About this role
Job Title: Director of Student Transportation, Operations, and Logistics Wage/Hour Status: Exempt Reports to: Chief of Operations and Infrastructure Pay Grade: AM-7 Dept./School: Transportation Initiated Date: July 2026 WHO WE ARE La Joya Independent School District (ISD) is committed to excellence for students and our community. We have a strong, 100-year legacy in the Rio Grande Valley. The district's vision - Educational Excellence: The Right of Every Student - conveys our urgent focus on students. Our work is rooted in three (3) Operational governing levers which require collaboration and deep commitment to supporting one another as we serve the school district and community.
• Culture of Accountability
• Equity by design
• Destination District for staff and Students
We are focused on ensuring every student in La Joya ISD has access to a high-quality, best-fit school as we work to improve from a B-district to an A-rated district. We serve more than 22,000 students in more than 30 schools and span six municipalities, covering more than 220 square miles. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We are seeking an experienced, visionary, and results-driven leader to serve as the Director of Student Transportation, Operations, and Logistics. This individual will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the district's transportation logistics operations, ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable transportation of students while supporting the district's mission of providing exceptional educational opportunities. The Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, scheduling, routing, fleet utilization, and overseeing all logistical operations of the Transportation Department. This role provides executive oversight for the implementation, administration, optimization, and continuous improvement of the district's Transfinder transportation management system and all associated modules, including Stopfinder, Infofinder i, Wayfinder, and Tripfinder, ensuring these systems are fully leveraged to enhance routing efficiency, communication with families, field operations, trip management, and overall transportation performance. The Director ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and district regulations while promoting operational excellence through innovation, continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and exceptional customer service. This position is responsible for establishing best practices, monitoring key performance indicators, utilizing transportation analytics, and implementing technology-driven solutions that improve operational efficiency, student safety, and service reliability. This position requires exceptional leadership, strategic planning, organizational expertise, and the ability to manage complex transportation systems that serve the needs of students, campuses, and district programs. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with district leadership, campus administrators, transportation personnel, parents, regulatory agencies, Transfinder representatives, and community partners to develop innovative transportation solutions that maximize safety, service quality, routing efficiency, fleet utilization, and operational effectiveness. We are looking for a leader who demonstrates professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to student safety. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver with the ability to optimize routing and resource utilization; oversee and continuously improve the district's use of Transfinder and its integrated modules (Stopfinder, Infofinder i, Wayfinder, and Tripfinder); leverage transportation technology, GPS systems, and performance data to support informed decision-making; lead organizational change; and cultivate a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the Transportation Department. The Director must possess outstanding communication and relationship-building skills and be committed to delivering high-quality, technology-driven transportation services that positively support student success and district operations. WHY LA JOYA ISD You will be joining a district that is building on a legacy of achievement while rapidly improving and creating systems to reach new heights for student outcomes. You will receive intentional, targeted support in your leadership journey and have access to the highest-quality, research-based resources and instructional materials. We are also a district focused on continuous improvement and rigorous analysis of where we need to grow and learn. Education/Certification Qualifications: Required
• Bachelor's degree Public Administration, Logistics, Educational Administration, or a related field.
• Valid Texas Driver License with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all certifications required by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
Preferred
• Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Transportation Management, or related field.
• Texas School Bus Driver Certification (CDL) (or ability to obtain).
• Certified Director of Pupil Transportation (CDPT) or equivalent professional certification.
Professional Experience:
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in school transportation, logistics, fleet management, or operations management.
• Minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Experience managing transportation routing software, fleet operations, GPS systems, and transportation technology.
• Experience developing transportation budgets and managing departmental expenditures.
• Experience coordinating transportation for regular education, special education, extracurricular activities, field trips, and emergency operations.
• Experience working in a public-school environment is preferred.
Special Knowledge/Skills:
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing public school transportation operations.
• Knowledge of the Texas Education Code (TEC), Texas Education Agency (TEA) transportation funding requirements, Texas Student Data System (TSDS) transportation reporting, route services, ridership reporting, transportation allotment requirements, and all applicable state reporting processes.
• Knowledge of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requirements, and industry best practices for school transportation.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with Transfinder and its integrated modules, including Stopfinder, Infofinder i, Wayfinder, and Tripfinder, for routing, parent communication, trip management, navigation, and transportation operations.
• Knowledge of routing software, GPS tracking systems, telematics, fleet management systems, and transportation technologies used to improve operational efficiency and student safety.
• Strong understanding of vehicle utilization, route optimization, logistics planning, transportation scheduling, bell-time analysis, and fleet capacity management.
• Knowledge of school bus safety procedures, emergency management protocols, crisis response planning, and transportation risk management.
• Knowledge of procurement procedures, contract administration, vendor management, and budget development related to transportation operations.
• Ability to prepare, validate, analyze, and submit accurate state transportation reports, operational reports, performance metrics, and compliance documentation in accordance with TEA and district requirements.
• Ability to analyze transportation, routing, ridership, and operational data to identify trends, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple districtwide transportation initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with district leadership, campus administrators, parents, staff, regulatory agencies, and community partners.
• Strong leadership, coaching, change management, and team-building skills with the ability to develop high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Drive, Calendar), Microsoft Office Suite, data management systems, and transportation management software.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, make data-driven decisions, and solve complex operational challenges in a fast-paced environment.
Major Responsibilities and Duties: Leadership and Administration
• Provide leadership and strategic direction for all district transportation logistics operations.
• Develop departmental goals, objectives, and performance measures aligned with district strategic initiatives.
• Establish procedures that promote safe, efficient, and cost-effective transportation services.
• Recommend operational improvements through continuous evaluation of transportation processes.
Transportation Logistics
• Direct daily transportation logistics, routing, scheduling, and dispatch operations.
• Oversee the development and implementation of efficient bus routes.
• Monitor route performance and adjust routes based on enrollment, traffic patterns, road construction, and safety concerns.
• Coordinate transportation services for regular education, special education, extracurricular activities, athletic events, field trips, and district programs.
• Ensure efficient utilization of buses, personnel, and resources.
Fleet Operations
• Coordinate fleet assignments to maximize operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Fleet Maintenance to ensure buses meet all inspection, preventive maintenance, repair, and safety requirements.
• Monitor fleet preventive maintenance schedules, vehicle availability, and fleet utilization to minimize downtime and maximize service reliability.
• Assist in long-range fleet replacement planning, lifecycle management, and capital improvement recommendations.
Safety and Compliance
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and district transportation regulations.
• Develop and monitor emergency transportation plans.
• Coordinate transportation services during emergencies, evacuations, and district events.
• Maintain required transportation records, reports, and documentation.
• Promote a culture of safety and continuous compliance.
Budget and Financial Management
• Assist in preparing and managing the departmental budget.
• Monitor expenditures and transportation-related contracts.
• Evaluate operational costs and recommend efficiencies.
• Participate in procurement planning for vehicles, equipment, and transportation services.
Technology and Data Management
• Utilize transportation software and GPS systems to improve routing efficiency.
• Analyze operational metrics and transportation performance data.
• Prepare reports for district leadership, administration, and the Board of Trustees.
• Maintain accurate transportation records and operational dashboards.
Customer Service
• Respond to transportation concerns from parents, campuses, and district administrators.
• Collaborate with school principals and district departments to address transportation needs.
• Promote positive relationships with students, parents, staff, and the community.
Other Duties
• Attend Board meetings, administrative meetings, and professional development as assigned.
• Serve on district committees as designated.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Deputy Chief of Operations & Infrastructure or Chief of Operations & Infrastructure.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Directly supervises assigned transportation personnel, which may include:
• Transportation Route Supervisors
• Transportation Dispatchers
• Transportation Administrative Staff
• Transportation Logistics Specialists
• Bus Drivers
• Fleet Mechanic Manager
• Other assigned transportation personnel
Responsible for:
• Hiring recommendations
• Employee training and professional development
• Performance evaluations
• Scheduling and work assignments
• Employee coaching and corrective action
• Ensuring compliance with district policies and procedures
• Promoting teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement
Working Conditions:
• Frequent districtwide travel.
• Occasional evening and weekend work as needed.
• Ability to respond to transportation emergencies outside normal business hours.
• Work performed in both office and outdoor environments.
• Moderate exposure to weather conditions, vehicle operations, and maintenance facilities.
Performance Indicators Success in this position will be measured by:
• Safe and timely transportation of students.
• Improved route efficiency and fleet utilization.
• Compliance with all transportation regulations.
• Reduced transportation costs through operational efficiencies.
• Positive customer service and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Accurate reporting and documentation.
• Effective supervision and development of transportation personnel.
• Successful implementation of transportation initiatives supporting district strategic goals.
Position Working Days: 226 Days Position Type: Full-Time Salary: $ Per Compensation plan The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities, and management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other responsibilities be performed when the job changes. Additionally, the minimum level of education notated as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) or license(s) as determined by the hiring manager.
Employee's Signature: Supervisor's Name: ______________________ Employee's ID: Supervisor's Signature: __________________ Date: Date: ___________________________