Terminal Director - Transportation
Apply NowCompany: Houston Independent School District
Location: Houston, TX 77084
Description:
Location: Warehouse Operations & Mainten
Department: Transportation
Area:Northwest
Contract Months:12
Salary Range: $130,000.00 - $155,000.00
Academic Year: 25-26
JOB SUMMARY
The Transportation Terminal Director plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable
transportation of students across the district. In alignment with HISD's commitment to operational
excellence, this position oversees daily terminal operations, including route coordination, fleet
maintenance, and compliance with state and federal transportation regulations. With a focus on
safety, efficiency, and customer service, the Transportation Terminal Director leads a team of drivers, dispatchers, and support staff to optimize transportation services while controlling costs. This role also drives staff development, performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and support the district's mission of equitable student access to education.
MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Oversee daily transportation services to ensure students are transported safely, efficiently, and on time.
2. Manage bus routing, scheduling, and dispatching to optimize operations and service delivery.
3. Coordinate with the Fleet Senior Manager to ensure all buses are operational at the start of each day and prepared for the following day before the end of the shift.
4. Serve as the primary contact for school administrators, parents, and community stakeholders regarding transportation concerns and service updates.
5. Ensure compliance with driver check-ins, pre-trip inspections, timely departures, vehicle cleanliness, and proper bus parking.
6. Supervise, evaluate, and support coordinators and transportation personnel to maintain high service standards.
7. Oversee substitute driver assignments to ensure adequate coverage for scheduled routes and unexpected absences.
MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED
8. Assign and monitor bus attendants based on operational needs, ensuring adherence to safety and service standards.
9. Oversee operations at satellite transportation sites, providing guidance and ensuring alignment with district transportation objectives.
10. Identify and implement improvements for route efficiency, fleet optimization, and overall service enhancements.
11. Ensure compliance with driver check-ins, pre-trip inspections, on-time bus departures, vehicle cleanliness, and proper parking procedures. Verify driver check-ins at mid-route and upon arrival at the campus.
12. Identify and implement improvements for route efficiency, fleet optimization, and overall service enhancements.
13. Coordinates recruitment, training, and certification of transportation personnel.
14. Perform other job-related duties as assigned, contributing to the overall success of HISD's transportation operations and commitment to safe, student-centered services.
EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, or a related field.
Current Commercial Driver's License (CDL), strongly preferred.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Minimum of ten years of recent and progressively responsible administrative and managerial experience in large fleet management, transportation, budgeting, engineering and maintenance.
*Applicants who do not meet these work experience qualifications may be considered if they have a
unique combination of education and work experiences that indicate potential for success in this role.
SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION
Ability to manage, motivate, and develop a team of staff.
Quickly assess situations and make informed decisions to resolve issues effectively.
Develop and implement response plans for emergencies or unexpected disruptions.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
Maintain high safety standards and conduct regular training for staff.
Work with vendors for fuel, maintenance, and other services.
Track performance metrics and prepare reports for management
Ability to provide high level, complex analyses of operational trends and results.
Experience with projecting long-term cost trends and development of cost control measures.
Strong functional ability in SAP.
Extensive knowledge and experience using spreadsheets, pivot tables and relational database software to perform the analysis necessary to effectively cost and properly manage large fleet operations, and to perform cost trend analysis for vehicle maintenance and replacement cycles.
High level of strategic management and leadership skills.
Effective communications, technical writing, organizational, technical computer and accounting skills.
Strong knowledge of cost control and budgeting, and training program development.
LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Directs two or more levels of management deploying ongoing key initiatives covering multiple areas of discipline with direct accountability for results in terms of effectiveness, costs, methods, and employees.
Establishes achievement objectives and assignments for multiple disciplines/functional areas and possibly departments.
Evaluates recommendations of others, deciding on course of action in ambiguous situations, and oversees the deployment of innovative solutions.
Collaborates with senior leadership to develop strategies and broad departmental objectives; establishes methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for projects, programs and people in the achievement of strategic objectives.
Directly supervises transportation coordinators, terminal clerks and indirectly supervises all staff. Full management responsibilities including all aspects of line responsibility.
WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT
Work is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes.
Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate.
Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice, and feedback.
BUDGET AUTHORITY
Advises on budget development for the department.
PROBLEM SOLVING
Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD.
Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.
IMPACT OF DECISIONS
Decisions have moderate impact to the facility/department or division, causing increased satisfaction or dissatisfaction; producing efficiencies or delays; promoting or inhibiting personal intellectual or professional development; and/or contributing to financial gain or expense.
Errors may be serious, usually not subject to direct verification or check, causing losses such as improper cost calculations, overpayment or improper utilization of labor, materials, or equipment. Effects are usually confined to the district itself and is short-term.
COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS
Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision-making below the executive level.
Interactions include schools, non-school departments, central office, senior, and executive management.
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS
Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department.
Acts as a trusted advisor and becomes involved in the customer's decision-making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems.
Monitors customer service standards.
WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment, which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.
Valid Texas driver's license with applicable insurance coverage.
Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including personal computer and peripherals.
Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
Environment: Prolonged or irregular hours, including some weekends; frequent districtwide travel.
Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress, fast-paced.
Houston Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer.
Department: Transportation
Area:Northwest
Contract Months:12
Salary Range: $130,000.00 - $155,000.00
Academic Year: 25-26
JOB SUMMARY
The Transportation Terminal Director plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable
transportation of students across the district. In alignment with HISD's commitment to operational
excellence, this position oversees daily terminal operations, including route coordination, fleet
maintenance, and compliance with state and federal transportation regulations. With a focus on
safety, efficiency, and customer service, the Transportation Terminal Director leads a team of drivers, dispatchers, and support staff to optimize transportation services while controlling costs. This role also drives staff development, performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and support the district's mission of equitable student access to education.
MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Oversee daily transportation services to ensure students are transported safely, efficiently, and on time.
2. Manage bus routing, scheduling, and dispatching to optimize operations and service delivery.
3. Coordinate with the Fleet Senior Manager to ensure all buses are operational at the start of each day and prepared for the following day before the end of the shift.
4. Serve as the primary contact for school administrators, parents, and community stakeholders regarding transportation concerns and service updates.
5. Ensure compliance with driver check-ins, pre-trip inspections, timely departures, vehicle cleanliness, and proper bus parking.
6. Supervise, evaluate, and support coordinators and transportation personnel to maintain high service standards.
7. Oversee substitute driver assignments to ensure adequate coverage for scheduled routes and unexpected absences.
MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED
8. Assign and monitor bus attendants based on operational needs, ensuring adherence to safety and service standards.
9. Oversee operations at satellite transportation sites, providing guidance and ensuring alignment with district transportation objectives.
10. Identify and implement improvements for route efficiency, fleet optimization, and overall service enhancements.
11. Ensure compliance with driver check-ins, pre-trip inspections, on-time bus departures, vehicle cleanliness, and proper parking procedures. Verify driver check-ins at mid-route and upon arrival at the campus.
12. Identify and implement improvements for route efficiency, fleet optimization, and overall service enhancements.
13. Coordinates recruitment, training, and certification of transportation personnel.
14. Perform other job-related duties as assigned, contributing to the overall success of HISD's transportation operations and commitment to safe, student-centered services.
EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, or a related field.
Current Commercial Driver's License (CDL), strongly preferred.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Minimum of ten years of recent and progressively responsible administrative and managerial experience in large fleet management, transportation, budgeting, engineering and maintenance.
*Applicants who do not meet these work experience qualifications may be considered if they have a
unique combination of education and work experiences that indicate potential for success in this role.
SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION
Ability to manage, motivate, and develop a team of staff.
Quickly assess situations and make informed decisions to resolve issues effectively.
Develop and implement response plans for emergencies or unexpected disruptions.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
Maintain high safety standards and conduct regular training for staff.
Work with vendors for fuel, maintenance, and other services.
Track performance metrics and prepare reports for management
Ability to provide high level, complex analyses of operational trends and results.
Experience with projecting long-term cost trends and development of cost control measures.
Strong functional ability in SAP.
Extensive knowledge and experience using spreadsheets, pivot tables and relational database software to perform the analysis necessary to effectively cost and properly manage large fleet operations, and to perform cost trend analysis for vehicle maintenance and replacement cycles.
High level of strategic management and leadership skills.
Effective communications, technical writing, organizational, technical computer and accounting skills.
Strong knowledge of cost control and budgeting, and training program development.
LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Directs two or more levels of management deploying ongoing key initiatives covering multiple areas of discipline with direct accountability for results in terms of effectiveness, costs, methods, and employees.
Establishes achievement objectives and assignments for multiple disciplines/functional areas and possibly departments.
Evaluates recommendations of others, deciding on course of action in ambiguous situations, and oversees the deployment of innovative solutions.
Collaborates with senior leadership to develop strategies and broad departmental objectives; establishes methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for projects, programs and people in the achievement of strategic objectives.
Directly supervises transportation coordinators, terminal clerks and indirectly supervises all staff. Full management responsibilities including all aspects of line responsibility.
WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT
Work is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes.
Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate.
Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice, and feedback.
BUDGET AUTHORITY
Advises on budget development for the department.
PROBLEM SOLVING
Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD.
Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.
IMPACT OF DECISIONS
Decisions have moderate impact to the facility/department or division, causing increased satisfaction or dissatisfaction; producing efficiencies or delays; promoting or inhibiting personal intellectual or professional development; and/or contributing to financial gain or expense.
Errors may be serious, usually not subject to direct verification or check, causing losses such as improper cost calculations, overpayment or improper utilization of labor, materials, or equipment. Effects are usually confined to the district itself and is short-term.
COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS
Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision-making below the executive level.
Interactions include schools, non-school departments, central office, senior, and executive management.
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS
Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department.
Acts as a trusted advisor and becomes involved in the customer's decision-making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems.
Monitors customer service standards.
WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment, which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.
Valid Texas driver's license with applicable insurance coverage.
Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including personal computer and peripherals.
Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
Environment: Prolonged or irregular hours, including some weekends; frequent districtwide travel.
Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress, fast-paced.
Houston Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer.