagnose computer-controlled vehicle systems using advanced diagnostic equipment
• Perform diagnostics and repair of engines, brake systems, electrical systems, cooling systems, exhaust systems, and transmissions as needed
• Diagnose, service, and repair air-conditioning and climate-control systems
• Support required 30-day, quarterly, and annual vehicle inspections and corrective actions
• Respond to road calls and emergency service requests, performing on-site repairs or coordinating towing
• Assist in maintaining accurate AssetWorks work orders and maintenance records

Maintain facility integrity

Summary: Support safe, compliant facilities, tools, and equipment through inspections and adherence to shop cleanliness and readiness standards.

• Assist with shop and equipment inspections
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas
• Ensure tools and equipment are used and maintained according to safety and operational standards
• Support compliance with environmental, safety, and departmental requirements

Lead personnel effectiveness

Summary: Support technician performance and development through task coordination, mentoring, and example as a working lead technician.

• Assist with assigning tasks and monitoring technician workflow
• Provide hands-on instruction, mentoring, and technical guidance to technicians
• Support training needs, certification tracking, and skill development
• Monitor Fuel Technician duties and performance as assigned
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and professional standards within the shop

Enforce safety compliance

Summary: Support a safe maintenance environment by following and reinforcing OSHA, environmental, and PPE requirements.

• Follow and reinforce OSHA and environmental standards
• Ensure PPE and safety procedures are followed during maintenance activities
• Report safety hazards, incidents, and equipment concerns
• Assist with accident response and required documentation as directed

Deliver consistent service

Summary:Support reliable maintenance service delivery through coordination, communication, and accurate recordkeeping.

• Coordinate with the Service Manager regarding maintenance priorities and shop needs
• Support inventory management, parts usage tracking, and supply control
• Assist with emergency, weather-related, and seasonal transportation operations
• Provide instruction and guidance to school bus drivers regarding vehicle operation, defect reporting, and maintenance-related safety practices
• Perform other duties supporting transportation services and agency priorities

This position is located in the Office of Transportation/Charleston Bus Service Center.

Work experience involving the independent performance of job duties directly related to the area of employment.

Two (2) years of mechanical or automotive repair experience or equivalent training

Ability to obtain and maintain a Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with required endorsements within 120 days of employment

Ability to operate power, hydraulic, electronic, and computerized diagnostic equipment

Ability to pass required drug screenings, background checks, and USDOT medical examination

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong mechanical diagnostics and troubleshooting skills
• Working knowledge of school bus maintenance and inspection programs
• Ability to support and guide peers in a shop environment
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple demands
• Effective communication and documentation skills
• Commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and professional standards

Working Conditions

Work is performed in indoor and outdoor maintenance environments with exposure to noise, grease, fumes, weather conditions, and mechanical hazards. Adherence to all safety, environmental, and PPE requirements is mandatory.

Career Growth at SCDE Transportation

SCDE Transportation recognizes the Assistant Service Manager role as a key step in the technical leadership pathway. This position builds advanced mechanical expertise, leadership readiness, and operational knowledge in preparation for progression into Service Manager and higher-level transportation leadership roles.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance options
• Fifteen (15) days annual leave per year
• Fifteen (15) days sick leave per year
• Thirteen (13) paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation (401k) programs
• Professional development and leadership training opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer

The South Carolina Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.