Route Specialist

Company Description

West Ada School District, located in Meridian, Idaho, is the largest school district in the state, serving approximately 40,000 students across 58 schools. The district encompasses public schools in Meridian, Eagle, Star, and western Boise and is committed to preparing today's students for the challenges of tomorrow. Dedicated to education excellence, West Ada provides inclusive, high-quality learning environments. Prospective employees can explore career opportunities through their online portal at Applitrack.

Purpose 

The Route Specialist supports the safe, reliable, and efficient transportation of West Ada School District students. This position serves by developing and maintaining school bus and van routes that ensure effective transportation services. This position applies District and State of Idaho policies related to student transportation, school boundaries, and traffic safety, and requires knowledge of pupil or ground transportation, strong data analysis skills, and clear communication to support student access to school. 

Supervision Received and Exercised 

The Route Specialist works under the direction of the Director of Planning and Transportation. This position exercises independent judgment in performing administrative and routing duties while adhering to established district policies, procedures, and regulations. The Route Specialist does not have direct supervisory responsibilities but may offer guidance, coordination, and training to front desk or support staff as needed to support efficient transportation operations. 

Essential Duties  

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Route Coordination 

• Develops and maintains a network of bus and van routes, schedules, and stops in accordance with District policy and Idaho law, ensuring efficient use of time and vehicles. 
• Collaborates with contractors to ensure route sequencing maximizes efficient and cost‑effective travel paths according to established student time‑on‑bus criteria. 
• Provides route information to schools and contractor and audits routes for accuracy. 
• Inspects routing staff methods and practices for quality control, efficiency, and optimization. 
• Adjusts routes in response to program needs, student transportation attendance, student enrollment, roadwork, and parent or school concerns. 
• Monitors municipal road improvement and construction schedules and adjusts routes accordingly. 

Data Analysis & Operational Support 

• Ensures data integrity by maintaining accurate and complete routing and transportation records. 
• Keeps abreast of transportation laws, regulations, and trends in traffic and pupil transportation as they relate to routing and planning. Assist in the development and administration of the department budget and monitor expenditures. 
• Review and analyze data related to transportation operations including ridership, ride times, and more as needed.  

Customer Service 

• Conducts oneself in the best interest of students, in accordance with the highest traditions of public education and in support of the District’s mission. 
• Follows up on and resolves complaints and issues regarding routing concerns. 
• Maintains effective working relationships with department staff, school personnel, and community members. 
• Communicates route changes and impacts with contractor, drivers, school personnel, students, and families as needed. 
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 
• Contribute to and support District goals through participation on committees and collaborative efforts.  

Minimum Qualifications 

Knowledge of: 

• Principles and practices of pupil transportation operations, routing systems, and traffic safety. 
• Federal and state laws and regulations regarding pupil transportation. 
• Administrative and office procedures, including data entry, filing, and correspondence preparation. 
• Customer service principles and effective communication practices. 

Ability to: 

• Demonstrate communication, interpersonal skills, collaboration, conflict resolution, planning, teamwork, and organization techniques.  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other District employees, supervisory personnel, students, and parents.   
• Maintain confidentiality.  
• Operate standard office equipment including a personal computer using program Microsoft Office Word, Excel or other applications appropriate to assigned duties.  
• Handle interruptions, prioritize work, and return to and complete tasks in a timely Manner.  
• Drive to school sites or bus stop sites.  
• Perform other duties related as determined 

Qualifications 

Any equivalent combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.    

• At least three (3) years of successful experience in the ground or pupil transportation field preferred. 
• High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred. 
• Demonstrated administrative experience, preferably in an educational, governmental, or public agency setting.