] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

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Director, Department of Transportation

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Director II CODE: 0251 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Director, Department of Transportation GRADE: Q MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of the chief of district operations, the director, Department of Transportation (director) provides leadership for designing and implementing a student transportation program to ensure the safe delivery of students to and from their assigned schools, instructional programs and , extra-curricular activities in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and consistent with Montgomery County Public School System's policies and procedures. The director provides a vision and coordinates and leads student transportation operations including bus inspections, routing, driver training, school bus incident/accident investigations, school bus contractors, ongoing safety improvement efforts, technology, and other related programs and structures. The director also oversees the management, maintenance, replacement, and sustainability of a vehicular fleet that complies with county, state, and national standards, which includes a progressive approach to creating a diesel and zero/low emission school bus and car fleet to match the operational needs of the district. The director also effectively manages funds and the operating and enterprise budgets for the department; creates a safe and welcoming environment for students; is responsible for the training; onboarding; supervision of all staff associated with the Department of Transportation. Serves as liaison and contact for media, stakeholders, and Montgomery County partners regarding transportation-related topics.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Considerable and thorough knowledge of the laws, regulations, and policies from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) and Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) regulations applicable to student transportation, public-school laws and the Montgomery County Board of Education policies and procedures affecting transportation of pupils. Knowledge of transportation needs for all student populations, including special populations. Excellent planning and organizational ability and excellent oral and written communications and human relations skills. Working knowledge of diesel and electric school bus mechanics, maintenance requirements. Knowledge and experience with organizational development and culture. Demonstrated ability to analyze data and create and implement provide alternative solutions to problems. Proven ability to develop and maintain an excellent working relationship with all levels of employees. Ability to work in a fast paced and flexible environment. Knowledge of the Professional Growth Systems (PGS) established for the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP/MCBOA), and the Supporting Services (SEIU) Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree (Master's degree, preferred) from an accredited college or university with course work in transportation management, public administration, planning, business administration, or related field. Four or more years of progressively more responsible experience in the field of transportation with direct work with planning, coordinating, and overseeing the operations of a large bus or related vehicular fleet operations functions. A minimum of three years of recent transportation experience in a supervisory/administrative role in an organization with a large pupil transportation department, including special service transportation; and experience in successful financial stewardship. Some experience in K-12 transportation is required. Experience in communications, public relations or a public facing role preferred. Experience with building and cultivating culturally competent teams. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Meets Maryland certification requirements for school transportation supervisor. Commercial Driver's License Class B with passenger, school bus, and air brake endorsements or greater (Class A with endorsements) required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Ability to respond to emergencies at any time; work unusual hours and overtime when inclement weather and other emergencies affects bus operations and as required. Early morning and late nights.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides leadership and models a customer-focused operation that prioritizes the needs of students, families, and staff. Develops and implements a robust transportation program to meet all the requirements of the daily instructional program, extracurricular activities, special populations, summer school, and field trips. Oversees and implements transportation eligibility standards for all student routes including field trip/event transportation, special service transportation, and homeless populations consistent with federal and state guidelines. Coordinates and oversees the preparation, evaluation, and implementation of bus schedules and routes for all of MCPS schools, non-public schools and program sites. Conforms to all local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding school transportation. Oversees the proper investigation and reporting of school bus incidents and accidents to proper authorities and reporting agencies. Develops and oversees the implementation of safety improvement and programs. Develops and implements a fleet maintenance plan for diesel, and electric school buses, and zero/low emission models. Advises on specifications for vehicles that are purchased by the Board of Education. Maintains all district-owned equipment and develops plans for preventive maintenance. Provides school system responses to issues of traffic safety and safe access to schools. Collaborates cross office to meet the transportation needs of established, new and/or changing instructional and extra-curricular programs; and collaborates with special education to meet the transportation needs of students who require special service transportation. Serves as a member of boundary analysis teams to provide context and scope about potential transportation routes for new schools and those with boundary changes. Recommends directly to the chief operating officer the closing or delayed opening of schools as a result of hazardous driving conditions for buses. Develops an annual department budget that aligns with current transportation needs and the district's vision. Collaborates inner and cross office to develop and support the implementation of job specific and districtwide professional development for staff. Collaborates with the Office of Human Resources and Development to recruit, onboard, train, and supervise all transportation personnel. Evaluates personnel in accordance with the Professional Growth System. Remains knowledgeable of literature, research, and programs pertaining to K-12 transportation to implement areas that are best matched with the needs of the district and the students and/or necessitated by current changes in society and/or business. Serves as a representative and MCPS's liaison to county and state governmental agencies on initiatives related to student transportation. Engages in effective communication with key stakeholders including the Board of Education members, internal staff, families, government agencies and community members. Evaluates findings and suggests changes or modifications to improve existing programs. Monitors conditions including adverse weather, coordinates the transportation inclement weather team, communicates responses and information from other agencies, counties, and government entities, and forms recommendations for school bus operations and student/staff safety during inclement weather and other emergencies. Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
Class Established: 9/1980
Date(s) Revised: 6/82, 4/89, 7/99, 10/99, 7/2009, 5/2022, 5/2024
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.