Deputy Program Manager, Detainee Transport Operations

GARDAWORLD FEDERAL SERVICES LLC; Austin (TX); Remote; USD 145,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

GARDAWORLD FEDERAL SERVICES LLC is seeking a senior leader to oversee detainee transport operations across Texas with occasional activity in New Mexico and Oklahoma. You will coordinate ground logistics, supervise field staff, enforce detention security protocols, and ensure fleet readiness while acting as the Program Manager’s deputy in their absence.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in secure transport logistics, fleet maintenance tracking, and government-contract compliance, with

Qualifications

• Minimum 4–6 years of progressive operational leadership in large-scale transport operations.
• Bachelor's degree preferred (or equivalent leadership experience).
• Understanding of federal contracting, detainee custody standards, PBNDS and DOT regulations.
• Experience managing light/heavy vehicle fleets and safety compliance.
• Pass a federal background check and obtain security clearance.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel across Texas and neighboring states.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily detainee transit operations, route dispatching, and staff scheduling.
• Oversee vehicle fleet management, PM scheduling, and DOT safety compliance.
• Ensure adherence to ICE/PBNDS and security protocols.
• Lead regional field teams and coordinate staffing and training.
• Serve as primary field escalation point for delays, breakdowns, and incidents.
• Maintain communications with agency officials and detention facilities.
• Compile daily logs, monthly reports, and contract deliverables.
• Assume command in the Program Manager's absence.

Skills

Operational leadership

Detainee transport logistics

Fleet management

Regulatory compliance

Security clearance

English proficiency

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree (Criminal Justice / related field)

Tools

Maintenance tracking systems

Job description

POSITION INFORMATION: BASIC DETAILS

Location : Texas - Statewide (Remote w/Travel)

Full-Time/Part-Time : Full-time

FLSA Status : Exempt/Salaried

Travel Requirement : Yes - 75% Travel

Teleworking : Yes

Pay : $145,000 to $155,000 annually

*Final offer determination is based on a combination of factors, including candidate educational background, years of relevant experience, and specific labor category (LCAT) mapping requirements.

POSITION SUMMARY INFORMATION: DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS

Position Overview: In this role, you will support the oversight and daily execution of secure detainee transport operations across Texas, with limited operations extending into New Mexico and Oklahoma. In this leadership role, you will work directly alongside the Program Manager to coordinate ground logistics, manage field supervisors and officers, enforce strict security and detention protocols, and ensure fleet readiness. You will act as the primary operational backup in the Program Manager's absence, taking an active lead in resolving immediate field challenges and maintaining compliance with government contract requirements. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in secure transport logistics, fleet maintenance tracking, and regulatory adherence within government or law enforcement operations.

• Assist the Program Manager in directing daily detainee transit operations, route dispatching, and field personnel scheduling.
• Oversight of vehicle fleet management activities, including scheduling preventive maintenance, coordinating emergency roadside repairs, tracking asset availability, and verifying DOT safety compliance.
• Strict adherence to federal detainee transport standards, ICE/PBNDS guidelines, state law enforcement regulations, and internal security protocols.
• Oversee regional field leads, transport officers, and support staff, ensuring proper staffing coverage, uniform/equipment compliance, and ongoing tactical and security training.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for real-time field escalation, managing route delays, mechanical breakdowns, security incidents, and emergency re-routing.
• Assist in maintaining active lines of communication with government agency officials, detention facility administrators, and local law enforcement partners.
• Help compile daily operational logs, monthly activity reports, fleet maintenance records, and contract performance deliverables for management and client submission.
• Assume full operational command and authority of the detainee transport program in the absence of the Program Manager.

Qualifications :

• Minimum of 4-6 years of progressive operational leadership experience in large-scale transport operations.
• Preferred bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent combination of relevant leadership experience and education).
• Comprehensive understanding of federal government contracting, detainee custody standards, PBNDS requirements, and Department of Transportation (DOT) motor carrier regulations.
• Direct experience managing light/heavy commercial vehicle fleets, maintenance tracking systems, and driver safety compliance.
• Must be able to pass a rigorous federal background investigation and obtain/maintain required security clearance.
• Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record and be willing to travel extensively across Texas, with limited operations extending into New Mexico and Oklahoma.
• Strong multi-tasking skills, sound operational judgment in high-stress situations, and professional written/verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to provide proof of citizenship or legal US work authorization.
• If prior active-duty military, must provide copies of DD214(s) showing discharge condition.
• Must consent to fingerprinting.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English proficiently.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to pass a preemployment medical assessment and drug screening.

Work Environment: Employees may be exposed to extreme cold or hot weather conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and loud noise.

Physical Requirements: Employees may be required to remain in a stationary position, stand, push, pull, climb, kneel, crawl, balance, squat, bend, and reach. Employees may also required to use gear to move items around, including, but not limited to, carts and dollies. Employees may also be occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 49 pounds.

GardaWorld Federal Services is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.