Student Transportation Specialist

About this job

Idaho Department of Education

This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.

Please note: Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

The Idaho Department of Education (Department) is dedicated to serving and providing common-sense leadership, support, and resources to educators across the state. The knowledge, skills, and experience of the Department’s employees are among our most valued and important assets. Employment with the Department provides a rewarding career that positively affects the lives of children in Idaho. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/.

The Regional Student Transportation Specialist administers the Idaho Department of Education transportation support program with State school districts and charter schools, ensuring the programs and equipment follow state standards. Travel is required. Incumbent must live in the State of Idaho to provide hands-on service to districts and minimize travel. Work performed is shared with all transportation specialists. The actual location of this position will be determined based on the successful candidate hired.

This posting may be used to fill more than one position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Administers the school bus transportation support program within assigned regions, implementing regulations, policies, and procedures of the Idaho Department of Education (Department).

· Assists school districts, charter school, and contractors in complying with state and federal safety, maintenance, training, and other applicable standards, regulations, and statutes.

· Performs field inspections of buses and equipment to verify maintenance and safety checks and reviews are performed and properly documented.

· Audits maintenance and safety inspection records for accuracy and compliance with state requirements for reimbursement.

· Review of school bus routes for compliance with Department rules and regulations.

· Performs field inspections of new equipment to ensure it meets safety standards.

· Provides expertise, guidance, policy interpretation, technical assistance, support, and training to school district and contractor personnel.

· Prepares, presents, and participates in information and professional development training classes, seminars, and workshops.

· Assists in updating standards, codes, policies, and procedures for equipment and operations.

· Collects, maintains, and analyzes information, reports, correspondence and documentation.

· Prepares and presents verbal and written reports.

· Assists specialist with reviews and spot inspections.

· Deliver instructional classes at Conferences, workshops, and site visits.

· Responds to inquiries and requests for information, interprets program regulations and guidelines, and provides assistance to school districts and other interested parties.

· Represents the Department at local, state, and regional conferences, seminars, and meetings, as directed, including serving on committees, study groups, councils, task forces, and related associations.

· Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with Department policies, procedures, and safety practices.

· Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

· High school diploma or GED equivalent is required.

· Possess a valid, state issued driver’s license, and/or ability to obtain CDL with endorsements for driving a school bus; demonstrate a clean driving record, and proficient in driving a school bus.

· Ability to understand and ensure compliance of all federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and policies regarding student transportation.

· Display a strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, particularly diesel engines and vehicle maintenance.

· Ability to obtain and maintain all prevalent industry certifications.

· Experience in operating a school bus transportation program is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· Experience using a personal computer and spreadsheets.

· Create, review, and edit technician curriculum.

· Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in specific field.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, administrators, parents, peers, and school communities.

· Ability to read and utilize maps, GPS, and software as resource tools.

· Ability to speak clearly and concisely both in oral and written communication.

· Ability to perform duties with awareness of all federal laws, State of Idaho Statutes, Board of Education rules, and school district requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (with or without accommodation)

· Approximately 68% of time is spent sitting at a desk or workstation, up to 4 hours at a time.

· Approximately 32% of time is spent standing, walking, bending, and kneeling.

· Ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions of the position.

· Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate physical effort, typically involving a combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of objects and materials up to 30 pounds.

· Ability to travel to sites, visually inspect areas and documents, climb ladders, and bend and crawl under buses.

· Tasks may be performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, or traffic hazards.

TRAVEL REQUIRED:

The incumbent will be required to travel approximately 30% monthly, during the months of September to May, unless situations arise that warrant more immediate attention.

BENEFITS:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Vesting in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI): All employees of the Idaho Department of Education are non-classified. They are appointed by the elected official and serve at the pleasure of the elected official. As such, employees working at a non-classified agency are considered vested in the PERSI retirement system after five (5) consecutive months of service, versus five (5) years of service at a classified agency.

Tuition Fee Waiver: All Idaho Department of Education employees in permanent full-time positions may register for instructional courses during any academic period, at any participating state funded institutions of higher education, for a $20.00 nonrefundable registration fee per semester and $5.00 per credit hour charge.

TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, please submit 1.) a customized letter of interest, 2.) a resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Attach the resume to your online application. Insert your letter of interest and references into the space provided in the questions section of the application.

Your letter of interest should specifically address how your education, training and work experience meet the responsibilities, qualifications, and required skills of the position. A writing sample, such as a letter of interest, provides an opportunity to evaluate your writing skills as well as your ability to demonstrate you meet the qualifications of the position. Your resume must clearly support the information provided in your letter of interest. A resume does not substitute for a letter of interest. Applications that do not include a letter of interest will not be accepted.

EEO/ADA/VETERAN:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.