Director of Transportation

Job Posting: Director of Transportation

Hastings Area School System
Position Type: Full-Time, Other
Salary Range: $65,000 – $75,000
Application Deadline: June 30, 2026

Position Summary

Hastings Area School System is seeking a dedicated, safety-focused Director of Transportation to lead all district transportation services. This key leadership role is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing safe, efficient, and reliable transportation for all students. The Director will champion safety as the top priority, drive department and route efficiency, maintain strong budget consciousness, deliver exceptional customer service, and foster meaningful parent engagement while ensuring full compliance with state and federal regulations. This position plays a vital role in supporting student success by ensuring smooth, on-time transportation for general education, special education, and extracurricular activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead all transportation operations with an unwavering commitment to safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and supervise a high-performing team of drivers, dispatchers, and mechanics while building a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Design and continuously optimize bus routes using modern routing software to maximize route efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service reliability.
• Manage the departmental budget prudently, identify cost-saving opportunities, and develop long-term plans for fleet replacement and capital needs.
• Serve as a point of contact for parents and administrators, responding promptly to concerns, communicating transportation schedules clearly, and actively promoting parent engagement and customer service.
• Conduct thorough incident investigations, implement corrective actions, and maintain detailed records for certifications, medicals, and payroll.
• Coordinate closely with maintenance staff to ensure the entire fleet remains safe, reliable, and well-maintained.
• Collaborate with district leadership to align transportation services with educational goals and emergency planning needs.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Director manages bus drivers, substitute drivers, dispatchers, mechanics, and clerical staff. Responsibilities include hiring, training, performance evaluation, discipline, and fostering a positive, professional work environment in accordance with district policies and applicable laws.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in transportation operations or related fields with demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience.
• Valid Michigan Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with S and P endorsements and Air Brake certification.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and experience with computerized transportation/routing software.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present effectively to the Board of Education and the community.

Preferred:

• Strong track record in safety management, budget control, operational efficiency, and customer/parent relations.

Work Environment

This position combines office-based leadership with field oversight. Candidates must be able to:

• Work irregular or extended hours, especially during inclement weather or emergencies.
• Conduct winter road inspections and safety audits.
• Maintain composure and decision-making ability in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and completed application by June 30, 2026.

Hastings Area School System is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.