Director of Transportation

ReNEW Schools; Salem (IN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

PERF retirement contribution

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Salem Community Schools is seeking a Director of Transportation to lead the safe, efficient operation of the district's student transportation system. You will manage daily route planning, staffing, fleet maintenance, and budget administration while ensuring compliance with IDOE and FMCSA rules.

Responsibilities include directing operations, recruiting and evaluating bus drivers, maintaining safety standards, and coordinating with administrators and parents on transportation concerns.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3–5 years of leadership experience in public school transportation or fleet ops.
• Valid Indiana CDL with P and S endorsements and Air Brake; willing to obtain if needed.
• Able to pass IDOE physicals and background checks.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily operations including route planning, dispatching, and special transportation.
• Recruit, train, and evaluate bus drivers and monitors.
• Serve as primary contact for parents, admins, and community on transportation issues.
• Ensure compliance with IDOE, ISP bus inspections, FMCSA rules and district policies.
• Oversee budget, fuel, maintenance, and equipment purchasing.
• Coordinate weather delays and road condition responses with leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Route planning

Fleet operations

Budget management

Safety compliance

Driver management

Stakeholder communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Transfinder

Versatrans

GPS tracking software

Job description

Director of Transportation

Position Type: Non-Certified/Supervisory

Reports To: Assistant Superintendent / Superintendent

The Director of Transportation oversees the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of the district's student transportation system. This role manages all daily route operations, driver staffing, fleet maintenance, safety compliance, and budget administration while ensuring strict adherence to Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and State School Bus Committee regulations.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Duties

• Operations & Leadership
  • Direct daily operations including route planning, dispatching, and special education/extracurricular transportation.
  • Manage, recruit, train, and evaluate bus drivers and monitors.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for parents, school administrators, and community members regarding transportation issues or bus safety concerns.
• Safety & State Compliance
  • Ensure full compliance with IDOE regulations, Indiana State Police bus inspection standards, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules, and local district policies.
  • Conduct mandatory safety meetings, state-required driver training, and ongoing safety compliance tracking.
  • Oversee routine drug and alcohol testing schedules and maintain driver qualification files in accordance with Indiana law.
• Fleet & Financial Management
  • Administer the department's annual budget, including fuel, fleet maintenance, contracted services, and equipment purchasing.
  • Oversee preventive maintenance programs for all district buses and service vehicles.
  • Coordinate with local emergency responders and district leadership regarding weather delays, early dismissals, and road condition assessments.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required
• Experience
  • Minimum of 3–5 years of leadership experience in public school transportation or commercial fleet operations.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of routing software (e.g., Transfinder, Versatrans) and GPS tracking systems.
• Certifications & Licensing
  • Valid Indiana Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with P (Passenger) and S (School Bus) endorsements and Air Brake endorsement (or willingness to obtain within 60 days).
  • Ability to pass IDOE physical examinations, expanded criminal history background check, and Department of Child Services (DCS) background check.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: Commensurate with experience
• Benefits Package: Health, dental, and vision insurance; district-paid life insurance; Indiana Public Employees' Retirement Fund (PERF) contribution; paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.

Salem Community Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.