Transportation Manager - Routing & Call Center - 1.0 FTE - Student Transportation

Posting Timeline

PPS strongly encourages and recommends everyone who is able, to be vaccinated and remain current on the COVID-19 vaccine.

This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.

Position Details

BASIC FUNCTION
The Transportation Manager will assist the Transportation Assistant Director as the liaison for PPS Transportation between schools, Special Education Department, Multnomah Educational Service District and various contract programs to provide successful planning, communication and delivery of transportation services. The Transportation Manager will oversee the call center and the routing team which is responsible for the safe and efficient scheduling and routing of approximately 20,000 students.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The classification specification does not describe all duties performed by all incumbents within the class. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed in this classification.

• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise and review the work of staff involved in safe and efficient routing/transporting of students. Train, supervise and evaluate performance of routing and call center staff
• Manage staff selection process; work with employees on professional development.
• Identify training requirements for improving productivity and efficiency.
• Develop school bus routing for 250 + buses during a normal school year for General Education and Special Education students, 50 + routes for summer and year-round school. Make routing decisions when needed.
• Coordinate and manage district field trips, to ensure efficient, on time and safe transportation for students, parents and staff.
• Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; establish schedules, methods and processes for transportation of students; implement policies and procedures. Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
• Serve as Transportation Manager Liaison to the public; provide relevant information to certain stakeholder groups; investigate and answer complaints; recommend corrective action to resolve complaints. Develop working relationships with customers and peers to provide "excellence" in customer service. Maintain effective communication and coordinate multiple department/agency timelines to ensure smooth transitions for students and staff.
• Coordinate with the Information Technology Department in the maintenance and ongoing support of the District's primary routing software solution (currently Versatrans) and other systems and technologies used in daily operations. Ensure data integrity by maintaining accurate and complete records, as well as making modifications and customizations, to routing systems. Inspect operator's methods and practices for quality control, efficiencies and optimization.
• Act as the liaison between the SPED department and transportation.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for requested/proposed services; review department operating cost and procedures; recommend and implement improved procedures and methods.
• Participate in the evaluation of new technology purchases such as, GPS tracking, bus proximity notification and student electronic tagging devices to name a few.
• Performs basic customer service tasks such as responding to questions and answering phones as needed.
• Supports and works closely with the Operations Manager.
• Support and provide guidance for creation, improvement and implementation of project plans.
• Provide support, development and management to routing and call center teams.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the Portland Public Schools Racial Equity and Social Justice Commitment by developing a thorough knowledge and application of the district Racial Educational Equity Policy, the PPS RESJ Framework and Plan, and the PPS RESJ Partnerships Investment Strategy and other board policies; participate in staff development, in-services and trainings related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in K - 12 education; model appropriate behaviors; develop, recommend and implement improvements to educational practices with awareness and understanding of their impact in a racially and culturally diverse community.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Federal Department of Transportation, Oregon Motor Vehicle, State Department of Education laws, and School District policies applicable to the operation of vehicles and student transportation.
• Principles and practice relating to the management, administration, safety and organization of pupil transportation services.
• Routing and dispatching techniques.
• Laws and regulations relating to student transportation.
• Techniques and principles of high-quality customer service.
• Labor management and union negotiations.
• District policies, procedures, organizational structure.
• Principles and practices of supervision, performance management, evaluation and training.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Operation of a computer and assigned software.

Ability to:

• Ability to analyze and interpret data and prepare reports in clear written form.
• Working knowledge of computer applications related to pupil transportation, office business, and data collection.
• Ability to assist with organizing, planning and implementing complex projects.
• Ability to assist with multiple projects under tight time constraints.
• Ability to apply relevant laws, regulations, procedures and policies.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Ability to maintain files, records and documentation.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate and valid Oregon or Washington driver's license.
• Must hold, or be willing to obtain valid School Bus Drivers certificate within a timeframe
• Supervise multiple workgroups
• Manage, train and evaluate the performance of assigned staff.
• Recognize, report and correct safety hazards.
• Estimate costs of materials and labor.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education: Bachelor's degree in transportation management, school business operations, business administration, public administrator or a related field from an accredited college or university is required.

Experience: Three (3) or more years of experience in managing dispatching techniques for large organizations, at least one (1) of which must include supervisory experience and public contact. Experience in managing dispatching in a school district is preferred.

Any other combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be considered.

Special Requirements:

Work hours may include on- and off-campus evening and weekend activities and meetings and district, school and student functions.

Some positions in this classification may require the use of a personal automobile and possession of a valid Class C Oregon driver's license.

May participate in rotating on-call shift work to respond to issues that occur beyond the traditional work day.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The working conditions are outlined in the job classification for the position and are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Persons with certain disabilities may be capable of performing the essential duties of this class with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on the nature of the disability.

Remote Work Eligibility: not eligible.

Benefits Information

Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees.Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.

Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.

For moreinformation about additional benefits or compensation options by employee group, please visit our website at: https://www.pps.net/Page/1635