Area Transportation Supervisor

Transportation Department

Full-Time, *12 Months, 8 hours per day
Exempt, Pay Grade 17

Under the leadership of the Deputy Director, the Area Transportation Supervisor position is responsible for facilitating the safe and efficient operation of school bus transportation in the assigned area of responsibility. The Area Transportation Supervisor is the primary point of contact for addressing all issues and opportunities within their assigned feeder pattern/zone. The position is responsible for direct leadership, supervision, and effective coaching of lead drivers and driving staff within the assigned area. Resolves issues with school officials and parents concerning transportation operations and is the primary liaison for all communication within the feeder pattern. Investigates driver performance issues as required in support of the lead driver. Responds to parents on issues that need broader review. Responsible for supporting department recruitment and retention efforts, professional development, and required annual training within the feeder pattern assigned. Works collaboratively with the department’s routing team and peers to ensure route coverage and on-time arrival for students. Additionally, supports the Deputy Director and Director in developing, presenting, and implementing strategic plans for the department which may include presentations to internal and external stakeholders, and the School Board.  Essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Serves as immediate supervisor for assigned lead bus drivers, providing direction, and advice regarding operational problems, investigates complaints, manages, resolves conflicts, and coaches performance;
• Evaluates the performance of assigned lead drivers, ensuring that input is received from customers such as parents, students, and school administrators;
• Consults with and apprises the Deputy Director of concerns, particularly regarding serious performance or safety issues regarding drivers and assistants or routes;
• Confers with parents, school administrators, and citizens concerning Pupil Transportation issues.
• Responsible for ongoing evaluation and placement of bus drivers on routes and implements adjustments to meet operational and staff needs as appropriate;
• Supports lead drivers with disciplinary action and follows through in accordance with County Policy and department procedures as needed, in collaboration with Human Resources, the Deputy Director, and Director as necessary;
• Actively participates in the recruitment, hiring, and training of new Transportation Department employees, as needed, including participation in job fairs, engagement with the Human Resource Recruitment and retention team, screening applicants, and participating on interview panels;
• Assesses proposed changes to bus routes in cooperation with the routing analysts and communicates changes to existing staff, school administrators, and parents using established communication protocol;
• May serve as relief bus driver within an area of responsibility as staffing levels require;
• Safely operates a school bus in a manner that fosters a safe and positive image to the public;
• Performs routine operator care of any assigned vehicles, including cleaning, checking equipment and reporting defects, and presenting bus for regularly scheduled maintenance;
• Works collaboratively with lead drivers, other employees, school administration or staff, parents, and students to investigate and respond to queries and concerns raised by parents, the public, and other subordinate Transportation staff members;
• Attends and actively leads pre-service, in-service, and other required meetings pertaining to the job;
• Compiles necessary data to complete and submit required reports in a timely fashion. Participates in accident investigations involving school division vehicles;
• May assess weather and road conditions and makes recommendations to the Director of Transportation regarding the need for a school delay, closing, or early release;
• Performs other related tasks as required.

Qualifications:   Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma and three years experience as a school bus driver preferred, and two years of relevant Leadership experience. Possess competency to perform satisfactorily with all School Divisions and/or departmental technology. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Satisfactory health condition as certified by a competent medical authority. Must possess or be able to attain a valid Commercial Driver's License with appropriate school bus endorsements. Must be able to have successfully completed the Virginia Department of Education curriculum for school bus drivers. Must complete the training required for special needs bus drivers. No reckless driving or driving under the influence convictions within 5 years and/or fewer than two moving violations within 12 months of employment.

Considerable knowledge of ACPS vehicles approved for student transport; considerable knowledge of State and local laws and regulations regarding pupil transportation; thorough knowledge of the rules, regulations, and procedures of proper and safe operation of school buses; thorough knowledge of required service level, routes, schedules, equipment and drivers within assigned work group; knowledge of accident investigation procedures; analytical skills required to perform root cause analysis in order to respond to questions and concerns arising from internal and external sources; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with the public, administrators, and subordinates; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, administrators, and subordinates. English language proficiency is required per Code of Virginia 46.2-341.14. Promotes cultural understanding and competency and an organizational climate of equity and inclusion. 

Physical Conditions & Nature of Work Contacts:  Work is typically performed inside and around the exterior of a school bus. Frequent bending, stooping, crawling and climbing to inspect on and under a school bus is necessary. Occasional lifting of at least fifty pounds is required. Frequent contact with driver supervisors and students is required. Occasional contact with principals, parents and the public is required. Occasional meetings with principals and parents are necessary. Person shall have no impairment of the use of a foot, leg, hand, finger, or an arm, and no other structural defects or limitation likely to interfere with the ability to control and safely drive a school bus. Must have the physical ability to to pull the emergency brake knob; able to operate all operational switches; able to reach the gas and brake pedals while safely sitting in the bus seat on all types of buses within the bus fleet; and jump from or climb up to a least 3.5 feet, at the emergency door, to assist in the evacuation of the students. Occasional operation of vehicles during inclement weather is required.

Application Deadline:  4/7/2023