Program Manager, Detainee Transport Operations

GARDAWORLD FEDERAL SERVICES LLC; Austin (TX); Remote; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

GardaWorld Federal Services seeks an experienced operations leader to oversee high-security detainee transport across Texas, with extended coverage into New Mexico and Oklahoma. You will own and optimize ground transit operations for a large fleet and specialized personnel, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and contract deliverables.

The role requires strict adherence to ICE/PBNDS, DOT, and federal guidelines, with up to 50% travel.

Qualifications

• Must have strong leadership under high-pressure conditions.
• Excellent conflict resolution and communication abilities.
• Experience coordinating large-scale transport operations with federal requirements.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day ground transport operations and route planning.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing detainee transport.
• Manage vehicle asset allocation and preventive maintenance programs.
• Serve as liaison to government contracting officers, law enforcement, and facility managers.
• Monitor transport runs and manage incidents or breakdowns with corrective action.

Skills

Leadership

Conflict resolution

Communication skills

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Bachelor's degree

Equivalent experience

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 – 50%
• Teleworking : Yes

POSITION SUMMARY INFORMATION: DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS

Position Overview : In this role, you will oversee and execute high-security government contract operations for secure detainee transport across the State of Texas, with extended coverage into regional areas of New Mexico and Oklahoma. The ideal candidate will take full operational, financial, and logistical ownership to ensure safe, compliant, and punctual ground transit while managing a large fleet and specialized transport personnel. This role requires strict enforcement of federal, state, and contractual regulations, maintaining rigorous security protocols and seamless stakeholder communication at all times. As the primary point of contact for government agency representatives, you will drive operational excellence, fleet reliability, and safety compliance across all assigned transit routes.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day ground transport operations, route planning, and scheduling across in full compliance with government contractual obligations.
• Ensure continuous adherence to federal, state, and local regulations governing detainee transport, law enforcement standards, public safety, and interstate commerce.
• Manage vehicle asset allocation, routine fleet maintenance programs, emergency repair protocols, and compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards.
• Implement and monitor standardized security protocols, detainee custody procedures, emergency response tactics, and risk mitigation strategies during transit operations.
• Serve as the primary operational liaison to government contracting officers, law enforcement authorities, and facility managers, delivering regular performance reports and contract deliverables.
• Oversee real-time monitoring of transport runs, managing emergency contingencies, security incidents, or mechanical breakdowns with immediate reporting and corrective action plans.
• Control operational expenditures, fuel costs, overtime, and equipment procurement to ensure contract profitability and resource efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive management experience overseeing large-scale transport operations.
• Preferred bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and extensive operational leadership experience).
• Deep familiarity with federal detainee transport standards, ICE/PBNDS guidelines, DOT motor carrier safety regulations, and secure detention protocols.
• Proven experience managing medium-to-large vehicle fleets, preventive maintenance schedules, asset management, and vendor repair agreements.
• Must be able to pass a rigorous federal background investigation, drug screening, and obtain/maintain required security clearance.
• Strong leadership capabilities under high-pressure conditions, exceptional conflict resolution skills, and clear professional verbal/written 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.