Distribution Operations Manager Jobs in Lexington, SC

Salary: $45,300.00 - $77,000.00 Annually
Location : Beaufort County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 188581
Agency: Department of Education
Division: Transportation
Opening Date: 07/07/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Class Code:: KD18
Position Number:: 60025379
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN08
Hiring Range - Min.: $50,820.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $61,100.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Interested persons must complete a State Employment Application at www.careers.sc.gov. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The South Carolina Department of Education does not accept faxed, mailed, or hand delivered applications.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
*THIS POSITION IS REPOSTED - Previous applicants are still under consideration and do not need to reapply*
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 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 Purpose
The 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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Ensure fleet readiness
Summary: 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 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 30-day, quarterly, and annual vehicle inspections and ensure corrective actions are completed
• Verify accuracy and completeness of AssetWorks work orders and maintenance documentation

Maintain facility integrity
Summary: 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 personnel effectiveness
Summary: 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 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
Summary: 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 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
Summary: Support reliable maintenance service delivery through coordination, communication, inventory control, and accurate recordkeeping.

• Coordinate with Operations Managers and service center 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.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
Work experience involving the independent performance of job duties directly related to the area of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
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 operate power, hydraulic, electronic, and computerized diagnostic equipment
Ability to pass required drug screenings, background checks, and USDOT medical examination
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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 communicate effectively and maintain accurate documentation
• Commitment to safety, accountability, and public service

Additional Comments
Working Conditions
Work 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 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 on 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

Equal Opportunity Employer
The 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.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01
Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted or reviewed in lieu of the application. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

• Yes
• No

02
I understand that a criminal record investigation will be conducted prior to employment being offered by the South Carolina Department of Education. My personal identifying information will be processed through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have work experience involving the independent performance of job duties directly related to the area of employment?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you have four (4) years of mechanical and repair experience in automotive, diesel, or related fields?

• Yes
• No

05
How did you hear about this position?

• Careers.sc.gov
• Indeed.com
• LinkedIn
• Social Media/Advertising
• Other (please specify below)

06
If you answered "other" in the question above, please specify where you heard about this position below.
Required Question