Deputy Program Manager, Detainee Transport Operations

GardaWorld Federal Services; Austin (TX); Remote; USD 145,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

GardaWorld Federal Services seeks a seasoned operations leader to oversee detainee transport across Texas, with limited work extending into New Mexico and Oklahoma. You will collaborate with the Program Manager to coordinate ground logistics, supervise field staff, enforce security protocols, and ensure fleet readiness.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in secure transport logistics, fleet maintenance tracking, and regulatory adherence within government or law enforcement contexts.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of progressive operational leadership in large-scale transport operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent).
• Knowledge of federal government contracting, detainee custody standards, PBNDS, and DOT regulations.
• Ability to pass a federal background investigation and obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Direct detainee transit operations, route dispatching, and staff scheduling.
• Oversee fleet maintenance, preventive maintenance, DOT compliance, and asset availability.
• Ensure adherence to ICE/PBNDS and state law enforcement regulations.
• Manage regional field leads, transport officers, and staff training.
• Act as primary field escalation contact for delays, incidents, and re-routing.
• Coordinate with government officials and detention facility partners.
• Compile daily logs, monthly reports, and contract deliverables.

Skills

Operational leadership

Security compliance

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree ( Criminal Justice / related )

Tools

Fleet maintenance software

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 be 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.