Transportation Manager

Starting Salary $50,000 USD

Transportation and Fleet Manager

Independence Center is seeking a dependable, organized Transportation and Fleet Manager to provide safe, respectful transportation for individuals receiving services while coordinating the daily care and operation of our vehicle fleet.

This is a hands-on position—not a desk-based management role. Approximately 75% of the workday is spent driving clients to and from Independence Center programs, medical appointments, and other community resources. The remaining time is dedicated to fleet coordination, driver training, vehicle compliance, and garage management.

Primary Responsibilities

Client Transportation — Approximately 65%

• Safely transport clients to and from Independence Center programs, medical appointments, and other community locations.
• Provide courteous, patient, and professional assistance to passengers, including individuals living with behavioral health conditions.
• Plan and adjust routes, pickup points, and drop-off schedules to improve efficiency and meet client needs.
• Maintain timely communication with staff regarding transportation schedules, delays, cancellations, and client concerns.
• Complete daily courier runs and deliveries between Independence Center locations.
• Follow all traffic laws, safety procedures, confidentiality requirements, and Independence Center policies.

Fleet Coordination — Approximately 35%

• Coordinate routine maintenance, repairs, inspections, and cleaning for all Independence Center vehicles.
• Ensure vehicles are fueled, clean, safe, and ready for daily use.
• Conduct and document regular vehicle inspections.
• Schedule service with approved repair vendors and monitor vehicles until repairs are completed.
• Track oil changes, preventive maintenance, tires, tags, license plates, registrations, insurance cards, city stickers, and required inspections.
• Maintain all required IDOT and PACE vehicle records and ensure required documents are kept in each vehicle.
• Monitor the condition of the fleet and recommend when vehicles should be repaired, replaced, or retired.
• Assist with identifying safe, reliable, and affordable replacement vehicles.
• Train and authorize employees who drive agency vehicles, including instruction on safe vehicle operation, agency procedures, passenger safety, and applicable IDOT and PACE requirements.
• Maintain driver training and authorization records.
• Conduct or coordinate driver and passenger safety meetings.
• Manage vehicle key lockboxes and maintain accurate records of key assignments and returns.
• Keep the agency garage clean, secure, and organized.
• Coordinate minor garage needs and recommend professional service when repairs require a contractor.
• Complete required internal, funding-source, PACE, IDOT, and regulatory reports.
• Perform other transportation-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and an acceptable driving record required.
• Experience providing passenger, medical, human-services, paratransit, or community transportation preferred.
• Experience coordinating vehicle maintenance or managing a small fleet preferred.
• Ability to meet all insurance, IDOT, PACE, and agency driver requirements.
• Ability to train staff and clearly communicate transportation and safety procedures.
• Strong organizational, scheduling, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and respond calmly to changing schedules or unexpected transportation needs.
• Basic computer skills, including email, electronic records, and spreadsheets.
• Ability to interact respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people experiencing behavioral health challenges.
• Ability to perform routine vehicle and garage tasks, including cleaning vehicles, handling fuel pumps, checking basic vehicle conditions, and moving supplies.
• Must be able to pass all required background checks and screenings.

The Right Person for This Position

The successful candidate will be safety-conscious, dependable, patient, and comfortable spending most of the workday behind the wheel. This position requires someone who can provide compassionate client service while keeping vehicles, keys, records, and maintenance schedules organized and up to date.

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