Student Transportation Specialist

General Responsibilities:

The Student Transportation Specialist is responsible for assisting in the planning and management of school bus routes, ensuring efficient and safe transportation for students. This role involves assigning students to buses using manual methods and the department’s computerized routing system. Additional responsibilities include maintaining transportation and maintenance leave records, issuing purchase orders, and compiling monthly billing reports for review by the Chief Operations Officer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

(The following duties are illustrative and do not include all tasks associated with the role. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary.)

• Analyze data related to vehicle capacity, timing, road systems, and safety to develop and optimize school bus routes and schedules.
• Assist in establishing, monitoring, and adjusting bus routes, including those for special programs, throughout the school year.
• Address issues such as bus overcrowding and balancing loads to meet school bell schedules.
• Collaborate with department staff to resolve complex student bus assignment challenges, including routing for students with special needs, specialty programs, and out-of-zone students.
• Review and process school bus stop requests, ensuring compliance with department guidelines.
• Utilize routing and mapping software to manage school bus routes and stops, maintaining updated transportation information on the Transfinder website.
• Maintain accurate records and reports related to student bus assignments, bus stops, routes, and transportation operations.
• Collect, organize, and analyze transportation-related data using word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with parents, school staff, the public, and personnel from other departments or agencies regarding transportation concerns.
• Respond to inquiries about school bus routes and stops while providing accurate and timely information to stakeholders.
• Maintain records related to routes, drivers, mileage, and daily transportation reports; assist with filing, report preparation, and distribution of transportation-related information.
• Support special projects related to bell schedule adjustments and school attendance zone changes.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

 Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent job-related experience.
• Valid Virginia Operator’s License with proper endorsements for school bus operation.
• Ability to meet local and state standards for driver record checks.
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret state laws, local policies, and administrative procedures related to student transportation.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Working knowledge of transportation planning, scheduling, operations, and county geography.
• Proficiency in office procedures, defensive driving methods, first aid (including CPR), and accident reporting protocols.
• Experience using computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, mapping, and routing software.

Terms of Employment:

• Duration: 12-month position.
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt.
• Evaluation: Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with School Board policies for classified personnel.