Service Manager - Bus Service Center Operations (Foreman), 60027049

Job ResponsibilitiesThe mission of the South Carolina Department of Education is to serve students, support teachers, empower parents, and engage the community so that every student graduates 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 PurposeThe South Carolina Department of Education is seeking an experienced, solutions-oriented Service Manager to lead daily school bus maintenance and repair operations within an assigned service center. This role focuses on hands-on shop leadership, technician supervision, maintenance quality, fleet readiness, and safety compliance, ensuring vehicles are safe, reliable, and available to support student transportation needs.The Service Manager provides service-center-level leadership and direct oversight of school bus maintenance activities. This position ensures fleet readiness, effective technician performance, safety compliance, and facilities and equipment integrity through active supervision, technical expertise, and consistent operational standards.The Service Manager works closely with Operations Managers, service center leadership, and regional management to align shop-level maintenance performance with statewide transportation priorities, regulatory requirements, and service expectations in support of South Carolina’s pupil transportation mission.This position is located in the Office of Transportation/Summerville Bus Shop.Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesEnsure fleet readinessSummary: Manage and perform preventive maintenance and complex repair 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 workloadsPerform preventive maintenance services and assist with repairs as operational demands requireDiagnose and repair computer-controlled vehicle systems using advanced diagnostic toolsPerform advanced diagnostics and repairs on engines, transmissions, brake systems, exhaust systems, electrical systems, and cooling systemsDiagnose, evacuate, recharge, and repair air-conditioning and climate-control systemsReduce out-of-service vehicle counts and ensure timely return to serviceConduct required 30-day, quarterly, and annual vehicle inspections and ensure corrective actions are completedVerify accuracy and completeness of AssetWorks work orders and maintenance documentationMaintain facility integritySummary: 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 standardsMaintain clean, safe, and compliant shop and work environmentsEnsure tools, equipment, and facilities meet operational and regulatory requirementsEnsure facilities and shop practices comply with environmental, safety, and departmental standardsLead personnel effectivenessSummary: Supervise, train, and support maintenance staff by managing workloads, attendance, technical development, and performance expectations while serving as the senior technical authority in the shop.Supervise maintenance technicians and support staffMonitor attendance, schedules, and workload distributionProvide instruction, mentoring, and technical guidance to techniciansIdentify training needs and support certification and skill developmentServe as a technical resource for complex diagnostics and repairsSupport required certifications, CDL compliance, and professional developmentAddress performance concerns and participate in employee-relations processesProvide instruction to school bus drivers regarding vehicle operation, defect reporting, and the impact of maintenance practices on safety and reliabilityEnforce safety complianceSummary:Promote a safe maintenance environment by enforcing OSHA and environmental standards, ensuring PPE use, investigating incidents, and responding appropriately to emergencies.Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and safety regulationsEnforce PPE and safety procedures across shop operationsRespond to road calls and emergency service situations as requiredSupport accident investigations and required documentationDeliver consistent serviceSummary: Support reliable maintenance service delivery through coordination, communication, inventory control, and accurate recordkeeping.Coordinate with Operations Managers and service center leadership regarding maintenance prioritiesSupport inventory management, parts usage tracking, and supply controlAssist with emergency, weather-related, and seasonal transportation operationsMaintain permits, inspections, and maintenance records in audit-ready conditionPerform other duties supporting statewide transportation services and agency prioritiesMinimum And Additional RequirementsWork experience involving the independent performance of job duties directly related to the area of employment.Preferred QualificationsFour (4) years of mechanical and repair experience in automotive, diesel, or related fieldsAbility 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 employmentAbility to operate power, hydraulic, electronic, and computerized diagnostic equipmentAbility to pass required drug screenings, background checks, and USDOT medical examinationKnowledge, Skills, And AbilitiesStrong knowledge of school bus maintenance and fleet repair practicesAbility to supervise maintenance personnel and manage shop operationsExperience with preventive maintenance programs and inspection systemsAbility to communicate effectively and maintain accurate documentationCommitment to safety, accountability, and public serviceAdditional CommentsWorking ConditionsWork is performed in indoor and outdoor maintenance environments with exposure to noise, grease, fumes, weather conditions, and confined spaces. Adherence to all safety, environmental, and PPE requirements is mandatory.Career Growth at SCDE TransportationSCDE 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 on hands-on experience, expand skills, and pursue advancement in a stable, mission-driven statewide organization.BenefitsAs part of a comprehensive state compensation package, the South Carolina Department of Education offers:Health, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance optionsFifteen (15) days annual leave per yearFifteen (15) days sick leave per yearThirteen (13) paid holidaysState Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation (401k) programsProfessional development and leadership training opportunitiesEqual Opportunity EmployerThe South Carolina Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.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/