What are the responsibilities and job description for the Location Manager II position at First Student | First Transit?
First for a reason:
At First Student, we are a family of 60,000 employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.
"Now Hiring Transportation Manager
As North America’s leading provider of school transportation solutions, First Student is twice the size of our nearest competitor. Each day, we safely and reliably complete 5 million student journeys—transporting more passengers than all U.S. airlines combined. With a commitment to excellence, our services include full-service transportation and management, special-needs transportation, route optimization, scheduling, vehicle maintenance, and charter operations for more than 1,100 school district contracts.
We are proud to maintain the industry's strongest safety record, supported by our team of highly trained drivers and transportation professionals.
The Role: Transportation Manager
Our Transportation Managers are key representatives of First Student’s dedication to safety, service, and operational excellence. They serve as the primary liaison with school district officials on matters related to student transportation, route planning, billing, charter operations, safety compliance, and fleet maintenance.
This role has full supervisory responsibility, including the recruitment, onboarding, development, and performance management of location employees. Transportation Managers are expected to identify staffing needs, drive employee engagement, and ensure operational efficiency in alignment with company goals and customer expectations.
Strong leadership, financial acumen, and a proactive approach to solving staffing or logistics challenges are essential. Our most successful managers demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset and lead by example to achieve positive outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Manage location-level operations and lead a team of transportation professionals
Oversee budget forecasting, payroll, and profit and loss performance
Ensure compliance with safety standards and operational procedures
Develop and coach staff to meet performance metrics and company standards
Partner with school district clients to address service needs and provide solutions
Qualifications
Minimum of three years of leadership experience, preferably in transportation or logistics
Proven ability to meet and exceed operational performance metrics
Financial and analytical experience, including budget management and forecasting
Strong communication, decision-making, and client-relations skills
Why First Student?
Competitive Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package (varying by role and location), including medical, dental, vision, mental health resources, 401(k), and paid time off.
Career Growth
We are committed to internal promotion, offering long-term career opportunities across North America. Our Manager in Development program prepares emerging leaders for future advancement.
Extensive Training
Our training programs focus on key areas such as safety, security, injury prevention, and operational efficiency to ensure team members are fully equipped for success.
Diversity & Inclusion
At First Student, we believe in creating a culture where everyone feels valued. We are proud to foster a workplace that is inclusive, equitable, and respectful of all individuals.
Community Impact
Our work makes a difference. As the face of First Student, you’ll play a vital role in supporting your community and ensuring students get to school safely, every day.
Ready to Drive Your Career Forward?
Apply today and become a part of the team that’s First for a Reason.
In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf.
