Fleet Operations Manager

About the Role

The Fleet Operations Manager provides leadership, management, and supervision of bus shop employees, including floor supervisors, mechanics, automotive service assistants, parts and service coordinators, and parts and service clerks. This role oversees all aspects of maintenance, repair, and servicing for the school division and local government motor vehicle fleets. The manager serves as a member of the Transportation Key Leaders Team, assists in developing goals, policies, and procedures for the Department, and responds to school bus accidents or emergencies on a 24/7 on-call basis.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct support to the Deputy Director for Transportation and advises the Director and Deputy Director on fleet maintenance operations, including potential issues affecting fleet readiness.
• Oversees payroll processing for fleet maintenance personnel and prepares billing for the bus shop.
• Supervises maintenance of school buses and other County government vehicles, including police, engineer, and maintenance vehicles.
• Plans, organizes, and schedules maintenance, repair, and servicing of motor vehicles and equipment.
• Manages the county-wide preventive maintenance program.
• Responsible for hiring fleet maintenance personnel and participates in interview panels for employment or promotion.
• Develops and prepares specifications for vehicle and equipment acquisitions and evaluates proposed purchases based on safety, cost efficiency, and operational requirements.
• Performs fleet analysis using data and criteria, prepares reports on maintenance costs, and develops and executes the fleet maintenance budget.
• Maintains records, files, and reports concerning maintenance activity, labor utilization, and equipment conditions.
• Develops and recommends policies and procedures for fleet maintenance, ensuring compliance with state and local laws.
• Works with the driver trainer to conduct pre-service and in-service training for bus drivers and transportation assistants.
• Provides state-of-the-art training for fleet maintenance personnel.
• Negotiates and implements service contracts in support of fleet management.
• Serves as the primary contact for maintenance and repair of automated fleet systems, school bus facility maintenance, and associated infrastructure.
• Responds to bus accidents, conducts accident investigations, and serves on the Safety Review Committee.
• Assists in evaluating road conditions and makes recommendations regarding school closings due to weather or emergencies.
• Serves as Acting Deputy Director for Transportation Operations or Transportation Operations Manager as required.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of fleet vehicle and equipment repair shop management principles and practices.
• Comprehensive understanding of the maintenance needs of a wide variety of automotive and mechanical equipment.
• Knowledge of hazards and safety precautions in large-scale shop operations.
• Proficiency in the operation of gasoline and diesel engines, power trains, hydraulic and air brake systems, and diagnostic fault analysis.
• Computer skills for data entry and evaluation of vehicle maintenance histories.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with the public and subordinates.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and subordinates.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of others.
• Knowledge of pupil transportation regulations is desired.
• English language proficiency as required by Code of Virginia 46.2-341.14.

Qualifications

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or vocational school.
• A minimum of three years of experience in the maintenance and repair of automotive fleets.
• Two years of supervisory and administrative experience.
• Graduation from an accredited two- or four-year college or university with an Associate or Bachelor Degree is preferred.

Special Requirements

• Satisfactory health condition certified by competent medical authority.
• Ability to complete Virginia Education Department training for school bus drivers and obtain a Commercial Driver’s License with school bus endorsements within the probationary period.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a Virginia State Inspections License within six months.
• Familiarity with commonly used automated office equipment.

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in an office setting and an open bay bus maintenance facility. The role requires frequent bending, stooping, and crawling to inspect vehicles. Occasional travel throughout County roads during days, evenings, and inclement weather is necessary. Frequent contact with the Director, Deputy Director, bus shop employees, local government officials, vendors, and the general public is required.

Benefits

• VRS (Virginia Retirement System) eligible.
• Benefits-eligible position.

Pay

Pay Grade 16.

Schedule

Full-time, 12-month exempt position.