Transportation Unit Leader - Safety

JOB SUMMARY

The Transportation Safety and Compliance Unit Leader will provide mid-level leadership and operational oversight for the district’s student transportation safety and compliance programs. This position manages transportation safety initiatives, regulatory compliance, risk management, driver accountability systems, and operational audits to ensure the safe and efficient transport of students districtwide.

The role collaborates closely with Transportation Operations, Fleet Maintenance, Human Resources, campus administration, and executive leadership to maintain compliance with all federal, state, local, and district transportation regulations and safety standards. Additionally, the position oversees investigations, monitors compliance performance metrics, and supports a culture of safety, accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement aligned with HISD’s commitment to high-performance student-centered service.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

    List most important duties first
1.        Supervise and provide operational oversight to Field Safety Investigators (FSIs) and Bus Driver Trainers, including assigning work priorities, monitoring performance, ensuring consistency in safety investigations and training delivery, and supporting the implementation of districtwide transportation safety, compliance, and driver development initiatives.
2.        Provide day-to-day management and oversight of transportation safety and compliance operations to ensure adherence to all federal, state, local, and district regulations governing student transportation services.
3.        Oversee operational safety audits, terminal inspections, ride-alongs, driver observations, and compliance reviews to evaluate operational effectiveness, safe driving practices, and adherence to district procedures.
4.        Lead investigations related to accidents, incidents, employee misconduct, student safety concerns, and regulatory violations; prepare detailed reports and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
5.        Supervise and coordinate compliance monitoring activities related to driver qualifications, CDL requirements, endorsements, medical certifications, annual certifications, and required training documentation.
6.        Provide oversight and accountability for pre-trip/post-trip inspections, child-check procedures, emergency equipment compliance, evacuation procedures, and overall fleet safety readiness.
7.        Analyze transportation safety data, operational trends, accident frequency, driver performance metrics, and compliance indicators to identify operational risks and implement corrective action strategies.
8.        Support Transportation leadership with the implementation of districtwide safety initiatives, compliance improvement plans, and operational accountability systems.
9.        Coordinate and facilitate required transportation safety and compliance training programs for drivers, attendants, dispatchers, supervisors, and transportation staff.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

10.        Assist with onboarding and operational readiness of new transportation employees through safety orientation, compliance verification, behind-the-wheel evaluations, and required certification tracking.
11.        Monitor fleet safety readiness in partnership with Fleet Maintenance to ensure all buses and district vehicles meet required inspection, maintenance, and operational safety standards.
12.        Collaborate with Operations leadership, Fleet Maintenance, Human Resources, and campus administrators to resolve operational safety concerns, student behavior issues, and compliance deficiencies.
13.        Ensure compliance with pre-trip/post-trip inspections, child-check procedures, emergency equipment standards, and emergency preparedness protocols.
14.        Prepare, monitor, and present transportation safety reports, compliance dashboards, key performance indicators (KPIs), and operational updates to Transportation leadership and executive administration.
15.        Maintain accurate, detailed, and audit-ready safety records and documentation, including:
•    Accident and incident reports 
•    Investigation findings and corrective actions 
•    Driver qualification files and training records 
•    Safety audit results and compliance documentation
16.        Provide guidance, coaching, and operational support to supervisors and front-line leadership regarding compliance expectations, policy implementation, and safety perf