Service Manager - Bus Service Center Operations - 60025379

The mission of the South Carolina Department of Education is to serve students, support teachers, empower parents, and engage the community so that every student graduate is prepared to reach their full potential.

At the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE), transportation plays a critical role in student access, safety, and opportunity across the state. Our work ensures that students arrive at school safely, reliably, and ready to learn every day. SCDE Transportation helps districts statewide deliver safe, reliable, compliant service through operations, maintenance, safety, training, fleet management, and leadership. As a state agency, SCDE offers career pathways, professional development, and long-term stability, plus experience with modern systems, statewide operations, and data-driven decision-making.

Job Purpose The South Carolina Department of Education is seeking an accomplished, people-centered Service Manager with the vision, judgment, and initiative to lead county-level school bus service center service operations. This highly visible leadership role translates statewide student transportation service priorities into clear direction, measurable expectations, and dependable local results while empowering staff to deliver safe, reliable, and responsive service.

The Service Manager serves as the accountable leader for assigned service centers, setting priorities, developing supervisors and staff, aligning resources, and building a culture of safety, performance, teamwork, and continuous improvement. The position exercises leadership over fleet readiness, personnel effectiveness, facilities integrity, regulatory compliance, routing accuracy, and consistent service delivery.

Working closely with the Operational Manager, school district staff, service center service personnel, and regional management, the Service Manager builds trust, resolves complex operational and technical challenges, and holds teams accountable for results. Success requires a leader who communicates with clarity, makes sound decisions, coaches others, and advances South Carolina’s statewide student transportation mission through consistent standards and exceptional service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Ensure fleet readiness Manage and perform preventive maintenance, complex repairs and vehicle diagnostics, team leadership, project scheduling, and other maintenance activities to keep fleet assets service-ready, minimize downtime, and ensure accurate, complete, and timely maintenance documentation.

• Schedule, assign, and oversee daily maintenance and repair workloads
• Perform preventive maintenance services and assist with repairs as operational demands require
• Diagnose and repair computer-controlled vehicle systems using advanced diagnostic tools
• Perform advanced diagnostics and repairs on engines, transmissions, brake systems, exhaust systems, electrical systems, and cooling systems
• Diagnose, evacuate, recharge, and repair air-conditioning and climate-control systems
• Reduce out-of-service vehicle counts and ensure timely return to service
• Conduct required thirty-day (30-day), quarterly, and annual vehicle inspections and ensure corrective actions are completed
• Use operational data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor fleet readiness, identify trends, prioritize resources, and drive timely corrective action
• Verify accuracy and completeness of AssetWorks work orders and maintenance documentation

Maintain facility integrity Maintain safe, compliant service center facilities, tools, and equipment through inspections and consistent shop cleanliness and readiness standards.

• Conduct shop and equipment inspections to ensure compliance with standards
• Maintain clean, safe, and compliant shop and work environments
• Ensure tools, equipment, and facilities meet operational and regulatory requirements
• Ensure facilities and shop practices comply with environmental, safety, and departmental standards

Lead and develop a high-performing workforce Provide visible, accountable leadership that attracts, develops, and retains a high-performing workforce. Set clear expectations, coach employees, recognize strong performance, address concerns promptly and fairly, support certifications and succession planning, and foster a culture of safety, teamwork, engagement, continuous improvement, and strong performance while serving as the senior technical authority in the service center.

• Supervise maintenance technicians and support staff
• Monitor attendance, schedules, and workload distribution
• Provide instruction, mentoring, and technical guidance to technicians
• Identify training needs and support certification and skill development
• Serve as a technical resource for complex diagnostics and repairs
• Support required certifications, CDL compliance, and professional development
• Address performance concerns and participate in employee-relations processes
• Provide instruction to school bus drivers regarding vehicle operation, defect reporting, and the impact of maintenance practices on safety and reliability

Enforce safety compliance Promote a safe maintenance environment by enforcing Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and environmental standards, ensuring personal protective equipment (PPE) use, investigating incidents, and responding appropriately to emergencies.

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and safety regulations
• Enforce PPE and safety procedures across shop operations
• Respond to road calls and emergency service situations as required
• Support accident investigations and required documentation

Deliver consistent service Support reliable school bus and support vehicle maintenance service delivery through coordination, communication, inventory control, and accurate recordkeeping.

• Coordinate with Operations Managers, service center and central office leadership regarding maintenance priorities
• Support inventory management, parts usage tracking, and supply control
• Assist with emergency, weather-related, and seasonal transportation operations
• Maintain permits, inspections, and maintenance records in audit-ready condition
• Perform other duties supporting statewide transportation services and agency priorities

This position is located in the Office of Transportation/Beaufort Bus Service Center.Work experience involving the independent performance of job duties directly related to the area of employment.

• Four (4) years of mechanical and repair experience in automotive, diesel, or related fields
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Passenger, Tank Vehicle, and Air Brake endorsements within 120 days of employment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, communicate effectively, and maintain accurate documentation
• Ability to operate power, hydraulic, electronic, and computerized diagnostic equipment
• Ability to work safely in office, shop, and outdoor environments while meeting all safety requirements
• Ability to pass required drug screenings, background checks, and USDOT medical examination

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership ability, including setting expectations, coaching employees, and promoting accountability
• Strong knowledge of school bus maintenance and fleet repair practices
• Ability to supervise maintenance personnel and manage shop operations
• Experience with preventive maintenance programs and inspection systems
• Ability to use operational data and KPI’s to identify trends, establish priorities, measure performance, and lead continuous improvement
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain accurate documentation
• Commitment to safety, accountability, and public service

Working Conditions Work is performed in office, vehicle-maintenance shop, and outdoor environments with exposure to noise, weather, moving vehicles and equipment, chemicals, fuels, batteries, welding and cutting activities, elevated vehicles, and other operational hazards. Employees must comply with applicable OSHA general-industry requirements and agency procedures, including hazard communication and Safety Data Sheets, personal protective equipment, respiratory and hearing protection, lockout/tagout and control of hazardous energy, machine guarding, electrical safety, fire prevention and extinguisher use, safe lifting and walking-working surfaces, forklift and shop-equipment operation, and emergency response and first aid. Compliance is also required for environmental and transportation-related controls, including spill prevention and response; proper storage, labeling, handling, and disposal of fuel, used oil, tires, batteries, antifreeze, solvents, and other regulated wastes; and applicable CDL, USDOT medical, drug-and-alcohol testing, and accident-reporting requirements. Career Growth at SCDE Transportation SCDE Transportation values practical experience, operational knowledge, and leadership readiness. Technical expertise is a strong foundation for effective supervision, and internal advancement is supported through training, mentorship, and clear role progression. SCDE Transportation promotes long-term career growth by helping employees build hands-on experience, expand skills, and pursue advancement in a stable, mission-driven statewide organization. Benefits As part of a comprehensive state compensation package, the South Carolina Department of Education offers:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance options
• Fifteen (15) days annual leave per year
• Fifteen (15) days sick leave per year
• Thirteen (13) paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation (401k) programs
• Professional development and leadership training opportunities
• Geo-Based Location Pay incentive

ONLY THOSE APPLICANTS CHOSEN FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER THAT THE POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED. http://www.ed.sc.gov/jobs/human-resources/title-ix-nondiscrimination/